Aluminum vs. Fiberglass…Which Bass Boat is Best for You! (Drone View) (Ep. 84)
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- In this episode of Pro Secrets Exposed, I breakdown the difference between Aluminum and Fiberglass Bass Boats, plus add which is better for a lot of differenr categories. You will see a birds eye view of both boats and I’ll give my thoughts on which is best. This daily tip series will post at 3pm CST everyday until I can't do it anymore! So stay tuned for more! If you haven't yet, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button!
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Boats Used:
Bass Cat Boats Eyra
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Lowe Stinger 198 Aluminum Bass Boat
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#fishing #bassfishing #fishingtip - Zábava
Towing an aluminum and running aluminum is much less expensive when it comes to fuel costs.
All you bass nuts should really look into a flats type boat. I own a Ranger and a Piranha. The driving and speed def. go to the Ranger but the skiff fishes better. I look pretty funny at Chickamauga in my guide green Piranha standing up on my front platform but man it floats in 4” and I can run for a month on what one weekend in gas and oil cost for a day.
One last thing. Generally speaking the trailers under an aluminum rig are usually not up to par with nice fiberglass boat trailers. I believe they weren't meant to tour the country
@@brians.4488 I don't find that to be the case with my trailer, I've got a tandem axle trailer. It's pretty rugged for towing my 21-ft aluminum. I put a tremendous amount of miles on my trailer and boat hauling it all over the place to fish and I've never had a problem.
Especially if you don't have to buy a new truck to tow the aluminum boat
I downsized to an aluminum boat back in 2017 and honestly I couldn’t be happier. I got the cheap of the cheap. Tracker Pro 170 with a 40 Mercury and the vinyl floor. Now I did up grade the trolling Motor to a 24v 80lb system as well as HDS touch electronics, and a power pole. I’m a shallow water guy myself and I only fish off shore when it’s a blue bird day because the wind is better for my style. I do fish tournaments in the boat and do well (I have one coming up this weekend). But I’m SSLLOOWWWW.. so it make me fish a little different than others. Not necessarily a bad thing at times because I really pick apart an area before I make a run but I do still make long runs if need be. The best part other than I can fish ultra shallow is I get fuel about every 6-7 trips! For me it suits my style of fishing where my last glass boat I was not willing to damage the boat to get in the spots I fish. I’m going to run this until it dies and for the price I’ve already got my money out of it! It’s on the lake 52 weeks a year! Plus there is nothing better than bringing a SACK in when a lot of the 100k boats either zeroed or didn’t get a limit. With that said if I were to do it professionally it would have to be an Xpress 21’. But I’m no pro.
This guy is speaking some wisdom! ☝️
awesome info I am looking at the same one as my first boat
How much is cheap?
I agree with your assessment! I bought a used Skeeter which I have totally rebuilt, ( I enjoy fixing things big plus for me). I love the way it handles at all speeds and it's stability when fishing of it. Thanks for the great video!!!
Kayak angler here that is wanting to look into getting a boat mostly because my son is getting old enough to go fishing with me. Great video. Thanks bro.
The science behind your opinion I find rather accurate I’m gonna have to agree with you I’m just about everything you’ve said in this video!! Keep up the good work!!!
Ive owned several of both kinds over the last 40 years. I always go back to fiberglass for the room and the ride. Not to mention the stability while standing on the casting deck.
I’ve had both, I bought a new 19 ft bass tracker this year and really like it…
I came from an 17.5 aluminum boat that l had for 20yrs. And l just got a 18.5 fiberglass boat. I miss the shallow draft of the aluminum but dont miss how light it is in windy conditions. I am still learning how to drive the fiberglass boat. So far l feel like fiberglass is a rougher ride in rough water. Also dont miss how wet the compartmemts get in a aluminum boat when it rains. This new fiberglass keeps everything dry. The first 2 months l had the fiberglass boat l had to fish in the rain and tow it. The compartments never got wet. I agree there are good and with each. You have to decide what you can deal with.
Good video!
Thank You for a great lesson on this subject.
I just bought a 2021 Vexus AVX2080 and it rides great and the stability is awesome.
