Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

[Bushy99]

Help me choose an aluminum boat. I have been looking at the Xpress 1650VJ, the Alumaweld 1648 (riveted), and also a Seaark 1648. The Seaark has only a 67 inch beam for some reason. The Seaark and Xpress are 0.100 and both are welded. The Alumaweld is 0.070.

 

[CaptainSkip]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Marinette, you can shoot the hull with a .38 and the bullet won't pierce it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I've had an Express MV 1872 since 1999, .100" welded hull, been a good, durable boat,OD green, not real pretty, but we run in the rivers, creeks, swamps, so who cares? Sea Ark(check their web site), makes a large variety of jons, work/commercial/patrol aluminum boats, some jons up to 24' long, you can order your boat in any configuration or motor you want. Some real heavy duty aluminum boats made up in the Pacific Northwest where wind, weather, ice, rocks can be a factor. It all depends on what you want, need, can afford to pay,etc. Good Luck!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Also, if you can buy your boat from a dealer as a "package", with the motor and all rigging, you can good some good deals. My 1872 with Yamaha 90HP, bimini, depth finder, galvanized trailer, bilge pump, stainless prop, cost right at $11,000, of course that was 1999, but still, you get my drift. Bet some of these boat dealers have been hurting for business and would cut you a nice deal!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Also, the manufacturers often have brand new cosmetically blemished boats available at reduced pricing. Worth a phone call at least. Just out of curiosity, where are you located? Can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting one that answers to your dimensions, everything from boats on the ground to complete rigs. That's a very popular style here.

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I'm located in south AL. Just picked up a trailer today for really cheap so that will help with the hull cost. I'm leaning towards the 1648 Seaark. The beam is only 67" vs the Xpress at 72". Think there will be a stability issue?

 

[dave11]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Help me choose an aluminum boat. I have been looking at the Xpress 1650VJ, the Alumaweld 1648 (riveted), and also a Seaark 1648. The Seaark has only a 67 inch beam for some reason. The Seaark and Xpress are 0.100 and both are welded. The Alumaweld is 0.070.

I believe you are talking about an Alumacraft brand boat for the 1648 not an Alumaweld. I have an Alumaweld boat. While Alumacraft makes a decent boat, they are not remotely in the Alumaweld class.

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Yes. Alumacraft.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Can't go wrong with SeaArk or Express. Of course the wider the beam the more stable the boat, but you won't have any stability issues with the SeaArk if that's the one you end up choosing. Don't know what your primary usage will be, but typically the guys around here who fish a lot and duck hunt a little go with Express, and vice versa for the SeaArk. It sounds like you're set on a welded boat. Don't blame you there, but I do think riveted jon boats get a bad rap. Yeah, they all leak eventually, but my knocking around rig is a seventeen year old Duracraft. It's as dry as the day it was made, and I can promise you it has not been modified in any way and it definitely hasn't been babied. Not suggesting you buy a riveted boat, just saying don't rule it out based entirely on what you may have heard. All that said, if you go with the SeArk you won't be disappointed.

 

[dave11]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I agree with Incoop. Don't rule out a riveted boat. I bought a heavy gauge welded boat for very specific reasons.

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I am still considering the riveted Alumacraft. It is much cheaper than the welded Seaark or Xpress by probably 1100.00. The only difference in the Seaark is the welded hull is .100 thick. The Alumacraft is .070 and riveted. Both can handle a 40 HP. I'm wondering if I need the heavier welded hull or if the .070 is enough.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Depends on what you'll be doing with it. If you'll constantly be jumping stumps and beaver dams then you'll benefit from the increased toughness and durability of the welded hull. If you'll be doing a mix of fishing, duck hunting, etc. without punishing the boat too much the riveted hull should last you a long time, even with the occasional beaver dam jump. Another thing to consider is weight. A riveted boat will be lighter than a welded one, which means it will be a little easier to throw in the back of your truck for the skinny water and it will be more easily pushed by your outboard. I guess in the end you just have to ask yourself whether the extra expense is justified. Only you really know the answer to that question.

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Well I have a 40 HP Merc. I will mainly be fishing the Mobile Delta but may go in the bay on very flat days. I'm looking at a 16 foot so I don't really want to pull it over stumps, etc. I plan on decking the boat as well so that will add some wait. I just want to fish the delta mainly.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Ulitmately you have to go with the one that feels right to you, but it sounds like you'd be fine with the Alumacraft. Is there a dealer in your area you trust to give you an honest opinion? Incidentally, some of our Iboats comrades may think I was joking about the beaver dams. You probably know I wasn't!

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Don't count out a boat like a Carolina Skiff either. You can buy bare hulls from them for around the same price or cheaper than a welded or riveted jon. My J16 is rated for a 40hp motor and has a ton of flotation to it. The floor is literally close to 6" thick. Very shallow draft and extremely stable. I had a 14' jon, and my 16' J16 is way, way better than my old boat. More stable, heavier and better built. You can customize these things with front and rear decks, livewells, consoles, etc all bought from Carolina Skiff. They are cheap addons. I think I was quoted something like $250 for a rear deck for mine. Console was like $200. Look into them, you may switch ideas all together.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Have we got you thoroughly confused yet? LOL He may be onto something there. Since Arkansas is land locked I don't have any experience with skiff type boats, but even I know that's a popular brand and has a reputation for being a good value. I do see them on CL here occasionally and they never last long. I have to say I think jon boats are a little more versatile, but based on what you've said you'll be using it for it sounds like the skiff might work well for you. At least check into it. There has to be a Carolina Skiff retailer in your area I'd think. Just remember, half the fun is taking your time to find the perfect rig for you. Easy for me to say, right? There are fish to be caught!

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I will definitely give the skiffs a look. I'm still re-building my trailer so I have time to figure it out I guess. I was actually leaning towards a riveted hull but not totally sure on that yet.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

Good luck Bushy. Be sure and keep us posted, and once you get 'er like you want 'er we want pics!

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I talked to the local dealer here for Carolina Skiffs. He is selling bare J16 hulls for $1750. Just in case you wanted a price comparison to look at.

 

[Bushy99]

Re: Help Me Choose a Solid Aluminum Boat Hull?

I talked to the local dealer here for Carolina Skiffs. He is selling bare J16 hulls for $1750. Just in case you wanted a price comparison to look at.

Wow. That is pretty cheap.