Fiberglass or Aluminum

[Grumpy]

Bob, when I retired for keeps, I wanted to get my own bassboat, mainly so I could fish by myself during the week and leave the weekends to the poor working stiffs. I wanted something that i could launch and load by myself, which would include parking the boat on or near the ramp so I could park/get the tow vehicle. I did an awful lot of research on aluminum vs glass and I decided on a 17'6" G-3 Aluminum with a 40 HP Yamaha. I have not been sorry and with a few minor exceptions the boat has served me well.

Not to argue, but contrary to what aceoky said, I think Aluminum launches and loads much easier than glass, probably because of its lighter weight. Prior to getting my boat, i fished with a lot of people in glass boats and usually I was the one in the boat when we launched and loaded on the trailer. I do agree that Aluminum is less stable and not as suitable for rough water/weather, but then again I try to not fish when the wind is up or the weather is bad, so that is not a problem for me. Knowing how you got your nickname/handle, it may be a problem for you.

Hope this helps.

Grumpy

[parker]

JB weld works fine on aluminum and fiberglass works good on fiberglass. Either one is easy to fix when ya knock holes inem like I do.

[HURRICANEBOB]

. Knowing how you got your nickname/handle, it may be a problem for you.

Hope this helps.

Grumpy

Nope, would not be a problem. The harder the wind blows, the faster I troll
I cut my teeth in a 19 foot 1968 Lonestar in the Cheasapeake Bay Striper fishing right off the freighter shipping lanes. If we (Dad and I) decide to go, the only thing that stopped us was winds in excess of 45 mph, anything short of that just added to the challenge, and justified that many more stops at marinas to dry off, eat crabs, and shoot pool.

I am think alot the way you went, lighter, easier to load, faster, and with a windshiled and a bimini with full enclosure to get momma and me out for the wind some. I don't mind if its raining, 40 mph winds, 4 foot breaker waves and all, but that don't mean my fat old backside has to get wet and cold to enjoy the challenge

[HURRICANEBOB]

To all,

Thanks a bunch for all the info and links to different boats. The variety of opinions will make it a lot easier for me to do some leg work and see what fits.

AND.........DA TA DA! When I decide and buy a boat to replace the pontoon, I promise to change my avatar to a picture of the newly acquired boat.

That way, you all can:

a. Recognize it on lakes or the river
b. Recognize that if I'm out fishing, the weather is about to go to the dogs.
c. Sit back at a safe distance and watch all the stupid things I do with a boat.
d. And when the weather does go down the tubes, you can sit at a save distance and listen to my old lady yell at me for not going in sooner. (she wrinkles when she gets wet )

[Fisherjoe]

One more point for aluminum. I find it is easier for me to start drilling and cutting holes for add-ons in an alum boat...it was hard for me to start "butchering" my fiberglass boat.

Joe

[Grumpy]

"I am think alot the way you went, lighter, easier to load, faster, and with a windshiled and a bimini with full enclosure to get momma and me out for the wind some. I don't mind if its raining, 40 mph winds, 4 foot breaker waves and all, but that don't mean my fat old backside has to get wet and cold to enjoy the challenge"

Bob, if you want a bimini with full enclosure, then i don't think a Bass boat is what you want, neither Glass nor Aluminum will have anywhere near as much room as you have on a pontoon. However, the bass boats are definately ligher, easier to laod, and faster than a pontoon. There always has to be trade offs.