Aluminum vs fiberglass for fishing boat
Submitted by poser on Mon, 2013-08-12 09:35
hey guys looking at buying a boat around the 19 feet mark I want something that can get to rotto or just behind and up north just wondering what people rather
Doooma
Posts: 791
Date Joined: 05/12/09
The question is.... do you
The question is.... do you want to do it in comfort, or not be able to walk for 2 days after a trip
Another boat to consider would be the Polycraft boats... Strong as alloy, but more forgiving like fibreglass..
Also, whats a rough budget estimate....
poser
Posts: 228
Date Joined: 25/01/13
I dont care about walking
I dont care about walking just want a safe boat kinda thing I have 10 to 15k but just wanna no what people have and prefer b4 I narrow it down
trepangdua
Posts: 38
Date Joined: 21/06/13
Its about weight
Fiberglass will ride better but is heavier to tow and usually needs a bigger motor. I have has no trouble with ali but you need to check out the plate width. Ahh horses for courses. I prefer ali.
anypuddle
Posts: 597
Date Joined: 22/01/12
personal choice
for me glass any day.
Anywhere anytime
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
Glass can be moulded into
Glass can be moulded into more intricate shapes that results in a better riding hull. Glass also absorbs impact and motor noise. It is however heavier than ali which will put more strain on your tow vehicle and motor fitted to the vessel. It is more prone from damage if you hit some submerged object or want to beach the boat.
Ali is harder riding due to the poorer shaping of the hulls, lighter weight, and the fact that the ali transmits the shock and motor noise. they are however a lighter hull and more resilient to impacts and scrapes.
Swings and roundabouts really..... It depends on what fits your needs
Mike17
Posts: 323
Date Joined: 30/06/13
Ocean Whaler
I have a 5.65 Ocean Whaler and thoruoghly recommend them.
They give the ride of glass with the Ali weight. 5.65 hull is only 600kg.
Great ride and surprisingly dry for a centre console.
I would never go back to Ali after having this.
Use The Force
JimmyG
Posts: 74
Date Joined: 31/03/13
Mines a plate ali 6.4 and
Mines a plate ali 6.4 and will certainly bang and jar if you drive it too hard for the conditions, but get the speed right and trim it correctly and its acceptable.
Have to agree with maxiracer above...the Ocean Whaler is a cracker of a boat, have been out in a couple of them and they ride really nice......bit out of your price range though.
Sea Hunter
Posts: 148
Date Joined: 04/07/13
Fiberglass
I have 6.5 fiberglass and the comfort is fantastic. The extra weight and hull shape is a big bonus when weather turns bad and rides exceptionally well in a following sea. My uncles Ali gets pushed around a lot more. In rough weather he has to slow down considerablly more so teeth dont get rattled out and spines remain intact. you want to be able to go the next day too. Also positive buoyancy (I think it's called) is something to ensure for safety. The other's comments are right about engine size, fuel burn, and towing.