Fiberglass vs Aluminum boats

[lndshk]

What is the pros and cons of fiberglass vs aluminum for a fishing boat?

[jfa686]

aluminum will hold its value better...:twocents:...but it really depends on where your huntin the fishies.

[Mooch]

Another thing I like about aluminum is its weight. Typically lighter than glass. Don't need as much power on a lighter boat. Less weight is easier to tow as well.

Most aluminum boats have the helm pretty far forward. Less weight and a forward helm can make for a lumpy ride.

[Tinman]

* Aluminum hull shapes limited by ability to bend a sheet of aluminum, hence the slab-sided appearance of many aluminum boats. Fiberglass can be molded into any hull shape
* Aluminum is prone to electrolysis damage
* Aluminum boats are lighter and need less power and smaller tow vehicles
* Aluminum boats are noisier compared to fiberglass (motor noise, wave slap general crew activities)
* Fiberglass is prone to rotting of wooden stringers and transoms
* Fiberglass boats are heavier and may stomp through the chop better. They also need more power and bigger tow vehicles.
* In the 18 to 26 foot range, fiberglass boats are more popular than aluminum throughout the USA. Aluminum boats are a Northwest thing.
*Both materials are long-lived and durable with proper maintenance

Then there's that other material, the stuff that commercial trollers, Calkins Bartenders and Pacific City dories are made of.

[retaliate]

Fiberglass is warmer when it's cold, & cooler when its hot, Aluminum is stronger for fastening things, aluminum is better for bumps, scrapes, general abuse, & when landing, or sitting on shore.

[ajaxmoody]

Fiberglass slides easier over rocks and bars, Aluminum is sticky

Aluminum holds its value better

Fiberglass is quieter for those summer & low water stealth times

I feel that fiberglass slides over the water, where as aluminum cuts through the water

[jfa686]

Fiberglass slides easier over rocks and bars
till ya get to that spinny thing in the back..than it's OH SHOOT!!!! I would imagine your talking db's though:D

[Highmark]

I would love too see what the gelcoat looks like after it was drug across
the rocks. I sure would not be taking my grass boat on to the rocks.
Hek I would scream when I found a nick in the gelcoat from bumping
at the dock. I have had 2 glass boats. Both good boats, Alot of work
to keep them up, It was Like for everyday of fishing, it was 3 days
of work to clean her up after. I have a metal boat now. Pull in the dock
unload. pull the hose out wash her down, rinse her off. go too camp.
repeat next day.

HM


Fiberglass slides easier over rocks and bars, Aluminum is sticky

Aluminum holds its value better

Fiberglass is quieter for those summer & low water stealth times

I feel that fiberglass slides over the water, where as aluminum cuts through the water

[baitsauce]

Aluminum is MUCH easier and cheaper to repair when you learn only to late the river wasn't as deep as you thought it was. :D

[wheresmybobber!]

Fiberglass catches more fish, at least thats what I tell myself while I'm hauling around 3 tons of boat behind my truck. Not joking just over 6000 lbs.

[RiverJohn]

Personal Opinion - both have fish catching capability.