Ive owned several of both kinds over the last 40 years. I always go back to fiberglass for the room and the ride. Not to mention the stability while standing on the casting deck.
All you bass nuts should really look into a flats type boat. I own a Ranger and a Piranha. The driving and speed def. go to the Ranger but the skiff fishes better. I look pretty funny at Chickamauga in my guide green Piranha standing up on my front platform but man it floats in 4” and I can run for a month on what one weekend in gas and oil cost for a day.
One last thing. Generally speaking the trailers under an aluminum rig are usually not up to par with nice fiberglass boat trailers. I believe they weren't meant to tour the country
@@brians.4488 I don't find that to be the case with my trailer, I've got a tandem axle trailer. It's pretty rugged for towing my 21-ft aluminum. I put a tremendous amount of miles on my trailer and boat hauling it all over the place to fish and I've never had a problem.
All valid points, but where you primarily fish plays a big part in the choice. I fish a coastal river and marsh area 90% of the time and have run aluminum boats for about 40 years and Xpress X boats for the last 21 years, they work for me and that's what counts most.
@@SteveZ919 probably nothing if comparing Xpress jon boat style to a similar Crestliner. The Xpress advantage is in the hyper lift hull or pad hull over a mod v boat, then there is no comparison, much better and faster ride.
I prefer Fiberglass over Aluminum for stability. I’m 75 years old and I feel safer and more comfortable in a glass boat. I am in a tin boat now but I want to get back into a glass boat pretty soon!!!
My fiberglass rigs are wonderful for stress free family fun. But I don't need a depth sounder on my tins and that is a whole different level of comfort lol.
I've had both. I prefer aluminum because I can afford to buy a decent one brand new. Buying fiberglass at a price I could afford has scarred me for life. Luckily I learned from my mistakes. As far as aluminum shifting funny while fishing...use a GOOD butt seat. I know the cool kids don't like a seat of any kind up front but I take pride in NOT being one of them. I bought a 2016 Tracker 175txw with 75 4-stroke brand new and have the title for it! It's cheap to operate and is a fishing machine with a pair of 7" Garmins and an Ultrex. Can't make myself pony up for Livescope even though the money is in the bank to get it with a 12" screen. I fish around 100 times a year and baby this boat. It's also been flawless since new with no "new boat hiccups". My home lake is 9000 acres and my tin rig takes good care of me. Hopefully it's the last boat I buy but probably not since I still hopefully have 30-40 good years left in me.
Big water and speed fiberglass for sure but I can pull my vexus 1980 with just about any vehicle don't have to have a F350 and fuel mileage in the boat itself with merc 150 four stroke is 3 to 4 times my buddies with the 250's but only runs 54 mph. But the interior is as good as most glass boats and it was half the price.
I went from a tin boat to a glass one last year. Fishing is a hobby for me and not an income so I went the used route and have no regrets. The glass boat is just more stable to fish from and handles much better.
I have a Ranger 198 p aluminum and I love it but I want that new Basscat bobcat, I can’t stop thinking about it. Basscat is the best fiberglass boat hands down IMHO.
I find it funny because I am the opposite about used boats. Aluminum boat all day used, leaks are easy to fix and are far in between. Fiberglass, if there is a crack in the gel coat/poor storage the fiber will swell, the wood can rot. I have fished out of Aluminum boats abused and 50+ years old and still work a treat. That said I was also raised by someone who worked summers in a fiberglass boat factory and he had a huge bias against them because of it. Personally my 16 foot aluminum Jon is my shallow, river, spring and fall boat. But ideally I would love a nice fiberglass centre console for the deeper water/hot summer and rough lake days!
Have you been in many of the newer model larger aluminums? Xpress, Vexus, etc? They still can’t compare to fiberglass but rougher water ride is improving on the higher end tins.
I don't know but I love fishing, especially alot of towing to different lake here in Texas and I prefer aluminum deep V, Handle big lake like Lewisville and texahoma lake with ease on my 16ft lowe fm165 deep V. Handle rough wave nicely and best part won't worry that much of these shallow water area messing up the hull. Just my opinion
Enjoyed this video. I'll be purchasing a bass boat next year and looking for pro and cons on each type of boat and this video helped me out alot. So far it looks like I might be purchasing an aluminum boat based on my location. Great video. I will say, I've haven't seen any of the $50k used boats. Seems like used prices are shy of new price boats.
👊👍 Andrew, this was a great video topic. Im saving to buy my first bass boat. I was leaning towards buying an aluminum boat like Xpress or Vexus boat. But now you have me thinking of trying to find a good used fiberglass boat. If im not wrong, i think Vexus has some type of hybrid that is fiberglass and aluminum. Do you know anything about this hybrid style boat or Vexus boats? Thanks again, this was great video for us fisherman looking to buy a boat. You couldve made this video 30 min and I would've been glues to the video to hear your perspective on the boats. Thanks Andrew.