Great timing. I am going to sell my old 01 Triton TR 19 this fall and looking at a Bass Cat Classic or P2 vs an Xpress X19.
I run a Vexus AVX1880 the console, boxes and live well are fiberglass infused so it has nice solid feel to things. the wheel is rock solid etc. The ride is pretty good even in choppy conditions I don't often fish on huge lakes and have no problems even on windy days at my local lakes. It slides right off stumps and rocks being aluminum its tough as nails and floats in inches Go fishing for days on 1 tank of fuel and pull it with a v6 pickup no problems.
Lund's new pro-v bass boats have incredible storage and fiberglass consoles, great option for those looking for an aluminum style bass boat
On some of your points about aluminum boat weaknesses, it makes me wonder if you’ve spent any time in a Lund PVB. It has amazing storage, the lids are rock solid, and it rides really well for an aluminum. I do give you that any glass boat will ride better.
While the Lund is on the higher end of tin boats in terms of cost, I still saved probably $20K plus over the cost of a comparable glass boat.
I’ve owned both, at times I wish I had the tin boat again, other times I’m glad I have a glass boat. Just depends on a lot of factors
Good video. You make great points. I like some of the aspects of express, but they are priced at similar levels as higher end glass boats. Also, seems like glass boats have fewer issues with water in compartments.
Yes they are priced close to glass boats..but the Xpress out performs skeeter & other lower end glass boats..
Fiberglass is definitely the winner when it comes to rougher water imo- no question. But- I think the deciding factor for almost every boat owner I know is price. Especially that first boat when you're young and just trying to get yourself out on the water. You point out that you can buy a used fiberglass boat for around 30-50 grand- decked out. But, you can buy a used aluminum not decked out for like 4-6 grand. This is much more doable for the vast majority of anglers- once you're talking 30-50 Gs- to them (myself included) you may as well be talking 100 Gs- cause it's just as out of reach for us.
I don't disagree but would like to point out that the deep v boats the guys in the north fish on the great lakes, the big lakes in Canada etc. are all aluminum and are built to handle big waves as well.
Bass boats are so low in the water, it makes me think they will sink in the slightest chop.
@@jeffk464 Nah- they do fine as far that goes- but it gets hard to stand close to the edge and not fall off and, if you're running at speed in it, you need to know what you're doing. But I've never seen a bass boat sink due to chop.
@@jeffk464 They won't. Modern bass boats can handle chop surprisingly well. If it's really rough you might get wet, but you won't sink. The Coast Guard requires a lot of flotation foam built into the boats, so you won't sink the boat even if you fully swamp it. You'd be hard-pressed to sink a newer bass boat unless you crash into something solid.
Everyone says this, but what is the reason? Is fiberglass just so much heavier that the chip is less noticeable? Or is it that many people are comparing apples to oranges with flat bottom alu to v hull glass? As others have pointed out there are some of the toughest conditions in the Nw where aluminum boats are far more popular.
👊👍 Andrew, this was a great video topic. Im saving to buy my first bass boat. I was leaning towards buying an aluminum boat like Xpress or Vexus boat. But now you have me thinking of trying to find a good used fiberglass boat. If im not wrong, i think Vexus has some type of hybrid that is fiberglass and aluminum.
Do you know anything about this hybrid style boat or Vexus boats?
Thanks again, this was great video for us fisherman looking to buy a boat. You couldve made this video 30 min and I would've been glues to the video to hear your perspective on the boats. Thanks Andrew.
I ran Ranger Boats for years and nothing compares to ride and stability of a big glass boat. Since moving to central Florida I’ve gone aluminum. Cost of towing and running is much less plus they now provide a much more stable platform than before. I can go places guys in glass boats can’t or are afraid to go. It’s not as glamorous or turn heads like the 100k glass boat but it fits my style and pocketbook
I dig it
My Cobra Viper DC was a creampuff 7 year's ago when I bought it but for a 20 year old boat it still gets the job done.
I have gone way up in the river with it for the last five years, accidentally bumped a rock this year for the first time, other than that the hull is in excellent condition.
The ride has surprised many at how rough of water it can handle and I'd say it's pretty decent for a 18ft boat, but I'm definitely wanting to buy a 19'6 classic.
