I was thinking about upgrading to a larger boat since my kids are getting bigger and showing interest in going fishing more. I thinking that either a deep v or a glass boat would be best b/c of size, room, safety, etc., but have not owned either one. Or would just a larger size aluminum modified v be better? Could some of ya'll chime in about the benefits of each?

Take a look at the Skeeter Multi Species Boats, they are a good all around boat.
www.skeetermultispeciesboats.com

Thanks for the link Dennis, but that Skeeter is way out of my price range. At least a new one is anyway. I was hoping to get something that could be powered by a 100hp or less.

G3 has a couple good looking designs

That dadgum pepop has me considering a Stratos 1760DV. I'm thinking single console or dual console but not a full windshield. http://www.stratosboats.com/models.cfm?name=1760dv

And a lifetime warranty on their hulls!

Thanks for the info guys. One of my main concerns is that an aluminum deep v will blow around like a "tin can" on the lake while trying to fish in 10-15mph winds, which my current boat does also. Is this a problem with them or does the hull design prevent this to a degree?

WTG Bobby!! A DEEP "V" GLASS boat is the way to go!IMHO

Alot depends on the type of fishing you plan on. Some boat hull designs are more forgiving than others, the same as some types of fishing is more forgiving than others. You also need to consider the amount of HP you are wanting. You stated that you wanted to stay at 100HP or less. Depending on the length of boat you are considering, you have to look at the weight of the boat as well. Pulling out all limits a deep V fiberglass with a larger motor would be my first choice. There is nothing wrong with a well designed alluminum hull either.

My friend thats a Walleye guide back in Iowa has a deep v fiberglass Ranger. They are awesome! Best of both worlds except you need to come buy a bigger truck from me when you get it. LOL

I have been in a Ranger 620 a deep V glass boat. I really like it. I have a friend that went from walleye tournaments to bass tournaments and he switched to a bass boat ranger z20. He says it really is better for bass fishing. He had a Lund Pro V before the 620. The walleye fisherman in a deep V is going to troll a lot. I have a Lund Deep V and I bought it for safety in waves, I see bass pros not drowning in their 20 foot long bass boats, mine is 16' 6" and I am not drowning either.

I think you need to look at how you like to fish and get the best boat for that type of fishing. I also use to troll for walleye and stripers, now I fish for crappie and my boat works great.

A deep vee fiberglass boat doesnt get blown around as easy, cuts thru rough chop easy, is stronger than aluminum, are some good points. it does take more motor to push them, a stronger trolling motor, and more truck to pull them, all worth it it my opinion. If you get a glass boat, make sure it has a good vee, because if not, and has a duckbill shaped bow, it will beat you to tears going thru choppy water, just like a flatbottom, aluminum boat will. Either a heavy deep vee aluminum boat and put as much weight up from as you feasibly can, to combat the wind from blowing th boat around while your on the trolling motor, or a nice deep vee fiberglass boat will do great for you.
A few manufacturers made fiberglass fish and ski type boats, kind of a bass boat, with higher sides, a slightly deeper vee, and a windshield. thse arent a bad option either.
get 19 feet or bigger, and you wont have to worry abt the wind as much.

Like has been stated already. Fiberglass Boats are heavier and ride the water better, and some say they would go this way.

Not a chance for me and in my opinion. Fiberglass Boat is a heavier boat requiring, more money for the heavier boat, more money for a bigger motor to push the bigger boat, more gas to operate the boat, more money for repairs on Boat, Motor, more money for bigger truck to pull the bigger boat, more gas to operate the truck.

So all of this extra expense to get on the lake, maybe 10 fishing days that you couldn't get on the lake with a Aluminum Boat. I have a 17'6" Aluminum Boat, 90 HP Mercury, 40 MPH, pull it with a Toyota Tacoma, V6. A whole weekend (2 Full Days) of fishing on 1 tank of gas (Boat 15 gallons). Get 23 MPG on truck pulling the boat.

Not saying I have the best deal, but it is a lot cheaper to operate. Get to do all the fishing that heavier boats do. They get 10 more days per year, at a little more comfort, than I do. But I do it a lot cheaper, and have money to spend on nicer electronics, money for the G.I. Joe with Kungfu Grip for the kids, a little something extra for the wife. Where ever you choose to spend the money on.

Having a High End boat doesn't make a person a better fisherman. Nor does having a less expensive boat make you a lesser fisherman. Buying a boat, spending less money, and doing the fishing that others are doing makes a person more thrifty. And that is money in your pocket for years.

Just the way I see it.



keith



keith

Good points Keith.

Deep V for me.