I was in the same situation as you. I had looked at Lund for about a year and had all but made up my mind and then I thought about fiberglass is alittle more durable when it come it stumps and things. I started looking at fiberglass. I order my boat 2 weeks ago and am very happy. I talked to some on the roughest fishing guys around. Guys that fish the great lakes. They told me hands down the best boat was a Tuffy. It can handle the rough water and keep you dry and is tough. I have heard nothing but good things about these boats and that have talked to alot of people. You might look into them and if you want to look at mine give me a call.

Be sure you check warantees. Lund has a lifetime transferable warantee. So my 10 year old, 3rd owner boat still has hull warantee.

Rocks stumps cracks Glass
Low end Aluminum going to create problems also.
Go High End Aluminum.
I have had 3 fiberglass bassboats dating way back and have visited many repair shops during those years. glass repairs although may look pretty does not last.
Since 2001 have had Aluminum No repair shops yet.
not sure if this true or a salesman pitch but he claimed that the hull was manufactured warranty for 50yrs. on the Tracker Avalanche we bought. Honestly I can believe it.. Its all formed welded and almost 1/4inch thick.
The ride is also very nice. Talk to Mack He has a similiar boat and Is involved with Tracker. Should be able to find him in the crappie section.

First I want to thank you for your service as well. I own a Tracker Pro Crappie 175 (2001). I have always had good luck with it, and me and my kids have made plenty of memories with it. I have caught many limits in this boat. It does get pushed around by the wind, but it handles the waves very well...(it has a Revolution Mod V hull). I know there are better boats out there ie Lund....but I bought this boat for 9500.00 brand spanking new and have taken good care of it and it treats me good. Beats the hell out of bank fishin!!

Keep your head down and chin strap tight!

I've owned both. I think, though, there is a little more to it, if I may: only you in the boat? any thoughts of kids going with you? fishing only?

I wound up with (makes it sound like I didn't want it??) a Nitro 288 Sport fish-n-ski combo (maily so I could stay married!).

If I were to choose a boat just for me, though, I really like Tracker's Tournament 18 aluminum hull with a 90hp 4-stroke.

Then you saw my 288 Sport, too.

ssfireman, i looked at the tuffy boats, they look good but the only dealers are in the midwest so i would be worried about warrenty issues. i think i am sold on the lunds. all thanks for the best wishes for my deployment. i still have a few months of fishing so hopefully i will see ya'll around the lakes. thanks again

88 u got the truth. Its not fun if you worry about the big price tag on your boat while fishing. Get something fun. As we all know it will get damage at least cosmetic and if you want it to be your pride and joy. You should buy a classic car not a boat.
They are for Fun and Sun and fish. Keep the worries at home.
My brother just sold his brand new or at least in condition for a older get r done job. I now when he goes fishing he actually enjoys the trip instead of worring about the new scratches and dents. Buy what u can afford to destroy.
And just because the other guy can sling a 10ft rooster and make u look slow who cares its his check paying for it. No pisssing contest just fishing and as 88 says great boats dont have to be pocket scalpers. Hav fun
Champion known for the ride big money
Lund known for quality ride comfort
Tracker known for a good strong boat with good service name and like very few a good reasonable price.
No offense to any of these boats they are all great Btw