Fastest I've seen in it was 63 gps so it's not fast.
But I've regularly seen 60 with two people and full load.
Was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to go to panthers cove last month and drive the Bass Cat boat's, hopefully they'll have another one
Good Points Andrew. I have a VEXUS AVX 1880. Fish smaller lake areas, up rivers and creeks. The only downside is crossing bigger water in larger waves. 1. Towing & running is much less expensive due to fuel efficiency. 2. Fishability is great. Boat is wide enough so that moving around while standing does not cause instability. 3. Interior storage, lids, console are fiberglass not plastic! Storage is more than enough, no flex when walking on lids, large quality live well, lots of first class extras are standard. I would not change back to a fiberglass at time time ( i can trailer to different areas of the lake instead of running if the winds get up. Thanks
That Vexus isnt much cheaper than some glass boats. IMO, they're over priced. I cant see spending 40K on an aluminum boat.
I have a Ranger 198 p aluminum and I love it but I want that new Basscat bobcat, I can’t stop thinking about it. Basscat is the best fiberglass boat hands down IMHO.
I priced an Xpress 19 foot and a Nitro Z19 PRO all with the exact same equipment and the Xpress was $500 cheaper. I went with the Nitro Z-19 Pro and absolutely love it. I have owned 3 Chargers Boats but the quit making the 195 Foxfire which was the absolutely best riding boat I ever been in. I paid with cover loaded out $49,749
That’s not bad man!
I'm picking up my first glass boat Friday getting a Nitro Z9........ can't wait to get out and fish on it
I agree with fiberglass until recently lunds pro v bass with the v haul is awesome on big rough water.
Heard nothing but good things about it!
Thanks Andrew, you missed the cost of towing, from one side of the country to the another, one of them is going to be a lot more expensive on fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle.
Your experienced thoughts.
It really depends on hull design when you talk about hull material. Look at Lowe and Crestliner or the big aluminum boats they use up in cold water off the pacific northwest and Alaska. The express and Lowe bassboats just do not have the design angles for running rough water because of their draft.
My question is, what is better for the lakes I run? I run a few different lakes in east Texas and they have a lot of stumpy areas and that's where the fish are. I also run the Galveston bay. What boat is the best for both? I've been looking at the Xpress 20 to 24 bay but I've also been looking at fiberglass center consoles around the same price.
I've had both. I prefer the tin boat b/c it's about 500 lbs lighter so easier to tow and if you're going to keep the fiberglass boat for a period of time you're going to have to re-gel coat at some point which was not cheap.
If you have to re-gel your glass boat you are not taking care of it.
I have a 25 year old Cobra 201DC and it still shines. I bought it used in 2015 I'm the third owner.
Not completely true if you have kept the boat maintained well the gel coating will last a long time. I bought a 2001 ranger and it’s still looking like new, very shiny
@@joebobbrown3835same here I have a 2001 ranger it looks new still aside from the seats
I’m gonna be buying my first Bass boat in the spring so this is perfect. I’m probably gonna buy aluminum because of price alone.
I’m looking at the Lowe Stinger. Better than Tracker, not quite an Xpress. But has everything a first time owner needs. I ca always up on next one
Look for a .125” hull
Lund Pro v bass is a different breed of aluminum bass boat . Handles rough water as well or better than a glass boat and has incredible storage.
well yeah good on ya bro.... but the average dude can't drop 50-60k on a new rig....
Great vid bud talking about the consoles in aluminum boats vexus and crestliner both are putting fiberglass consols in their boats
I’m hoping to pick up an avid 23 fs in the spring. I fish mostly river with like 4 or 5 weeks of offshore fishing. I just can’t afford the weight or cost of a fiberglass boat. Currently in a 16’ fiberglass fish and ski. It’s just sketchy in big water.
For me there are many variables to buying a boat be it tin or glass. I have no experience with glass boats my current boat is only my second boat i have ever owned but have driven plenty of other boats just no fiberglass. So for me it isnt just about fishing as i like the dual purpose boat for my needs as i am a fisheman and a duck hunter so for me tin for the win. I found a crazy deal last month from a friend of a friend that was perfect for my needs it does lack storage but it can be improved with some tiny upgrades. And for the fishing area we usually get into creek inlets to lakes with stumps and price for used boat 2500 to 6 grand for a nice boat.
