Drift boats...fiberglass vs aluminum

Fishing Maniac · 12-11-2003, 09:50 AM

I've heard good things about both materials. Just looking for some feedback on the pros and cons of both. Thanks.

danger · 12-11-2003, 10:36 AM

I would like to hear more also, but from my experience FG is quieter and is a better insulator from the river cold, thus being a warmer boat.

Dan(ger)

Fast Action · 12-11-2003, 10:47 AM

I have owned an aluminum and have fished out of a fiberglass boat. It makes sense to me that fiberglass in warmer and not as noise, however my main concern is safety. I am not an expert on fiberglass, but I do know aluminum will take a harder hit. Look at the bottom of a fiberglass boat the next time you see one out of the water. I am sticking to aluminum. God made propane heaters for a reason. Fiberglass and metal are only going to get as cold as the outside temperature. Drop a weight on the bottom of a boat and it is going to make noise. Just my opinion. Again, I am not the expert. I am sure you will get some good opinions.

cosmo · 12-11-2003, 10:54 AM

I've owned both and perefer the aluminum. The metal boats have sharp angled chines with provide for better tracking (although the new glass boats I understand are getting better). Downside is noise and cold.

My glass boat was a tough row, didn't track well at all, but again the new stuff I hear is better. Fiberglass is definitly better in extreme shallows, is quieter and warmer. Not a problem with strength either.

I backtroll a lot and for me, I've been really happy with the aluminum baots.

Okie · 12-11-2003, 01:08 PM

Aluminum is the best. Many reason, owned wood and fiberglass and Aluminum is the best. It will cause you less trouble than any of the other boats. Aluminum wins by a mile.

Flatfish · 12-11-2003, 01:23 PM

Each has it's merits. And either will be best at some conditions. While they nay be worst in others.

To be honest, it really does not matter. The person pulling on the sticks is important.

How 'bout this...If you pull plugs/ backtroll a lot, aluminum is easier to row with precision.

Glass is the only real choice for low water conditions. Aluminum sticks to rocks, which is a bummer when you are dragging your new 16' toy off the 82nd chunk of basalt today.

I have rowed most of them. And I cannot say with a straight face that one allows me to catch many more fish than the other.

Find a cheap one. Learn to row it well. Catch fish in between.

The design of the boat matters a lot more than what it is made of.

Good Luck.

Enjoy the trip.

Mark and the dog.

LazerFisher · 12-11-2003, 03:34 PM

Got to agree with you there Flatfish, I do think the Aluminum boats hold their value better and will take much more punishment.

River Ranger · 12-11-2003, 04:34 PM

I own an aluminum Hyde Drifter and am very happy with it.Aluminum is stronger but if you want to see something cool get on to Hyde's web site and look at the demo for the G4 fiberglass bottom.It's a quick video where they beat on the bottom with a hammer and doesn't leave a scratch.On thing nice about Fiberglass is that you can put a transducer in the boat and it will read through the hull.
R.R.

Snakebite · 12-11-2003, 05:01 PM

I knew a guide on the Rogue who loved FG boats because they were easier to manuver, but he said he had to buy a new one every two years because the bottom would eventually get "mushy". I worked in aluminum boats on the Rogue that had 15 years of service (abuse) and they still rowed just fine. Wood boats are best for "warmth" but unless you have a garage to store them in you'll have a heck of alot of maintenence to do every year...leave an alu boat out in the elements forever with no deterioration.

etacada · 12-11-2003, 05:17 PM

I bought a 17' willie this past spring. The boat is very solid and I enjoy fishing from it almost more than my 16' sled! I think a FG boat in this size would be double the weight and a bear to backrow, this would be a problem if you like to pull plugs or bait.

cb :tongue:

rob allen · 12-11-2003, 05:42 PM

my 13 year old clacka rows like a dream and slides right over all the roskc i should have missed.. If i were a rock i wouldn't wanna get hit by the nose of my boat. it's hard and thick. true glass boats show the abuse they have taken but if you screw up bad enough to really damage the boat well it doesn't matter what the boat is made of you should just be happy to be alive..

