if ya' want a cheap boat, used wood boats are cheap. they will break easier though.

if ya' goin' to fish rivers like the sky, a fiberglas boat will see ya' through but really watch the rocks. fiberglas may slide over them, but my friend dave found that banging sideways into a rock at the top of the island at two bit will put a nasty gouge through the gel coat and into the glass.

if ya' want to float a peninsula river, aluminum is the best. it may dent, but it won't break. as for which one? ford vs chevy: willy vs. alumaweld, etc.

my advice is to buy a used aluminum boat. you'll end up with one in the end anyways (or else a new aluminum boat).