Do you have any opinions or comments on older model fiberglass boats ? I have a 1980 glastron sprint that I'm wanting to convert into a catfishing boat
I don't know but I love fishing, especially alot of towing to different lake here in Texas and I prefer aluminum deep V, Handle big lake like Lewisville and texahoma lake with ease on my 16ft lowe fm165 deep V. Handle rough wave nicely and best part won't worry that much of these shallow water area messing up the hull. Just my opinion
I have a 17 ft. Commercial Weld-Craft. It doesn't flex. I'm confused with what you are talking about. I guess you are talking about cheeper reinforced aluminum. The 26 foot Weld Craft is $270,000. The program before this showed a Coast Guard aluminum 28 ft. Rescue a 21 ft. Fiberglass that sank. My weld craft is unsinkable welded pockets. Please give me a thought on my boat. Thank you.
was on a river where the wind was blowing against the current. not crazy rough but waves stacked close together. I hear what sounded like a file cabinet coming down the river at about 30...this thing was beating the occupants to death. Very surprised it was a Vexus. No alum can absorb the slap whether running or fishing.
Nothing worse than how your knees feel after fishing a day in rough water in an aluminum
Glass vs aluminum, they both have there place. Look at gator Trax. They seemed to have bridged the gap in the strike series. But the price is comparable to glass
Big water and speed fiberglass for sure but I can pull my vexus 1980 with just about any vehicle don't have to have a F350 and fuel mileage in the boat itself with merc 150 four stroke is 3 to 4 times my buddies with the 250's but only runs 54 mph. But the interior is as good as most glass boats and it was half the price.
Andrew, do you have buyers lined up every year for your boat? I’d be interested in talking to you about buying one of your eryas’ in next few years. I’m just west of Beaumont
Enjoyed this video. I'll be purchasing a bass boat next year and looking for pro and cons on each type of boat and this video helped me out alot. So far it looks like I might be purchasing an aluminum boat based on my location. Great video. I will say, I've haven't seen any of the $50k used boats. Seems like used prices are shy of new price boats.
Have you been in many of the newer model larger aluminums? Xpress, Vexus, etc? They still can’t compare to fiberglass but rougher water ride is improving on the higher end tins.
Great comments. I have an 18' G3 with a 150 and the bottom of the hull has enough dents that it cannot get on pad-the hull irregularities act like a trim tab that wedges the bow down so that it plows water too much. If there was a welder who specialized in rehabbing aluminum hulls to they are smooth again, they would become very rich. I cannot find anyone to fix my aluminum hull issues that arose from lakes with trees.
I loved being able to get in shallow water. But I sold my Ranger198p because I wasn’t real happy e with the ride or the speed. Plus a lot of guys are getting cracked hulls. So I went back to fiberglass.
Andrew have you ever fished the Upper Chesapeake bay if so, would you highly recommend a fiberglass over aluminum. Or that fishery it’s not a big separation?
Not sure how glass faster than tin unless bigger motor. Had 18 1/2 glass with 150, fastest ever was 51 speedometer, empty, 47 loaded. Now run 18 1/2 tin w/150 and run 10 mph faster. New tin has almost as much storage as glass. Had mine in 3-4 footers and handled it but pretty rough ride. Glass definitely better for those size waves but even glass is rough in that. Great video and information.
Thanks a lot Mike for your added info. Very true!
I’ve fished on several boats and honestly I do not need a boat that goes 80mph. I’m more in that 45 to 50 mph range so for me, speed isn’t a necessity. I would much prefer a more stable platform with added safety features. What would you recommend?
Lol u dont need 80mph boats becuz those thing cost 300k to 1M lmao
Thats what I was thinking.
