Quote Originally Posted by tcounty View Post
I don’t think you’re going to like going from fiberglass to aluminum.


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I agree with this. I can tell you from personal experience that the benefits of the aluminum DO NOT outweigh the drawbacks of fiberglass, IMHO. In recent years, I sold my GO-FAST, fiberglass gas guzzler (to help finance a never-ending building project) and lucked up and got a deal on a 18' aluminum w/ 75HP.

While I don't much care about speed anymore, I've had a ROUGH time getting used to the lightweight aluminum. Maybe its cuz this is my first aluminum. Maybe. While I like the economy/durability of the aluminum, I just cannot get used to the instability and poor handling in rough water. Livewells are too small. Not enough dash space. Not enough storage. Etc. I grew up with 18-21' bass boats and I guess they are just what I'm used to.

I am, myself, 100% against going into debt over a boat (worst depreciation known to man), but if I were, I'd go into the least amount of debt possible. If I were in your shoes (and if I still was happy with my 201 glass hull [which were VERY good boats], was at least somewhat handy with tools, and had at least some time to dedicate to the work), I'd fix that floor/carpet yourself (takes some research/time/materials, but not too difficult...I've done 6 or 8 myself for WAYYY less than what you have listed) and be on the lookout for a good, used 200 Optimax (2004 or later), ETEC or 4 stroke.

Is the transom on your 201 still strong?
Value doesn't matter when you're happy, don't care about selling and there's no debt tied to it

If it means anything, I'm getting ready to peddle my aluminum and going back to a fiberglass.

...just my $0.02, take it for what it's worth