Posts: 32959
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Ranger marketed an aluminum boat in the past, and they are about to again. Prototypes are in process, and the new Ranger aluminum boat factory is getting refitted as we speak. Well designed and built aluminum outsells glass still, and in big numbers. Expect a couple of aluminum bass style boats, and several models of the more traditional crossover camo/OD style boats first.
There are several aluminum boats I'd buy in a second. I really like the new Lund Pro V models, and have fished 'em. Nice rides, great boat control, and all the amenities you can ask for.
If you decide to refurb an older glass boat, check out the many threads onsite from folks who have undertaken a project from that of Sled's experience to a complete rebuild, either glass or aluminum.
And keep in mind what folks recommend from a personal perspective is usually what they are running now; has to do with a bunch of factors that skew opinion, and may not reflect an accurate answer to your question.
I spent the summer in an X170T which is a common sense, no frills 17' tiller powered hull. I love the boat, and it's paid for. That said, my new ride is in the driveway; just picked it up. I bet I'll like that rig too. Which is 'better'? Depends on what I want to do that day. If I posted the pictures ad asked everyone here, I bet the new ride would win a poll handily. Yet the two will probably get used equally until ice this fall.
The average 690 or Fish Hunter is selling with a 13 year old motor or older for $15K. If the motor is solid, that's a reasonably good deal not because the rig is worth that when compared to newer models available from all builders in the used market, but because the interior suits muskie guys. Repower, and you will get nothing to just over nothing for your old motor, and pay over 10K for the new. Add new electronics and trolling motor, and drop another $2K. So conservatively, you are going to have $25K in the rig and the boat and trailer will be 13 to 20 years old. Sorta like restoring a classic car or truck, and perfectly sensible if that's your goal. Keith has $4500 in his 1985 18' Tuffy. It's cool, it fishes like a dream, and will last him a VERY long time. But the lake we fished last night caused us both to select the X170T for the evening.
He also has a 14' aluminum john boat he retrofitted to match his style of fishing,buying much of the gear from the Buy/Sell?Trade board here at GREAT prices. The trailer is ancient, but he fixed it up with new tires and bearings and rollers and lights; we'd have no issues taking it on a several hundred mile trip at all. |
