Thread: Thoughts on new aluminum boats

I have a 2006 triton v197 magnum tough boat made rugged heavy gauge aluminum.

Have Xpress 18' pfc. Good stable ride and sits well in choppy water. I most usually spider-rig pushing jigs and sometimes pull cranks. Couple minor issues both are with the live well = front an rear live wells run at same time and the drain plug openings are designed poorly (to small). I've owned two Tracker boats in the past, one I purchased new and the Xpress is by far a much better quality boat. If I was going to buy another boat, based on my experiences and research I'd go with Xpress again.

I have owned both Aluminum Bass Trackers, Fiberglass Ranger, and now an Alumacraft 165 Prowler. If there is one piece of advice I could give, buying a boat with no carpet was the smartest move for me. It is so much easier to clean,a hose, scrub bush, bucket of soap, pull the plug and done!!! I downsized for various reasons, the draft on the boat is fabulous so it is extremely easy to get it in and out of shallow water which I need because it is on a Army Corp Lake where the water drops significantly. The boat stays on a lift most of the year, it is easy to handle for my wife when she goes out, perfect for my Crappie set up. I have no regrets buying the Alumacraft. I guess it is like an auto everyone has their opinions and I respect their reasons why.

Originally Posted by CCcrappiejohn

Have Xpress 18' pfc. Good stable ride and sits well in choppy water. I most usually spider-rig pushing jigs and sometimes pull cranks. Couple minor issues both are with the live well = front an rear live wells run at same time and the drain plug openings are designed poorly (to small). I've owned two Tracker boats in the past, one I purchased new and the Xpress is by far a much better quality boat. If I was going to buy another boat, based on my experiences and research I'd go with Xpress again.

Thanks, this is the type of information I was hoping for. I saw a used one at Southaven Marine (pfc 18', 115 yam) looks good.

Lowe boat are good also!!! Check the weight of the complete rig loaded and make sure you have enough of a tow vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a glass boat and I'm pretty happy with it overall.
But I really believe most boats are built to have more eye appeal than function.
I still own an old 12' late 60s Grumman riveted boat that dosent leak.
If I were to buy a new boat id be seriously looking at small shop custom built ones.
And id be very fussy about how things like the wiring for example was installed.

Think about what yobuck said. Do have any diy skills? If so, get the hull that you want (used to save money) and build it to your specifications. You can find old hulls pretty cheap. Storage and rod locker doors can be sized exactly how you want, their layout, and which direction they open also.
It's easier than one thinks. I added storage and rod locker with common tools. Drill, rivet gun, etc. IE: Rod locker door opens in, instead of out. That way I won't accidentally throw a rod out of the boat.
I went to a local weld / fabrication shop, and was pleasantly surprised at the prices for materials. Had them form the lids for me also.