If the aluminum boat you are considering is a Lund Pro V Bass, then literally every single comment made in the video is incorrect except for the comment on speed. Probably very accurate video with regard to all other aluminum boats, I liked the video.
Grew up in aluminum boats, took my first trip in a fiberglass boat when I was 62. Needless to say I was sold, there is no comparison in ride. I have a fiberglass boat, not new but nice.
I’m hoping to pick up an avid 23 fs in the spring. I fish mostly river with like 4 or 5 weeks of offshore fishing. I just can’t afford the weight or cost of a fiberglass boat. Currently in a 16’ fiberglass fish and ski. It’s just sketchy in big water.
About the ride yes fiberglass in general is a better ride except for 1 aluminum bass boat Lund 2075 pro v bass by far the smoothest riding boat I’ve ever been in it takes 3 footers no problem. Of course it’s going to be a bit slower but the ride is amazing. Also it has fiberglass consoles and huge huge livewell I believe 32 or 39 gal
Andrew have you ever fished the Upper Chesapeake bay if so, would you highly recommend a fiberglass over aluminum. Or that fishery it’s not a big separation?
Andrew, do you have buyers lined up every year for your boat? I’d be interested in talking to you about buying one of your eryas’ in next few years. I’m just west of Beaumont
About plastic console in the Aluminum boats look at Gator Trax from Louisiana the console is welded aluminum like the rest of the boat its my favorite Aluminum boat
I have an aluminum bay boat with an 8 x 9 ft front deck. Love the easy to no clean up at the end of the day. Also wide equals stability while moving around the boat!
Hey Andrew. Cool vid as usual. Have an important question. 11 year old boy. Loves loves to fish for bass and panfish. What is a good first time baitcaster combo to get him. I know enough but you obviously may have a great choice.
I would recommend a combo. Something like a Mach Smash or even a Mach 2. 7 foot medium heavy rod. I actually did a video on it on Lew’s UA-cam channel. The video explains exactly how to adjust your reel too
I see your test boat was a Lowe, i have nothing against Lowe but to compare a Lowe to a BassCat for a aluminum vs fiberglass is unreasonable. Now if you want a more comparative match, make the aluminum boat an AVID, Vexus or Gator. While these boats are lighter the hull and exterior engineering and structure is much more advanced. I would challenge anyone to compare the ride of one of these models vs Bass Cat. On all levels, ride, fish ability, speed, fuel efficiency and most importantly initial cost
So here’s my question why does just about every single “Pro” get a new boat every year? Is it a sponsor deal or a need? Cause if you aren’t getting a new truck every year then why a boat if it’s just getting broke in???
Pros eventually get to the point where they are offered a new boat at a massively discounted cost. So they can sell their old boat, buy a new one, and still make a profit.
Perfect world is having both. Had tin and fiberglass to have option of type of fishing. Tins are way tippy over fiberglass. Found the tin always setting left behind in garage so sold the tin. I do miss it but fiberglass is the way for me..🤷♂️
also aluminum boat can take an insane beating(especially welded boats) you bump off a rock going slow who cares you might have a ding. boat cracking? nope dented
Has dude even looked at the new tin boats? Vexus, AVID, Ranger, Crestliner all have fiberglass consoles. Vexus has all fiberglass inside the boat everywhere-nicer than a nitro with removable plastic compartments. Dude doesn’t even know what he’s talking about. He’s comparing a Bass Cat to a tracker or Jon boat.
I have been in a Ranger Aluminum, Crestliner, Lowe, among others. I haven’t been in the new Vexus or Avid, but I have heard great things about them. Thanks for putting me down though, you definitely are a nice guy👍
@@AndrewUpshawFishing the internet streets are rough my man. I apologize. But to my point, a BassCat and a tracker aren’t the same category of boat. Comparing a Vexus/Avid/Xpress to a BassCat would be fair.
I don’t disagree with you at all actually. It’s not the same type of comparison. Got to remember this video was posted in 2021. Just in the last few years quite a few big improvements have been made to aluminum boats, but I still have to say, a fiberglass is better. Maybe not a Nitro, but you get my point. At least for what I do day in and day out.
I downsized to an aluminum boat back in 2017 and honestly I couldn’t be happier. I got the cheap of the cheap. Tracker Pro 170 with a 40 Mercury and the vinyl floor. Now I did up grade the trolling Motor to a 24v 80lb system as well as HDS touch electronics, and a power pole. I’m a shallow water guy myself and I only fish off shore when it’s a blue bird day because the wind is better for my style. I do fish tournaments in the boat and do well (I have one coming up this weekend). But I’m SSLLOOWWWW.. so it make me fish a little different than others. Not necessarily a bad thing at times because I really pick apart an area before I make a run but I do still make long runs if need be. The best part other than I can fish ultra shallow is I get fuel about every 6-7 trips! For me it suits my style of fishing where my last glass boat I was not willing to damage the boat to get in the spots I fish. I’m going to run this until it dies and for the price I’ve already got my money out of it! It’s on the lake 52 weeks a year! Plus there is nothing better than bringing a SACK in when a lot of the 100k boats either zeroed or didn’t get a limit. With that said if I were to do it professionally it would have to be an Xpress 21’. But I’m no pro.
