ive fished out of 14, 16 & 18 footers, both glass and aluminum. my 14 foot lavro is by far the easiest and quietest! aluminum is noisy, but you can abuse them more..... solduc i like the strenth of metal for mounting pole holders and stuff, but hate banging most guys seem to run 16 foot aluminums.i think becouse their the smallest boat that comfortable fishes 3 men.