Thoughts on new aluminum boats

I know this has probably been hashed out a million times but I'm wondering about opinions about aluminum boat brands. I'm thinking about a 17ft and have looked at Crestliner and will probably look at a Lowe in the next week or two. They seem like about the same boat and I've been told their made at the same factory. Any thoughts or advice about these two brands or any other suggestions? I'm also planning on checking out a Ranger aluminum as well. Certainly a higher price point but those Rangers are good looking rides.

SeaArk and WarEagle are two of the better made aluminum boats

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Depends on whether you want a deep v or flat bottom bass boat design. Brunswick Boat Group owns a bunch of boat companies but that doesn't make them equal. Most are still very much different and have different floor plans and company reputations.

I'd look at Xpress as well. I love the idea of having an aluminum trailer.

First thing you need to do is find 2-3 boats you think you like. Find them and crawl around in them. Check amount of storage. Ease of getting to batteries. Where is fuel tank. Check fit and finish. Look at lids for compartments. Are they rigid or reinforced. Do they appear to seal properly ( which on most any brand of aluminum ) is suspect at best. How much walk around room after tackle bag, minnow bucket, cooler. I like the width of the front deck on Lowe but deck is flimsy to be mounting anything to and no access under deck. Look closely at the Crestliner, made real similar to the ranger. And much lower price point. Second G's opinion on SeaArc and Wareagle for being well built very tough boats.

Hello: Check out Alumacraft boats. Ranger Aluminum boats have a serious problem with welds breaking. I know a guy that bought a new Ranger Aluminum boat 2 years ago. Had it replaced under warranty because of the stern welds cracking. Replacement boat also has welds. cracking. Good Luck . O - R

Xpress ! The original allweld aluminum boat.

Have an '04 G3, that I'm thrilled with. My only complaint is they could have used a heavier gauge metal for the floor of the cockpit.
Look the trailers over good also. I never hear anyone mention that. After all, that's what gets you to the lake and back. Have superlube hubs on mine and I love them.

I own three alumacraft boats if that makes any difference.

I looked at them all before each purchase. Lund, G3, Starcraft, Ranger... In the end, I purchased an alumacraft in all three instances. Tons of reasons but, once you look at one and start comparing it to other boat manufacturers on the market, you will make up your own mind. Everyone owns "the best". You never hear someone say "my boat is a piece of crap"!!!

As for the ranger aluminum lineup. Here is a little "inside information" on that one.

When the boat market started to tank, large holdings companies purchased several boat manufacturers. Ranger was one of those companies purchased by REC boat holdings. They owned several companies including BRP (evinrude), glastron, scarab, gruman, the list goes on and on.

About 8 months prior to REC anouncing that they have sold Ranger/Stratus/Triton to Johnnie Morris (NOT Bass Pro) they introduced their aluminum lineup. The writing "SHOULD" have been on the wall at that time but not many people really caught on to it. Looking at one of those boats they were cheaply built, the fit and finish wasn't good, and they were not in any way superior to any boat on the market. A vast cry from their fiberglass counterparts. Many people said "Why in the world are they trying to get in to this market".

IF you looked close at the boat, you would have seen EXACTLY what it was!!! Fast forward 8 months, the company is sold and instantly you understood "where" the boat actually came from. Ranger did not start an aluminum lineup. It was a conglomeration with TRACKER! Yes, you heard that right. Prior to the deal going through, Ranger was already working with the Tracker lineup (owned by Johnnie). There was no way they were going to build an entirely knew shop to build aluminum boats while being owned by a holdings company that has no desire to pump money in to them. They thought they would capitalize on the name "Ranger" with an aluminum boat purchaser. Unfortunatley, it backfired as many people took one look at it and said the same thing: Expensive rebranded Tracker boat.

I have nothing against Tracker. Many people own and love them. Understand that I live in the deep V world. In the deep V market, Tracker is the lowest boat on the totum pole and many people consider them to be entry level boats built and sold cheaply with sub par materials, design, and makeup.

How do I know all of this? My sister works for the vice president of REC boat holdings!

Thanks for the advice. Definitely appreciate it. What are yalls thoughts on welded vs riveted boats?

Had em both. My Lund is almost 10 years old and has never leaked a drop. Go with a good boat - cheap boats rivets come loose and welds break.

I am a Deep-V aluminum boat guy myself. I prefer rivets to welds.
As for boat manufactures, I prefer top of the line stuff for longevity. If you consider a boat disposable or your going to trade it in in a couple years, go with a cheaper model. Realize well built boats hold resale value, cheap boats don't.

Boat choice is really personal preference. YOU need to define your requirements! Flat bottom, semi-v, deep-v, bass, etc. They all have their place and type of water they excel on. Where will YOU be fishing mostly? North, South, East, West, Rivers, In-Land lakes, Great Lakes, Canadian Shield, etc. What species will you fish for most of the time? What power requirements, main motor, kicker motor, bow mounted trolling motor, transom mounted trolling motor, tiller, etc.
What method of fishing will you predominantly utilize? Trolling, slip bobber, spider rigging, back trolling, jigging, combination, etc.

What boat you should get depends on how YOU answer those questions. You won't be happy in a 14' jon boat on the ocean. Nor will you be happy with a 21' deep-v fishing machine in a farm pond.

