I'm new to fishing and like fishing for bass, sand bass and crappie. The lakes I fish are Lewisville, Ray Roberts and sometimes Moss Lake. My budget is around 15k so Alluminum boats appeal more to me because of the price. What is the best quality brand and where can I get the most bang for the buck.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I would spend 9/10K on a good used fiberglass boat and use the other 5K for Fishfinders/powerpole/ and trolling motor.

I'm not in the financial position to buy, but shop and wish everyday. While I like the lower operating costs and idea of having a nice aluminum boat, from what I've seen you can get better deals on used fiberglass boats. I'm not sure where your located, but I would watch craigslist, this forum and places like DFW boats. There are plenty of deals to be had if you have the money.

I have owned fiberglass and an aluminum bass boat. My aluminum was an Xpress X19 with a 150 hp motor. The Xpress only had a few drawbacks from the glass. The biggest is that the wind will push it a more than a heavier glass boat. The Xpress is not that light of a boat though. The Xpress handled rough water as good as most glass boats. However, it was not a Champion or Charger when it came to rough water. Out of the aluminum I would say Xpress has the best riding and handling boat but SeaArk makes the most durable. Most guys that say don't buy aluminum and get an older glass boat have never owned an Xpress.

I gotta say War Eagle is pretty innovative.

15K will buy you a very nice used Lund!!!!

You go Mr. Hendo,and Mr. RKT, I'm on my 4th XPRESS

I actually bought an old one('91 model), stripped it down to bare metal and rebuilt/repainted the entire thing to like new condition. When it was all said and done I had about $3500 in it.

Xpress!

MPD165 I'm in the Argyle area.

I kinda like the Triton VT 17. Does anyone know anything about those? I was told to stay away from Tracker because they use wood for the decks unlike Lowe and Triton who use metal for the decks.

Got to join here I bought a used Xpress last year 18 foot long with a 90 yahama, I did not worry about the rough bottom as It can be welded. I rebuilt the inside with huge flipping deck, live well, storage box added a foot trolling motor . I spent my extra cash on good depth finders and rods and reels when I found them on sale.

Look at a good used aluminum boat you will be surprised at what is out there.
wild bill

I love my Lund

don't overlook a bass tracker, their hulls arn't bad, you'll get pushed around a bit in the wind, but with a 90 merc. you can go 45 or so. Not too bad. in fact, i might have an '04 model for sale soon.