Posts: 199
Location: Sandusky, OH | Differences in hull material can be huge factors in boat performance in big water. Aluminum is welded or riveted. These seams between plates of material can be a major weakness; the seams take a huge amount of stress during impacts (such as wave-induced re-entry); over time this can lead to cracks in welds or popped rivets. Because glass is molded in one piece (mostly), these seam weaknesses are not present. This also allows the hull to flex slightly, and leads to the impression of a smoother ride. The hull flex also leads to gel coat cracks, which is only cosmetic, but frustrating non the less (especially when you spend big bucks on a boat). If your friend is going to be fishing big, open water, I think fiberglass has a clear advantage; if he fishes areas where his concern is striking rocks, reefs, or large debris (which I gleaned from his talk about impact strength), he may feel more comfortable with aluminum. I could go on and on with the topic of what makes a good 'big water' boat, as could others I'm sure. And this topic can get very heated, so I'll close with the statement that this is only my opinion, and I respect other folks right to disagree.
PM me if you want to chat more about this.
Eric
PS: I work and play on the western basin of Lake Erie, and use both fiberglass and aluminum boats. |