[ 12-11-2003, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: rob allen ]

Mad Mikey · 12-11-2003, 06:07 PM

>>>roskc<<<

Those things suck, watch out for rocks too.... :grin: :tongue:
I've rowed both, I like the FG for low water with the flexible bottom but since I run a lot of heavy water I prefer the aluminum, better tracking and you bounce through the big waves.
The Clackacraft is fast but squirrely in rapids. It feels like you are riding down the river on a piece of wet french toast.
If I had a choice I would have one of each.

Fishin Magician · 12-11-2003, 07:02 PM

I have owned and rowed all 3 types and as a whole I plan to stick to my Clackacraft. I personally disagree with those that say that the aluminum boats are easier to track and run plugs out of. I used to be tired after rowing all day pulling plugs and now I can go all day and not be nearly as fatigued. Each boat performs differently for different people. Mine works the best for me but other boats works better for others. As far as durability.....mine has a lifetime warrenty on the hull. Thats good enough for me. I feel safe and am totally comfortable rowing my boat. Pick the options and features you want from your boat and buy the one that best suits you.

crayfish69 · 12-11-2003, 07:25 PM

I also would have to agree that FG boats are the best choice. My dad and brother both worked with fiberglass. Dad's been working with it for 38 years and has made his own drift boat. It's 15 ft and weights maybe 300 pounds and is tough as nails and handles like a dream and it's almost 25 years old. My fishing partners each have a Wild Hair and an Alumaweld and they both require alot move work to row than the FG boat. Fiberglass get's my vote hands down.

spinner53 · 12-11-2003, 07:37 PM

I like my FG, it was made in Grande Ronde, 16 ft and weighs 400 lbs. It seems quiter than Al boats, I hear those guys comin b4 i see them.

drhall99 · 12-11-2003, 10:16 PM

FM,

There is no easy answer. If you fish low water alot, then fiberglass is the best. If you run plug and diver/bait alot, then Aluminum. In my opinion, there are alot of great great boat builders, but a few rise to the top.
In the fiberglass world, Clackacraft is my favorite for being a tough, good looking boat (think Tunnel Hull). Lavro has to be mentioned for making a super tough boat. They're not the prettiest, but very tough. In the used glass boat world, eastsiders have proven to be very durable. There's still a suprising amount of them floating around. Too bad they don't make boats anymore.
As far as aluminum, I think Willie is the best (I own one). Tough and versatile. In my opinion, they have the best options and if you want a custom build, Willie will build it with a smile. After that, I'd look at Fishrite, Smithrock and fishcraft. I wouldn't be afraid to look at used WildHair boats, either. They were very innovative but not very plentiful. I spent months researching driftboats before a friend sold me a great Willie boat (He bought another Willie after owning this one for 13 years, what's that tell you). There are a few manufacturers to watch out for, but a little research will point them out. Good luck on your search.

D.

Oh, and if I had more money and space, I'd own a Willie and a Clackacraft (Tunnel Hull).

DriftR · 12-11-2003, 11:19 PM

I have owned a Lavro Drifter, four wooden DB's, one Willie and one Alumaweld.
The Lavro was a nice little fiberglass DB. I fished alot by myself. Easy to handle, quiet and slid over the rocks in shallow water really well. Upkeep was minimal. Just kept a cover over it when not using it. Never did get over that bottom flexing. Kinda weird until run it a few times. I bought a new Willie guide model back in 98. One of the best driftboats I have ever run. They (wood,glass,aluminum) all have their pros and cons. The aluminum just takes a better beating than the glass. Almost bullet proof. My advice try and run as many different kind of boats you can, ask questions about what the owner likes & dislikes. Survey the info available on the manuf., you might select. Look at their warranty, reputation and service. Then make the decision.

DownTime · 12-11-2003, 11:42 PM

Howdy;
Have owned a Lavro and a Wille.Both good boats.As far a warm goes get some good fleece and goretex and you won't see any difference.I used propane heaters in both boats.The aluminum was more responsive when rowing.It also had a false floor so noise wasn't a big thing unless you were bouncing off rocks and you probably aren't fishing when this is happening.I will also say the resale on the metal boats is better than glass,but if you can pick up a glass boat for a good price don't be afraid of it.

