Looking to buy a small and simple aluminum fishing boat with an outboard, steering wheel, carpet, etc. (16 to 17 feet range). Nothing fancy, but a bit more than a plain aluminum boat with a tiller outboard. Will use almost exclusively on a small river lake and will likely store on a lift. We will use the boat primarily for casual fishing. I have another boat for more serious recreational activities.

Our family had a similar boat a while back, but we lost it in the 1998 flood.

Any recommendations of good options to consider?

Xpress is what I would buy if getting aluminum

I am very happy with my Bass Tracker. I would recommend it to anyone

I've looked into it for myself and here is a summary from much forum searching(not my own experience). Most people say SeaArk are the toughest boats and have a good warranty. G3 and Xpress seem to be favorites as well. All three have a variety of models and configurations.

I have an older riveted tracker. I don't recommend rivets but I don't think anyone makes the kind of boat you want with rivets anymore. Tracker is the brand everyone has an opinion on even if they never owned one. I think most people who own them seem to like them.

If you start doing research it's amazing just how many aluminum boat manufacturers there are.

If it is going to be kept outside I would stay away from carpet.

Ranger is making an aluminum boat for 2013. If I were in the market I would probably go with a Tracker. They are really well equipped for the $$$

I have an Xpress X-17 so far and love it. First boat, so I don't have a ton to compare it to, but as long as I stay home on *really* windy days (like yesterday) its everything I need. It will go shallow, great on gas with a 4-stroke yammie and will scoot along pretty good with a 115.

Creastliner.

xpress

get hydroturf....this stuff is great during the summer

Just make sure it has enough power. I have an alumacraft that I like.

I have a 17 ft SeaArk and love everything about it. I has plenty of storage space in the front and back and will easy hold a 7' 10" Rod. Just make sure you add a 24 Volt trolling motor, help on windy days.

Which everyone you buy do not get a riveted hull, it will leak. Everyone now makes am all-weld hull

Xpress or War Eagle.

I am trying to sell my Xpress 18' CC right now I interested. Call or text 817-946-0144 if interested

Tracker offers a coastal pkg. which is a rubberized floor instead of carpet. The new Trackers offer more for the $ than the other manufactures and are layed out very well. Opt for the largest engine and you will be happier in the long run.

Didn't buy a new aluminum boat. By a used one that hasn't been sitting in someone's garage except for a couple of fishing trips. Based on my own experience of having to have my hull replaced under warranty and a lot of stories I have heard this is the best course of action. If it has 3 or 4 years of good use without developing hull problems you have got a boat that will last a long time.