Thread: Thoughts on new aluminum boats

I am a Deep-V aluminum boat guy myself. I prefer rivets to welds.
As for boat manufactures, I prefer top of the line stuff for longevity. If you consider a boat disposable or your going to trade it in in a couple years, go with a cheaper model. Realize well built boats hold resale value, cheap boats don't.

Boat choice is really personal preference. YOU need to define your requirements! Flat bottom, semi-v, deep-v, bass, etc. They all have their place and type of water they excel on. Where will YOU be fishing mostly? North, South, East, West, Rivers, In-Land lakes, Great Lakes, Canadian Shield, etc. What species will you fish for most of the time? What power requirements, main motor, kicker motor, bow mounted trolling motor, transom mounted trolling motor, tiller, etc.
What method of fishing will you predominantly utilize? Trolling, slip bobber, spider rigging, back trolling, jigging, combination, etc.

What boat you should get depends on how YOU answer those questions. You won't be happy in a 14' jon boat on the ocean. Nor will you be happy with a 21' deep-v fishing machine in a farm pond.

Rivets can come loose, welds can break. Some like the look of one over the other. As stated above, go with a quality boat and you'll be fine.
I think it really boils down to what YOU want/like.

Aluminum boats have come a long way,but there is always room for improvement.I have had a collection of jons ,1 basstracker, now have a 18 ft Landau jon ,and a 19 ft Skeeter aluminum.Each has had it's merits and shortcomings.
For aluminum the Skeeter a is fairly heavy ,step hulled,and fairly overpowered with a 150 VMax.Not real great in rough water but shines under favorable conditions.When slow trolling I seriously envy the heavier fiberglass boats that set near motionless in place trolling.What kind of fishing do you do?
You have already been given solid recommendations , most of which I agree with.As a current and past aluminum boat owner I would encourage you to take your time shopping,and examining the field.Also I would suggest examining glass boats.Don't limit yourself,be open-minded.Get a boat you will be happy with.

Have you looked at the Excel boats ? i have a stalker side console in 18' by 60'' bottom . Heavy built all welded hull . I have the spray in liner , easier to clean than carpet . Stable ride too .

Never had a boat I didn't like. Never saw a boat I didn't like. I just like some less than others. I had a War Eagle I really liked.

Having had some really cheap riveted boats over the years, I have to agree that quality is foremost when buying one of these. I bought a 16' Lund that was 25 years old when I bought it and it never leaked a drop and lived outside uncovered. Best aluminum boat I ever owned as far as construction is concerned. I had a 16' Sea Nymph stick steer and loosened 12 rivets one night hitting rough waves, but loved the style of that boat. If the two had been combined in the same rig, I would still own it. Overall I see less issues with the welded boats than riveted. I'm in a glas boat now for several reasons and still look for a basic 16' jon with a 25hp that has my name on it.

Originally Posted by Slabprowler

Xpress ! The original allweld aluminum boat.

I would like more information on the express HP18 pfc.

Thanks

Originally Posted by chulai1968

I would like more information on the express HP18 pfc.

Thanks

Check with Bill at Bigriver Marine