Rivets can come loose, welds can break. Some like the look of one over the other. As stated above, go with a quality boat and you'll be fine.
I think it really boils down to what YOU want/like.

Aluminum boats have come a long way,but there is always room for improvement.I have had a collection of jons ,1 basstracker, now have a 18 ft Landau jon ,and a 19 ft Skeeter aluminum.Each has had it's merits and shortcomings.
For aluminum the Skeeter a is fairly heavy ,step hulled,and fairly overpowered with a 150 VMax.Not real great in rough water but shines under favorable conditions.When slow trolling I seriously envy the heavier fiberglass boats that set near motionless in place trolling.What kind of fishing do you do?
You have already been given solid recommendations , most of which I agree with.As a current and past aluminum boat owner I would encourage you to take your time shopping,and examining the field.Also I would suggest examining glass boats.Don't limit yourself,be open-minded.Get a boat you will be happy with.

Have you looked at the Excel boats ? i have a stalker side console in 18' by 60'' bottom . Heavy built all welded hull . I have the spray in liner , easier to clean than carpet . Stable ride too .

Never had a boat I didn't like. Never saw a boat I didn't like. I just like some less than others. I had a War Eagle I really liked.

Having had some really cheap riveted boats over the years, I have to agree that quality is foremost when buying one of these. I bought a 16' Lund that was 25 years old when I bought it and it never leaked a drop and lived outside uncovered. Best aluminum boat I ever owned as far as construction is concerned. I had a 16' Sea Nymph stick steer and loosened 12 rivets one night hitting rough waves, but loved the style of that boat. If the two had been combined in the same rig, I would still own it. Overall I see less issues with the welded boats than riveted. I'm in a glas boat now for several reasons and still look for a basic 16' jon with a 25hp that has my name on it.

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Originally Posted by Slabprowler

Xpress ! The original allweld aluminum boat.

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I would like more information on the express HP18 pfc.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by chulai1968

I would like more information on the express HP18 pfc.

Thanks

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Check with Bill at Bigriver Marine

Ok,
thanks

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I have a 2006 triton v197 magnum tough boat made rugged heavy gauge aluminum.

Have Xpress 18' pfc. Good stable ride and sits well in choppy water. I most usually spider-rig pushing jigs and sometimes pull cranks. Couple minor issues both are with the live well = front an rear live wells run at same time and the drain plug openings are designed poorly (to small). I've owned two Tracker boats in the past, one I purchased new and the Xpress is by far a much better quality boat. If I was going to buy another boat, based on my experiences and research I'd go with Xpress again.

I have owned both Aluminum Bass Trackers, Fiberglass Ranger, and now an Alumacraft 165 Prowler. If there is one piece of advice I could give, buying a boat with no carpet was the smartest move for me. It is so much easier to clean,a hose, scrub bush, bucket of soap, pull the plug and done!!! I downsized for various reasons, the draft on the boat is fabulous so it is extremely easy to get it in and out of shallow water which I need because it is on a Army Corp Lake where the water drops significantly. The boat stays on a lift most of the year, it is easy to handle for my wife when she goes out, perfect for my Crappie set up. I have no regrets buying the Alumacraft. I guess it is like an auto everyone has their opinions and I respect their reasons why.

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Originally Posted by CCcrappiejohn

Have Xpress 18' pfc. Good stable ride and sits well in choppy water. I most usually spider-rig pushing jigs and sometimes pull cranks. Couple minor issues both are with the live well = front an rear live wells run at same time and the drain plug openings are designed poorly (to small). I've owned two Tracker boats in the past, one I purchased new and the Xpress is by far a much better quality boat. If I was going to buy another boat, based on my experiences and research I'd go with Xpress again.

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Thanks, this is the type of information I was hoping for. I saw a used one at Southaven Marine (pfc 18', 115 yam) looks good.

Lowe boat are good also!!! Check the weight of the complete rig loaded and make sure you have enough of a tow vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a glass boat and I'm pretty happy with it overall.
But I really believe most boats are built to have more eye appeal than function.
I still own an old 12' late 60s Grumman riveted boat that dosent leak.
If I were to buy a new boat id be seriously looking at small shop custom built ones.
And id be very fussy about how things like the wiring for example was installed.

Think about what yobuck said. Do have any diy skills? If so, get the hull that you want (used to save money) and build it to your specifications. You can find old hulls pretty cheap. Storage and rod locker doors can be sized exactly how you want, their layout, and which direction they open also.
It's easier than one thinks. I added storage and rod locker with common tools. Drill, rivet gun, etc. IE: Rod locker door opens in, instead of out. That way I won't accidentally throw a rod out of the boat.
I went to a local weld / fabrication shop, and was pleasantly surprised at the prices for materials. Had them form the lids for me also.

Your correct that the Lowe and Crestliner boats are built in same plant - very similar designed boats. I have owned several Lowe boats and never had any major problems but you need to check out the Ranger boats. I sold and ran those boats on the water for several years - no comparison in the boats. Not sure what models your looking at but there is a big difference in beam width on some boats you have metioned. The Ranger boats don't sound like an alum boat when running on plain - they have a lot of injected foam from front to back. The Ranger is a very stable fishing platform and has a tremendous hole shot. Feel free to contact me with any questions - I am not an expert just spend a lot of time on the water running boats