I am in the market for a boat and was thinking I would need to get into a used (2006-2010) bass boat to keep my monthly costs down even though I am planning on putting down 10-15K as a down payment. I am more interested in a glass boat but got to looking at some new aluminum boats and these new aluminums don't look bad. One brand I looked at was Avid (https://avid-boats.com/20-xb-bass-series/).

I was wondering if anyone has had any first hand knowledge of these boats or any general opinions of the new aluminum boats compared to glass.

After speaking to a dealership they said that for approx the same monthly payment with my down payment I could get into a new Avid aluminum and have the warranty. This is something (warranty) you wouldn't get with an older glass boat.

Any advice or firsthand info from those on here that have had several boats would be greatly appreciated.

I wanted warranty and like new things, wanted to stay mid 30s although I ended up spending over 40, and needed something light that my current vehicle (not a truck) could pull. Oh and wanted a 19’ boat or more. All this pointed to aluminum and I went with the Vexus 1980. Avid looks awesome and uses thicker aluminum than Vexus.

If those factors weren’t in play for me I would have gone fiberglass though and I will have a new Basscat someday.
I may have a new one now if I’d seen this deal before which I would consider if I were you:
https://www.basscat.com/basscat/promotions-page/169/sabre-ftd-sp-special-package

I run an Xpress X-21 with a 250_SHO. I do not regret for one single minute of going to the aluminum. Love it.

I love aluminum, sure the ride isn't the best in 3ft rollers but it would be rough even in a glass boat.

Nothing wrong with a tin rig and Avid might be a good priced deal right now, from whats been said here a group left Vexas, ex-Ranger guys to start it.

Depends on what you are going to do with it. If you like to pull up on gravel banks the aluminum won't know the difference but the glass will suffer. Smaller bodies of water would call for the heavier glass boat. All in all you can buy a bigger/wider boat if you go aluminum and they are far easier to upkeep. No waxing, etc. Storing out side? Glass boats suffer unless covered appropriately.

Lots to consider. Get the boat that suits Y-O-U-R tastes.

Those are things I kind of want too. I am looking for at least a 20' boat with power poles, an Ultrex and decent electronics. I like the looks of the Avid but wish it could handle a bit bigger motor like a 225 or so.

The Basscats are nice but not a big fan so that is probably out. If it wasn't for having to pay for a place to store it I would definitely go for glass and just deal with the payment. But living in McKinney I don't have enough room to keep it at home. This makes storage costs come into play which I hate but is necessary.

[quote=Hair Jig]Depends on what you are going to do with it. If you like to pull up on gravel banks the aluminum won't know the difference but the glass will suffer. Smaller bodies of water would call for the heavier glass boat. All in all you can buy a bigger/wider boat if you go aluminum and they are far easier to upkeep. No waxing, etc. Storing out side? Glass boats suffer unless covered appropriately.

Very good info I really didn't consider. Thanks for this.

I'm basically going to be just recreational fishing....white bass, hybrids, crappie and such to get my grandkids into fishing but still want to be able to bass fish from it. Since I may have to store it outside the aluminum might hold up better. Again, thanks for the great info.

My first boat was an aluminum rig and although I wouldn't go back and change what I did, I would not consider going aluminum again personally. They don't ride as good in rough water and they catch the wind and move around far more than their glass counterparts. Also pretty much every brand of aluminum, the bow sits much higher in the water than a fiberglass boat. With that said, there's nothing wrong with a tin rig, especially if you fish mostly shallow.

Also depends on what aluminum. I don’t leave my Vexus uncovered and I will wax as needed. Wipe down every time out.

Sounds like you need an Xpress!

There are two kinds of aluminum boat owner , those that buy them without any consideration of future value and those that really shouldn't buy one. When I am done with my boat this time it will go to the recycler and I will have a new hull built.


****Good**** Aluminum boats are as expensive as a glass boat but worth less in the afterlife, cheap aluminum boats are worthless to some one that uses one hard and still if damaged at all hard to sell.

I made the switch from glass a long time ago and am always willing to repair my boat or replace it if I destroy it too bad but if you are semi new to boat bass fishing I would recommend finding an early 2000's basscat pantera classic with a 200 on it there isn't a better more durable glass platform out there for the money.

This is also a concern. I don't want to spend that kind of money on something and then not be able to resell it if I decide too. Thanks for that!

Dang! I need to quit typing when I'm trying to work.

I meant to say that LARGER bodies of water would call for the heavier glass boat.

Sorry about that.

I have had an aluminum boat ( Tracker ) for almost 18 years . I paid $21K brand new with a 115 fuel injected Merc ( actually , it's a Yamaha upper , lower unit is Merc , but the markings says it's all Merc )
Here's the PRO's .
It's been reliable , no issues at all with the boat itself , but I have had some issues with the motor . Easy to maintain , easy to tow , easy to launch . Uses less gas than a glass boat . I have it covered outside this entire time ----with no issues other than replacing the cover three times in 17+ years . It's a 17'6" boat with 115HP , goes approx 45MPH loaded .

Here's the CONS ,
Moves to easy in the wind . Without an Ultrex and/or power poles --- it can be very difficult to fish plastics / deep on windy days . It tends to rock about in the waves ( like wake board waves etc..) In rough water , it is way less stable than glass . Noise , I tend to think older aluminum boats are a little more noisy to the bass themselves .

When I replace it , I am most definitely considering an upper end aluminum ( Vexxus , Avid etc.. ) with some type of spot lock TM , better electronics etc.... I cant find what the Vexxus aluminum thickness is , and the Avid appears to have different thickness depending on model . If the Aluminum is truly thicker , than I would expect it to outlast a glass boat in terms of the hull itself .
I am not a tourney guy , just like to catch bass . Those high end aluminum boats look amazing