The old question…glass vs. aluminum…

Hi all.

Toying with the idea of a new, to me, boat. I have an 1860 flat that I will be keeping for skinny water. I sold my Sea Ray this spring. Mississippi river would be our home waters but it would be nice to go on larger lakes with the boat. More fish and a little ski. Sandbar fun on weekends as well. Looking for multi-species boat. I am also not picky whether it is a Ford or Chevy.

Under $20K is plan. Looking at Ranger Angler or Reata, Skeeter WX series, and Lund. A friend also has a Crestliner Raptor 1850 TE that could come into the mix. These are just a few I am looking at but am open to anything. With my price point it seems to look like aluminum is more realistic. The good thing for me is I am patient and don’t need another boat. My plan is to pick something up this fall/winter…sooner if there is a deal to be had.

I am sure this has been discussed on here numerous times. Just looking for some feedback to help me over the hump. Do I buy a little older glass boat or newer aluminum? If you know of a link, please post it.

Thanks…Ted

Yep, the old Ford or Chevy Question.

I’ve had both, and as I got older and was able to ride in many different circumtances in the Glass, the aluminum days were over for me.
There’s nothing wrong with aluminum, and to be honnest is easier to take care of (or maybe lack of being as the glass boats are so damn nice looking I always now put exctra effort into cleaning …and it pays).

A Glass boat isn’t something you want to take to Canada or a rainy lake and pull up to the rocky shorelines (that I still misss every now and again).

Glass is going to give you a much better ride in all conditions (IMHO)

Glass, in most cases is more $’s.

I have a Ranger 620 and wouldn’t trade it for anything on the market, but they are all good. All about $’s and weighing out each individuals needs.

Guess that’s my $.02

What about plastic. I’m looking at getting a Triumph next. Near zero maintinence and virtually indestructible. Or so I’ve heard.

http://www.triumphboats.com/

When I was boat shopping I had the exact same needs in mind. I ended up getting a 2009 Ranger 1750 Reata and couldn’t be happier with the purchase. I found some deals on the 2008 models, but they were only rated for up to 130 hp so I held out for the ’09 with the Yamaha F150. Whether it’s bass in the slop, trolling kings on Lake Michigan, or a long river cruise with the family, I can honestly say that it’s the perfect boat for my needs.

I hear it called the Chevy vs Ford discussion but IMO I think it has nothing to do with brand.

It’s more of a truck vs a SUV discussion. For example I would never own a large SUV for a number of reasons. It has nothing do with brand and everything to with functionality each individual needs or wants.

Just like an aluminum or glass hull. They both excel in certain situations depending a number of things: type of fishing, size of the water you fish, price, type of landings and so on. I think if you ask yourself these questions you’ll answer your own question.

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Yep, the old Ford or Chevy Question.

I’ve had both, and as I got older and was able to ride in many different circumtances in the Glass, the aluminum days were over for me.
There’s nothing wrong with aluminum, and to be honnest is easier to take care of (or maybe lack of being as the glass boats are so damn nice looking I always now put exctra effort into cleaning …and it pays).

A Glass boat isn’t something you want to take to Canada or a rainy lake and pull up to the rocky shorelines (that I still misss every now and again).

Glass is going to give you a much better ride in all conditions (IMHO)

Glass, in most cases is more $’s.

I have a Ranger 620 and wouldn’t trade it for anything on the market, but they are all good. All about $’s and weighing out each individuals needs.

Guess that’s my $.02

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