getting a new used boat

[deadboi77]

got alil extra $$$ coming in next week and thinking of buying a new used boat.
my question is..fiberglass or aluminum?
or is it personal prefrence?
both are 18 footers.theyre both right around the same price.give or take a couple 100$.both are pretty loaded with the good stuff.
will be on alot of rivers and smaller lakes for the most part.
thanks

[Due51]

For rivers and smaller lakes, the aluminum might be the better choice. Easier on gas while you tow, easier to load and unload, and you can get into shallower parts of the water.

However, if you ever want to fish in bigger bodies of water, you may wish you had a heavier boat. I have a 16ft aluminum for inland lakes and the Detroit River. I take it to LSC but when the wind picks up, I get tossed around pretty good.

[One]

18' I think is pertty big for rivers and small lakes. I just bought a used 18'er and its big compared to my brothers 16'er. If you can, take them out for a ride, pull it with your veh, do everything you would do if you bought it. That would tell you a lot. Fiberglass is a lot heaver than alum. but at the same time that could be a good thing.

[waterfoul]

I wouldn't take a fiberglass boat into most of the rivers of this state. Test drive them both before you make any decision though.

[DeanV]

I just bought a used boat. I went with a 16' yar-craft tiller. It is fiberglass, but does not weight too much more than an aluminum, I think the hull weight is around #710. Now, I just need to get the wiring fixed up and get it on the water for the first time! Maybe next year I can join you guys for the bass outings a few times.

[waterfoul]

I just bought a used boat. I went with a 16' yar-craft tiller. It is fiberglass, but does not weight too much more than an aluminum, I think the hull weight is around #710. Now, I just need to get the wiring fixed up and get it on the water for the first time! Maybe next year I can join you guys for the bass outings a few times.

That would be awsome Dean!! Good luck with your new boat. If you need anything of consequence... lemme know... I can sport you some discount at West Marine.

[Cpt.Chaos]

I would get the aluminum, not even consider a 16' glass. I have 3 boats myself, 14' & 16' aluminum, the 25' is glass. I don't think at 16' glass or aluminum will make that much difference, if it's rough, you're going for a ride.

[JJ Mac]

got alil extra $$$ coming in next week and thinking of buying a new used boat.
my question is..fiberglass or aluminum?
or is it personal prefrence?
both are 18 footers.theyre both right around the same price.give or take a couple 100$.both are pretty loaded with the good stuff.
will be on alot of rivers and smaller lakes for the most part.
thanks

Please state the make and model as well as the engines on the two boats you are considering. What species of fish will you be going after most of the time?

[DeanV]

For me, it was a matter of price. I originally was looking for an aluminum, but I found a better deal on the Yar-craft. My main goal, was something that would hold 7' one piece rods in a rod locker, and with a little modification to one side, the yar-craft will. It cost me $2500 for an 1987 yar-craft with a '96 40HP mariner tiller. Nice, wide boat with a 82" beam. Needs a little work, but seems like a pretty good deal.

Waterfoul, thanks for the offer. Right now, Camp-n-cruise is looking over the wiring, but if I need anything else, I might have to take you up on that offer.