JB

SHOUGALNITE · 12-11-2003, 11:55 PM

My uncle has a older clackacraft and I personally think glass boats wander. I have a 17ft fishrite and I can sit in some fast water and not hardly have to row.

cully · 12-12-2003, 06:18 AM

well i own wood. Never rowed anything else but today I get my chance. A buddy just bought a used willie in Gold Beach. He's knew to drifters so I get the rowing nod. i'm excited to be able to finally see for myself what I think. I'll post my results when I get back.

Fishing Maniac · 12-12-2003, 08:46 AM

Here's my interpretation on what everone has said so far:

Fishing Maniac · 12-12-2003, 09:10 AM

Oops! Fat fingered that one. Anyway as I was saying here is what I have interpreted so far based on all your posts:

1. Aluminum

Advantages - Is the strongest and in the event you hit rocks will stand up the best, is most maintenance free, tracks better, and holds its value better.
Disadvantages - Metal is colder and may be noisier than fiberglass

2. Fiberglass

Advantages - Is best for low water situations as it slides over the rocks better. It is quieter and warmer than aluminum. It may be better for mounting a transducer if needed for a depth finder as you can mount it inside the boat and it sees through the fiberglass.

Disadvantages - May not track as well and wanders a bit when rolling, is less durable, bottom may get mushy after heavy use.

It looks like I'm swayed toward Aluminum at this point. I noticed no one mentioned Alumaweld for the brand to buy. Any reason for that? Also, which one is heavier aluminum or fiberglass. Thanks again for all your input

FastAction · 12-12-2003, 09:48 AM

I have both an alumaweld and a Clackacraft.
The alumaweld is good for packin in people and the kicker motor..this boat never drifts rivers for a reason.

The clackacraft is tough, I bet that the bottom of a clackacraft can take more than an alumaweld boat. Fiberglass is tougher than you think. Any good DB river in SW WA or Or you don't need anything special, if so get a raft.

Why not get a fiberglass and use it year round? I catch plenty of fish running divers, if you get a clackacraft get Sawyer oars ditch the powerstrokes! The only thing I like about the alumimum boats better is the setup inside. Love the Willies guide modles for room and storage. The new tunnel hulls are nice but not as nice of an interior set up as a willies.

Okie · 12-12-2003, 09:54 AM

Didn't mention any certian brand of aluminum boat because there is a varition in the way they are built. Seating, anchoring, systems vary from boat to boat. Recomend gluvit on the bottom of a aluminum boat as it will make it slide as good as a fiber glass boat. Aluminum boats require much less maintenence that the other type boats which is a bg labor saving advantage. Believe the weight of a aluminum boat is less than a equal sieze wood or fiber glass boat. It depends on the thickness of the aluminum in construction as to how much it will weigh. Don't believe weight is a problem. Unless you drop your aluminum boat off of a cliff it will be around twenty years from now in still good shape and worth more than you paid for it.

slabhunter · 12-12-2003, 02:10 PM

I have owned both. It seems like the amount of "rocker" in the hull is more important than what it is made from. It all depends on what type of water you fish. What one person might like for fishing around big rocks might be a pain to fish on long flats.

drhall99 · 12-12-2003, 02:45 PM

FM,

Just so that you know. I seriously doubt that a Clackacraft hull would ever become mushy and they back them with a 100 year warranty.

D.

Wade Deep · 12-12-2003, 03:47 PM

Drove two Willies for about 16 years,great boats. Now drive a new Clackacraft, great boat. Buy the right tool for the job at the right price Clackacraft is currently the right tool for me. Pick one of the well known manufactures and you'll be all right. Try and row them both if you can.

Salmonator · 12-12-2003, 04:05 PM

Had aluminum, now have fiberglass (clackacraft) and love it. This is a non tunnel hull and I've yet to experience the tracking problem everyone talks about.

