Team,

Good morning. I have never owned my own boat before. However, I plan to start fishing all frequently. I am struggling between whether or not I should get a aluminum boat such as a Triton X18 or Tracker 190x. Or should I get a nitro Z7.

I want to be able to fish all over texas. I want something that will last that my new son and I can enjoy for many years. Any input?

Regards,
Rusty

Yep, you just opened a big can of worms!

to the TFF...

The short answer is...It depends.

Aluminum boats weigh less, and use a lot less fuel. Aluminum boats weigh less, and are much more prone to being tossed about by rough water and blown around by the wind.

Aluminum boats are a bit more forgiving of 'oops' moments. You'll have a scratch or dent in the hull, where a fiberglass boat will have a hole that needs to be repaired. Aluminum boats are also less expensive than comparable fiberglass models.

Lots of factors in the decision. What types of water & conditions do you plan on fishing in? Have you ever operated a boat before?

I have had more than my share of both aluminum and fiberglass. Never again will I own fiberglass. Aluminum from here on out.

Hello,

Yes I have operated a boat several times just never owned one. I think I am leaning towards the aluminum Triton X18 with a 115 Merc pro XS. Thanks for your comments and help.

I want to be able to fish wherever i.e. any lake in texas.

Regards,
Rusty

Thanks for the welcome!

I don't know a Triton from a Ranger, but as long as it's a deep-vee hull, you ought to be able to manage any lake.

I bought a Tracker 175 TXW. I am so glad I did not buy a fiberglass boat. Here's the advantages I see:

Lower cost
less maintenance
Easier to load on the trailer
Hitting rocks and stumps in low water not as big an issue
Better gas Milage
Good starter boat

Those are great but this story really tells the tale. I had had the boat for about two weeks when my wife's brother came out to our lake house at Possum Kingdom. We decided to take him out in the boat and drive over to Hells gate. It was getting dark but we wanted to show him that site so we went on. Coming back a freak unforecasted thunderstorm that comes up out there in the summer hit us on the way back. I was expecting lighting at any point so I decided to dock the boat at one of the private docks along Gaines Bend. The wind and waves were horrible and I smashed the front of the boat into the dock because the boat was uncontrollable in that weather. After I hit the dock hard, I simply beached the boat on the shore in the rocks and sand. We got out safely and went up to the house associated with the dock where the people there were nice and gave us towels and hospitality as we waited for the small storm to pass.

If this had been a big fiberglass boat, I'm sure I would have busted that hull. Beaching on that rock and sand beach would not have been good for it either. Based on this, I say get the first boat as an aluminum boat. It will take some time to get good at handling it especially in rough weather. Things will happen and the aluminum boat will be more forgiving.

Express is the top bass style alum boat...Lund is the best rough water alum going.

I've owned both and currently fish out of fiberglass which i enjoy. With all the improvements made in aluminum boats over the last several years I would not hestiate to own another one if it met my needs. My first aluminum was a Bass Tracker about 34 years ago and you really had to keep an eye on the wind but there is little to compare boats then to what's on the market now. Good luck to ya and Good Fishin.

Thanks all

I'd go for a custom built aluminum any day over a fiberglass or mass name brand mass produced aluminum. Custom build aluminum boats are lifetime boats in my opinion.

if you want a bass boat get a fiberglass, run smoother easier to handle in wind. if you want to run the rivers shallow and perhaps the bay get the alu. if you are crappie or cat fishing doesnt matter

I currently own both. River fishing or small lakes go aluminum. I recommend Sprees. If your going to fish tournaments I would say glass...

I bought my second aluminum 2 years ago, Bass Tracker 190 TX with at 115 Pro XS. It runs smooth, handles rough water very well, runs 55mph at WOT. Center rod box and a deck that handles my 7ft rods. The deck is bigger than a Z6 & Z7. Price was right. No worries when it comes bumps and scratches. If you ain't bumping and scratch'in, you ain't catch'in.