As a champion 203 owner I understand the ride issue. Had a buddy who owne a stratus and it scared me with how unstable it felt at 65mph. My champ at 70 is smooth as a Cadillac. Only thing holding my boat back is the crappy optimax on the back of it. Worst motor I have ever used. It's a constant battle keeping it running. I love the idea of a tin rig on the 20ft range but hard to beat a glass rig for the ride. And far as cost goes....I bought my 1998 champ 203 with a 1998 optimax 225, 2 898 birds, and the guys ENTIRE tackle setup for bass fishing all for 10,500. Everything's been perfect except the engine. It's never left me stranded but came dang close many times. My dream now is a repower with a proxs 250. With that I'll be set for many many years to come
good stuff
I’ve owned a tin boat and it’s solid on smaller lakes, but there are big disadvantages to stability and ride in big water. My next boat will be fiberglass and hopefully an Eyra.
Yeah I agree. Did you get the boat btw?
Gator Trax Strike Series will run with any glass boat , they are built with top of the line materials and workmanship.
Got me a 2014 17 ft bass tracker with 60 hp for 8k I’m happy with my aluminum
I prefer Fiberglass over Aluminum for stability. I’m 75 years old and I feel safer and more comfortable in a glass boat. I am in a tin boat now but I want to
get back into a glass boat pretty soon!!!
My fiberglass rigs are wonderful for stress free family fun. But I don't need a depth sounder on my tins and that is a whole different level of comfort lol.
All valid points, but where you primarily fish plays a big part in the choice. I fish a coastal river and marsh area 90% of the time and have run aluminum boats for about 40 years and Xpress X boats for the last 21 years, they work for me and that's what counts most.
Whats Xpress have over Crestliner in an alum Jon boat style with side console ?
@@SteveZ919 probably nothing if comparing Xpress jon boat style to a similar Crestliner. The Xpress advantage is in the hyper lift hull or pad hull over a mod v boat, then there is no comparison, much better and faster ride.
I've told this same thing to folks. My x18 pro does ok. But stack up close 5 footers having to get the bow up to the next wave can beat any boat and occupants to death. But I believe if I was trying to make a run on mead from Colliville Bay to overtone in 5 footers it would eventually stretch and crack the metal.
Brian. We kayak fish on hobie kayaks out of mead and want to cover more ground. With other toys can’t commit too much $$ to a boat. What would be your advice as to a step up from pedaling kayaks to fish more of mead? Thanks in advance.
I like the ranger 188p rides good
I really want a Lund Pro V bass 2075!
I went from a tin boat to a glass one last year. Fishing is a hobby for me and not an income so I went the used route and have no regrets. The glass boat is just more stable to fish from and handles much better.
came across your video as I am seeking advise.
I am 57, disabled and having back surgery.
I can no longer trek down to the banks like i used to.
soo wife said I could get another boat, however, she wants me to get one better than the jon boat I had.
I have an older truck, 2001 with 300,000 miles.
so which would be best to get.
I see used glass boats selling for $1,000 - $5000.
bass trackers like the one I your video sitting to the left, can be had for $1,500 for 92 model,
have seen 2008 sell for $4,500.
so which is easiest to launch/load by myselfand my old truck can tow with ease?
Creastliner CX 1860👍
I've had both. I prefer aluminum because I can afford to buy a decent one brand new. Buying fiberglass at a price I could afford has scarred me for life. Luckily I learned from my mistakes. As far as aluminum shifting funny while fishing...use a GOOD butt seat. I know the cool kids don't like a seat of any kind up front but I take pride in NOT being one of them. I bought a 2016 Tracker 175txw with 75 4-stroke brand new and have the title for it! It's cheap to operate and is a fishing machine with a pair of 7" Garmins and an Ultrex. Can't make myself pony up for Livescope even though the money is in the bank to get it with a 12" screen. I fish around 100 times a year and baby this boat. It's also been flawless since new with no "new boat hiccups". My home lake is 9000 acres and my tin rig takes good care of me. Hopefully it's the last boat I buy but probably not since I still hopefully have 30-40 good years left in me.
About the ride yes fiberglass in general is a better ride except for 1 aluminum bass boat Lund 2075 pro v bass by far the smoothest riding boat I’ve ever been in it takes 3 footers no problem. Of course it’s going to be a bit slower but the ride is amazing. Also it has fiberglass consoles and huge huge livewell I believe 32 or 39 gal
Lund makes the very best aluminum boat for rougher water. I couldn’t agree more
Need to check out the Gator Trax aluminum
You didn't mention the Ranger 188p and 198p both are aluminum and have glass consoles and a glass coinbox if you opt for it. They both have padded hulls they ride smoother than any other aluminum boat tbh cant even tell its aluminum. Sadly after 2020 they moved them to the Tracker plant so I'm guessing the quality may go down hill. I got mine when they were still made in the Ranger plant never have had any issues with it. Even hit a rock going slow and the only damage was scratches on the bottom.