Flatfish · 12-12-2003, 04:08 PM

The metal being tougher than glass thing seems a bit overplayed here.

Yes glass will chip if you whang a chine hard enough. Aluminum will dent if you hit it hard enough too.

I have hit a lot of rocks very hard in my rowing career. I dented one boat. And even then, the circumstances were extreme to do that.

Glass is plenty tough enough. And usually a bit cheaper to buy.

Glass is less confidence inspiring in heavy waters than my Willie was. But that is getting pretty picky. I can find a lot of fault with a boat in a Class IV rapids t6hat simply do not apply anywhere else.

Find a cheapo that fits your parameters and row away.

I would like to watch someone actually hole a glass hull. It would take some planning to do it without actually sinking the boat first.

Mark and the jet powered dog.

freespool · 12-12-2003, 09:31 PM

Flatfish,good point you brought up when you mentioned sinking the boat. With aluminum you stand a good chance of salvaging your boat. Wrap a tupperware boat on Blossom bar and it explodes into little tupperware pieces. I've seen what is left of many fiberglass boats that were eaten by the river,no salvage needed,just call the insurance company.

free

STGRule · 12-12-2003, 10:26 PM

Twwweeeet! Nobody plans on anything gentlemen. Please pay attention to the dog that sits in the front seat and sees all. He speaks with great wisdom.
We are talking personal preference. NOT basic safety. All hull materials are fine. It is a Dodge/Ford/Chevy thing nothing else. Try them all and choose what you like and what you can afford. There are bunches of cool people on this board who will be happy to show you what they have. Some of those will let you pull the sticks. Then buy what you want. You'll love whatever you get because it will be yours.

Mr. BrownTrout · 12-12-2003, 11:07 PM

I think aluminum is heavier then fiberglass or at least thats the way it felt when ever I tried to move a 16' willie vs a 16' clackacraft. I would take a 16' clackacraft long before I would take a 16' willie. Don't get me wrong I like willie boats and Willie himself is a super nice guy and very friendly. But my vote goes for fiberglass (clackacraft)

cully · 12-13-2003, 02:29 AM

well, I'm back and I got my chance to row the willy. Great boat in all reagards. It tracked great. I could hold off 2000 cfs better in the willy then in my wood boat or so it seemed. The noise and cold factors are a bit over played in my opinion. The inside of the willy was full of features that made a day on the river a lot easier. Side trays, adjustable rowers seat, padded passanger seats, anchor nest, side anchor release with a easy accessable cleat to anchor rope. The boat had plenty of room and easy access to store stuff under the fly deck.The oars were sawyer lights. Nice oars but I like my sawyer smokers more. More flex in the smokers and the smokers have a thiner profile which fit my small hands better. Now I'd like to row a fiberglass boat. I like my wood boat very much. If I was going to buy a boat today though it would be tough to pass up a willy. I watch drift boat ads in the paper, on ifish sales board. My buddy got his boat for the same as I payed for my woodie. I got a classic...so did he. Mine will hold it's resale value as long as I take care of it (and we all know that's a lot of taking care of in a wood boat) so will his.

Salmonator · 12-13-2003, 10:20 AM

Does anyone know of a boat recovery company that could give some good info here?

Flatfish · 12-13-2003, 05:07 PM

Mark Angel is the guy who ran Shears in a drifter.

Publicity stunt.

Unless I miss my guess, he does not do it anymore.

Not the smartest thing I have ever heard of....But then again, some folks have gone over Niagra in a barrel...

Mark and the dog.

freespool · 12-13-2003, 05:27 PM

So Mark was that barrel made out of aluminum, wood or fiberglass?

free

Flatfish · 12-13-2003, 05:33 PM

LOL.

MATD

freespool · 12-13-2003, 11:13 PM

Salmonator,I think there is a guy that works the Deschutes,I'am not sure but his name might be Savage? He'a real river animal,he's run Sherar's Falls and Rainey Falls in a drift boat. Oh ya he used an aluminum boat for these death defying acts.

free

onstep · 12-13-2003, 11:20 PM

Mark Angel is the recovery guy on the Deschutes.