I have an aluminum boat, and I love it. I watched the ads in tha paper for about a month until I came across a deal I could not refuse (thanks Kevin if you are on the board). It is a 16' diamondback; however, as stated earlier, most boats are very similar. Look for the options you want, front seat under-storage, fish box, anchor pulley system (side pulley is nice) motor is a great option-you said not important-so did I, but I'm second guessing that. 9-6 oars are a good thing to think about. I bought 9' oars, with counter balances (the counter balance is the way to go if you pull plugs like I do!), but I am kicking myself for not getting the extra 6". A 16' x 54" is a good boat for the rower and two guys up front. As was indicated, trailer specs are important too. Ours had 12' tires; we flipped the axle and put on 13's. Go for 14" minimum, and a roller bar at the tail end; makes loading and unloading much easier. If you want a closer look at a Diamondback, shoot me an e-mail and you can "play" in mine. Also as was said, shop around; you should be able to find a good used boat. Some of the other guys had lots of faith in their fiberglass boats......sorry, I have to differ on that. But in all honesty, I have not fished out of one of them. Alum Boats have a floor which keeps your feet off of the florr ot the boat; but metal does have a greater heat transfer rate than glass. I just think that Aluminum can take more abuse-I may be wrong on that point because I try to dodge the rocks........as we all do.