Hey Andrew, I can understand where you're coming from regarding a tournament guy looking for a boat that can go all terrain - big water, big rivers, and small bodies... I can't imagine putting a 21' glass boat on some of the little bodies of water in the mountain states, but then again, I am not running for money with multiple screens and multiple scopes on the bow. I would love to buy one of your used boats if you want to bring it to Utah...there is a severe limitation to the selection out here, because there aren't the tournaments and circuit events out here. Thanks for the video.
Someday I'll own Bass Cat Pantera Classic with a flashed 200 Sho
Personally I like small aluminum john boats because of their portability and light and that's what I grew up with. A fully charged battery and trolling motor we'd fish all weekend. Setting bank poles and drop lines in rives creeks and small lakes. But we wasn't bass or crappie fishing either. We caught some sure but we fished for food and we followed the rules on size and limit. However now I want something bigger with a live well and at least 4 people. I'm older and have a family that wants to go too. I really want a nice fiber glass boat with all the electronic toys or tools. We used to cat fish but now I want to game fish some. And travel some of the larger lakes and bigger rivers. One thing you didn't talk about was the noise difference between the two. An aluminum boat makes a lot thumping noise in waves while a fiber glass boat will make a dull thud but it takes bigger waves to make noise too. Any small wave on the aluminum boat almost is like hitting with a rubber mallet. I don't know if it truly scares fish from the area or not but you can bet they know your there.
You are getting that hank Parker look with the stach but as always great content
Worse people to be compared to😂
Grew up in aluminum boats, took my first trip in a fiberglass boat when I was 62. Needless to say I was sold, there is no comparison in ride. I have a fiberglass boat, not new but nice.
Crestliner mx21 has a fiberglass console that and a 40 square foot front deck. I think that's the best boat out there right now. You can do everything on it.
Unfortunately, is overpriced for average
It comes down down to manufacturing methods. If you could shape an al hull like a glass hull, it'd ride exactly the same.
Running a Lund Renegade 18’. I’m unsure you researched some of what you said all that well…. Hit a stump with fiberglass and it rolls off? Yeah, check that hull for cracks just like I’ll need to check mine. Aluminum lids? Haven’t looked at Vexus or Lund yet? Plastic console? I haven’t looked that hard at mine but I’m gonna go with it being no. Too small a livewell? Got two, plus large one looked as divided as the basscat. Also got it used for 25k with a ultrex, two garmin echomap uhd’s and a 90 merc with warranty til 27. Ive had fiberglass, it was great. But it was time for something different.
Hey Andrew. Cool vid as usual. Have an important question. 11 year old boy. Loves loves to fish for bass and panfish. What is a good first time baitcaster combo to get him. I know enough but you obviously may have a great choice.
I would recommend a combo. Something like a Mach Smash or even a Mach 2. 7 foot medium heavy rod. I actually did a video on it on Lew’s CZcams channel. The video explains exactly how to adjust your reel too
@@AndrewUpshawFishing awesome man. Exactly why I asked you. Thank you 🙏
If going with a aluminum boat, gator trax strike series different breed of aluminum boat 😎😁 but that 60-80k vs 40-50k aluminum boats
Resale I have bought several glass boats new I take care of my boats and when I sold every single one I lost very little.i will say most of that is because the price has doubled or even tripled in last 20 years I don't know if that will be the case in the future it will cost you 200k if trend continues.it seems to me the tin boat market takes more of a hit when you go to sell them as far as towing cost do not see much of a difference in my truck but I agree tin boat can be towed even with 4 cylinder.ride no question glass I fish out of both boats they both get the job done but if I had to choose I would take glass every time
i live on the sabine river with a camp at toledo so i have both, champion and express
If I was going to talk about the bass cat I would have to also talk about the Xpres. Those are more around the same price range.
