I have seen comments about older aluminum drift boats being harder to row than some newer ones, specificly older alumawelds I think. Is this just a function of dimensions, or are some boats just built different ? Is there a year or a model # where there is a transition to different materials, or how does a guy know what to look for, and more importantly what to avoid ?

I see that Alumaweld offers different materials in some of their different jet boat models, were some of their drift boats tougher/thicker/heavier than others ?

IF you wanted to buy a used aluminum drift boat to learn white water with what would you buy and why ?

I am going to buy a drift boat, and begin with simple stuff, but intend to run some sporty water as soon as I figure I can do it safely (more or less).