Which type of boat is better for the salt water; fiberglass or aluminum? I am looking at getting a bigger boat and just want to see other peoples opinions.

Thanks.
FS

Depends on how big are you talking...

Aluminum may become cost prohibitive at really large sizes.

for a pure fishing boat aluminum is hard to beat. lower maintanence, stronger, lighter...

for comfort its hard to beat fiberglass... Quieter, big Cuddy cabins with windows, soft apolstery...

Unfortunately that is like asking what is better, blondes or brunettes. They both have their pluses and minuses. I think you need to look at the size, where you are going to keep it (trailer or moorage), what are your uses going to be (overnighting, strictly fishing, cruising, number of people, etc...), how much green you are willing to part with to own and operate and what type of preformance you expect (15mph plower or 50mph wave hopper). A few of these details and you will get alot better answer to your question as to what people prefer in that type of boat.

Assuming that I would buy the boat for the long term and it would be at least 24 feet pilot house or center console.

I would not own a glass boat that was laid up with a chop gun. You can see the difference in price and weight. At that point once you elminate the cheaper boats Aluminum is very comparable on price. So it's just a matter of which you prefer design wise.

24 to 28 ft dual outboards tank isolated with the hull strength and power to out run our average storm in the open ocean by 1 MPH is a requirement if you want to go off the coast and be safe. So you are looking at $60k to 100K to do it right. IMHO

So I just stick to 14 footers and fish near shore:-)

I am looking at a boat that is 16-18'. This boat will be used for fishing areas like the sound. I have a friend that may be selling a 16' Lund. Has anyone tried out these boats? Thoughts?

Fish Seeker,
I have a 15' Duroboat in the classifieds on this site that is a great boat for the sound. Its in really great shape with lots of options. And winter priced too. Check it out.

Lund makes a good boat. Remember that open aluminum boats are great in the summer but can be a little chilly in the fall and down right cold in the winter for blackmouth. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather in an open boat as the waves can give you problems in the hurry.
Make sure the boat has been maintained well, best it has been covered or garaged, check the floors for weak spots and the hull for big dents or gouges. Have a mechanic check the motor inside and out.
Good luck!

I'm interested to hear the pluses and minuses on this topic!!! maybe the next great poll! dont forget redheads!

I like aluminum. 20 foot hewescraft searunner has been great for me. My brother bought the 16 foot sportsmans model for fishing in the sound. They are a great boat! It all comes down to personal preference however. I'd just recommend getting one size bigger than you think you need.... I never hear anyone say, I wish I'd have gotten a smaller boat!

LOL elkrun,

I was thinking the same thing... but you shoud expand your quote a little...

of their...?

FS,
If you do decide on an aluminum boat. My opinion is to avoid rivited boats. I have had both rivited and non-rivited and would never buy a rivited aluminum boat again. That was one of the reasons I bought the Duroboat no rivits. One other thing is to get a boat with as much freeboard as you can makes for alot drier and safer ride. I have had my boat out in some pretty rough conditions and never took water over the bow or sides.

Duroboat:

I wont be getting a boat until after the first of the year, sometime around February. If your boat is still available then, I would mind taking a look at it.

FS

I have a 19ft star craft that I use in the sound all the time and it does have its ups and downs. the up side is its light. the ease of use and less weight which equels less gas. I can launch all by my self in even the rough stuff. I can run in pretty shallow water for a prop boat and its easy to tow. the down side is that its light. it bounces off waves and getts tossed around pretty good in the chop. you cant stand two people on one side with out making the boat turn or start to roll. all in all my boat works good for me around the north sound but i do wish it cut the waves a little more and had a higher top. I would not go with a boat smaller them 16-18 unless it was a c-dory or a arima. both glass boats. also look a A.C.B. boats in bellingham. I went for a test ride and would buy the 23 ft boat in a heart beat if I had the money.

I think no matter what material the boat is made of be it Glass, aluminum or wood. The safety and seaworthyness of the boat is determined more by hull design , beam, freeboard and dead rise than by overall lenth.
I know I would rather be out there in a 10' livinston than a 17' canoe.

The smaller aluminum boats, like the Duroboats and Lunds are easier to handle and tow. If I fished mostly the Sound, however, I think I'd try to get a 7 foot Arima.

I have an aluminum sled. In fresh water I love it. In salt, I worry about it more than I would for a fiberglas boat. Perhaps without reason, but I spend a lot of time cleaning up salt that I might ignore if it was a fiberglas boat.

Hey SH, wouldn't a " 7' Arima " be a little on the small side?

I just wish I could keep both boats I have just got a Arima Sea Explorer afew weeks ago and still have the 15' Duroboat. Both in my garage. But the wife wants her parking spot in the garage back. I know I will miss the Duroboat I have owned quite afew boats and its been one of the best. But if I keep both boats I think I might lose one wife.

I think you have some pretty good options mentioned above.
Elkrun mentioned hewscraft boats and they are some fantastic boats for the uses you mention, unfortunately they are not exactly cheap (especially the searunners) and almost impossible to find used.
I have a 17 Arima SeaRanger. Great boat for the sound and strait and close off shore stuff.

Piper, as to your question of what size I was refering to, it is very important to know which of the two, the blonde or brunette, has a wider beam, what their draft is (how deep they go) and if the flotation devices are adequate for your needs!!

Well it sounds like I am going to miss out on a great boat. I will start looking seriously after the first of the year.

FS

Mine is a Wooldridge... great saltwater design. WIDE! STABLE! This Company is known for their sleds but their v hulls are outstanding... several sizes and styles to choose from. Light weight, strong, requires less h.p. to run which means less fuel, less power and fuel to trailer, etc. I use it in the Sound, the Strait and out on the Ocean when its nice. Only draw back i can see is mass. When you are bucking the chop its nice to have more mass to bust through that stuff instead of riding over it which is what the lighter weight boats must do. But the pluses far outweight the minuses.