Alot of top of the top anglers are in aluminum now.
About plastic console in the Aluminum boats look at Gator Trax from Louisiana the console is welded aluminum like the rest of the boat its my favorite Aluminum boat
I’ve heard of those. I’ll have to check em out
I have a Triton TR186 and looking to replace it with a similar size boat. I am looking at the Ranger 188P Aluminum and Triton 179TxR. The price is essential the same, the Aluminum weighs more. I fish mostly small waters, speed limits, unpaved ramps, often electric only. I fished big tournaments when I was young but now I only fish club events. Some waters we fish like the Delaware River are monsters but the fishing is often challenging to get to back waters. I catch most of my fish shallow (John Cox got nothing on me). I’ve never owned an Aluminum Bass Boat but I would definitely take the boat that needed less water to launch and fish.
I would take a serious look at Xpress.. After owning an x18 pro now for 5 years I would have regretted getting any other aluminum rig.
@@brians.4488 thanks, I haven't bought anything yet and haven't been able to even look at an Xpress yet. I will before I buy!
The only advantages to a tin boat is cost & weight, that's it
I think you need to go for a ride in a Vexus aluminum. It rides more like a glass boat.
If the aluminum boat you are considering is a Lund Pro V Bass, then literally every single comment made in the video is incorrect except for the comment on speed. Probably very accurate video with regard to all other aluminum boats, I liked the video.
I like Aluminum but I fish small lakes I San Diego and out at the Colorado River. Any of the bigger lakes up north or Lake Mead I would want Fiberglass.
I can say this, I hardly burn any gas and I can tow it with my 6 cylinder Tacoma real easy.
Express has a good console even the last gen was good
I have an aluminum bay boat with an 8 x 9 ft front deck. Love the easy to no clean up at the end of the day. Also wide equals stability while moving around the boat!
I have a 17 ft aluminum bass boat. Its gets blown around in higher winds.
What’s best aluminum bass boat. Your opinions thanks
I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the Lund
love the video but missing a lot of other aspects to compare - appreciate your time and effort so please dont take as criticism.
this is such an apples and oranges comparison - but both indeed are holes in the water !!!
The brand new xpress x21pro is not good for rough water?
I haven’t been in that particular model, so I can’t speak to it.
12:15 Jacob Wheeler’s lower unit has entered the chat lol.
I have a fiberglass bass boat but would prefer an aluminum boat due to river fishing and what not
I ONLY sacalait and bluegill fish. Thinking about getting a new aluminum boat and selling my old 92 Sprint w/Jhonson 150. South Louisiana fisherman
Xpress has a fiberglass console..👍
I've been running an aluminum for the last 3 years now and I've had the opportunity to ride on/ fish on and work on fiberglass rigs. The advantage to an aluminum outside of its stability and change of direction in winds is tremendous over fiberglass. I also recently upgraded boats from a 2020 Bass Tracker Classic XL to a 2024 Lowe Stinger 178. Prior to that I was eyeballing a lot of fiberglass rigs when I was in the market and ultimately stuck with aluminum in the end.
I feel the need to to say that not every aluminum brand is created equal by ANY means whatsoever. I love my new rig. I dont just say that because I'm still making payments for it and feel like I'm forced to say so either. While it is aluminum, yes, it has all the speed, fishability, and stability that most fiberglass rigs do. All this while still retaining the shallow draft abilities that aluminum rigs are capable of. To me, I couldn't have asked for a more ideal package. It tows like a dream as well on its single axle trailer too.
If Storage and towing capacity are an issue for you then aluminum has an advantage imo.
What about fuel capacity/range?.Are aluminum boats comparable?
Not really comparable for range, especially at full throttle
One thing you didn't mention is that aluminum boats are affected a lot more by the wind. You're going to be on the trolling motor a lot more on windy days and some days you might as well stay home. I catch hell at Toledo Bend if there's a stiff wind (riding and trolling). I bought my aluminum boat because I fish a lot of shallow, stump filled bayous here in South Louisiana. 3 years and no dents
Aluminum! Cause I've never been in glass😂. But hope too
You will like it
My Polar Kraft has a fiberglass console