Looking for an all around aluminum boat that I can fish large lakes rivers and the bays any suggestions

Just about all aluminum boat manufacturers offer similar boat packages to one another. Sounds like you're wanting something in the 18-20' range, and that would typically be 60"-72" bottom width. You'll need to decide whether you want center or side console (assuming you don't want tiller drive). Then just see what manufacturer's boat best fits your needs, and what you'll want to power it with.

Lowe has a spotty reputation on this board. Tracker boats were, to say the least, less than desirable for me. If I were you, and I was in May, I'd look at Sea Ark, G3, Xpress, and Alumacraft. I researched about every manufacturer out there, and found the features I wanted in those four to meet most of my needs.

I ended up going with an Xpress 1860 CC myself, and have really enjoyed it so far. there are times when I thought I should have gone 2072, but not many. I have had it in Salt water a couple times, and spent lots of time on Tawakoni in it. I'm anxious for the annual Sabine River trip this February to see how it does in the river. I imagine the 18' length will be a bit more cumbersome than the 16 footer I had was, but I'm sure it'll be just fine. I've been in some pretty tight spots in the river a couple of times, or I'd have gone with the 2072 without question. I think the 1860 or even an 1872 is a great compromise. IIRC, both Xpress and Sea Ark build 1872's.

Thanks man I have looked at some of those models and you really just confirmed my research I'm partial to the seaark boats they seem extremely tough but I think you pay that in the price of them

What are y'all's thoughts on a 14 or 15 ft extra wide

Xpress is the route to take

I had an 18ft Duracraft that I used as my all around boat. I decided to go metal after several glass boats because I do a lot of stump jumping in the basin in Louisiana, and I was always freaked out running around in a fiberglass boat. I decided on this particular model because it had a modified hull. It went from a semi v in the front to a tunnel hull in the rear making it a VERY stable, and shallow drafting boat. And with this boat I wasnt as worried about the hull taking a beating.

In the freshwater it was great. Smooth, sipped gas, and very reliable. It was the quickest or the most agile, but it worked for me.

The only word of caution I would give is that the wide aluminum boats will make for a very rough ride in the bay if you plan on taking it out in rough open water. Xpress does a good job with their hull. The Sea Ark / War Eagle (same company I think), are great boats. But I would still go with another Duracraft.

I have a G3 1860CC that I've pushed pretty hard for a couple of years and it's held up well. If there is a next boat, it's likely to be a Sea Ark or Alumacraft. I can't comment on Tracker because I've never owned one, but they havn't had a lot of good press on this board.

Had a 18 ft sea ark with a115 Johnson for 12 yrs. was a great boat except when it was windy !!!

I have a G3 V172F. Like other have said, my comparison was narrowed down to G3, Alumacraft and Xpress. The Xpress won hands down if I wanted a bass boat. But I wanted a deep "V". Mainly because my dad is not as stable as he once was and I have a two year old grandson. I thought taller sides would be better for both reasons. I didn't care for the layout of the Express deep V's. Between the G3 and the Alumacraft, it was a toss up. The G3 dealer was closer.... That is what broke the tie.

As far as ride, it is great. The white caps on windy days are no worse than any other fishing boat I have been in. The taller sides and tall windshield means it moves around more in the wind while trying to fish, but that hasn't been all that big a problem.

Hope that helps,

Bryan

I have a war eagle 2072 ldbr, with a 115 etec on a jackplate, and have not yet found a place it won't go. 3-5 footers on texoma, flats around Port A, duck hunting the marshes on the louisiana coast. . . . the thing is awesome! I paid too much for it, but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for used and ordered it direct from the factory (something I said I would never do). I had the console pushed as far forward as I could, and it makes a huge difference compared to most CCs that have it located further back.

I will say this. . . having a brand new ride is awesome. I have two Falcon striper boats for fishing texoma, but this is my "go anywhere" toy . . . .and it works. I love it.

Boatright!! Look it up!

Just looked at the war eagle site and those boats look awesome pretty much what I'm looking for

Funny how tracker gets a bad rap on the forum.... I have owned alumacraft and sea ark and wasnt impressed with either! My sea ark was in the shop numberous times getting the live well welded due to crackig and falling apart. The ride on these boats are great as long as the wind stays under 15 mph! boat will give you a serious #$%$@@ pounding in rough water! Since then i purchased a tracker TV 18 and have never been happier. Smooth dry ride like a fiberglass boat due to the deeper V that it has.

Hard to imagine nobody has mentioned Lund or Crestliner. Both make some mighty fine aluminum rigs. Lund is considered by many to be the best aluminum boat made.

War Eagle and Duracraft are built in the same factory. Both are very well built boats. Call me if you need some info on them. We also carry Alumacraft. 972-771-4442