I’ve fished on several boats and honestly I do not need a boat that goes 80mph. I’m more in that 45 to 50 mph range so for me, speed isn’t a necessity. I would much prefer a more stable platform with added safety features. What would you recommend?
Fiberglass is definitely the winner when it comes to rougher water imo- no question. But- I think the deciding factor for almost every boat owner I know is price. Especially that first boat when you're young and just trying to get yourself out on the water. You point out that you can buy a used fiberglass boat for around 30-50 grand- decked out. But, you can buy a used aluminum not decked out for like 4-6 grand. This is much more doable for the vast majority of anglers- once you're talking 30-50 Gs- to them (myself included) you may as well be talking 100 Gs- cause it's just as out of reach for us.
I don't disagree but would like to point out that the deep v boats the guys in the north fish on the great lakes, the big lakes in Canada etc. are all aluminum and are built to handle big waves as well.
@@jeffk464 Nah- they do fine as far that goes- but it gets hard to stand close to the edge and not fall off and, if you're running at speed in it, you need to know what you're doing. But I've never seen a bass boat sink due to chop.
@@jeffk464 They won't. Modern bass boats can handle chop surprisingly well. If it's really rough you might get wet, but you won't sink. The Coast Guard requires a lot of flotation foam built into the boats, so you won't sink the boat even if you fully swamp it. You'd be hard-pressed to sink a newer bass boat unless you crash into something solid.
Everyone says this, but what is the reason? Is fiberglass just so much heavier that the chip is less noticeable? Or is it that many people are comparing apples to oranges with flat bottom alu to v hull glass? As others have pointed out there are some of the toughest conditions in the Nw where aluminum boats are far more popular.
I've had both. I prefer the tin boat b/c it's about 500 lbs lighter so easier to tow and if you're going to keep the fiberglass boat for a period of time you're going to have to re-gel coat at some point which was not cheap.
Not completely true if you have kept the boat maintained well the gel coating will last a long time. I bought a 2001 ranger and it’s still looking like new, very shiny
I ran Ranger Boats for years and nothing compares to ride and stability of a big glass boat. Since moving to central Florida I’ve gone aluminum. Cost of towing and running is much less plus they now provide a much more stable platform than before. I can go places guys in glass boats can’t or are afraid to go. It’s not as glamorous or turn heads like the 100k glass boat but it fits my style and pocketbook
On some of your points about aluminum boat weaknesses, it makes me wonder if you’ve spent any time in a Lund PVB. It has amazing storage, the lids are rock solid, and it rides really well for an aluminum. I do give you that any glass boat will ride better. While the Lund is on the higher end of tin boats in terms of cost, I still saved probably $20K plus over the cost of a comparable glass boat.
I have a 17 ft. Commercial Weld-Craft. It doesn't flex. I'm confused with what you are talking about. I guess you are talking about cheeper reinforced aluminum. The 26 foot Weld Craft is $270,000. The program before this showed a Coast Guard aluminum 28 ft. Rescue a 21 ft. Fiberglass that sank. My weld craft is unsinkable welded pockets. Please give me a thought on my boat. Thank you.
Thanks Andrew, you missed the cost of towing, from one side of the country to the another, one of them is going to be a lot more expensive on fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle. Your experienced thoughts.
Good video. You make great points. I like some of the aspects of express, but they are priced at similar levels as higher end glass boats. Also, seems like glass boats have fewer issues with water in compartments.
Kayak angler here that is wanting to look into getting a boat mostly because my son is getting old enough to go fishing with me. Great video. Thanks bro.
I came from an 17.5 aluminum boat that l had for 20yrs. And l just got a 18.5 fiberglass boat. I miss the shallow draft of the aluminum but dont miss how light it is in windy conditions. I am still learning how to drive the fiberglass boat. So far l feel like fiberglass is a rougher ride in rough water. Also dont miss how wet the compartmemts get in a aluminum boat when it rains. This new fiberglass keeps everything dry. The first 2 months l had the fiberglass boat l had to fish in the rain and tow it. The compartments never got wet. I agree there are good and with each. You have to decide what you can deal with. Good video!
It really depends on hull design when you talk about hull material. Look at Lowe and Crestliner or the big aluminum boats they use up in cold water off the pacific northwest and Alaska. The express and Lowe bassboats just do not have the design angles for running rough water because of their draft.
For me there are many variables to buying a boat be it tin or glass. I have no experience with glass boats my current boat is only my second boat i have ever owned but have driven plenty of other boats just no fiberglass. So for me it isnt just about fishing as i like the dual purpose boat for my needs as i am a fisheman and a duck hunter so for me tin for the win. I found a crazy deal last month from a friend of a friend that was perfect for my needs it does lack storage but it can be improved with some tiny upgrades. And for the fishing area we usually get into creek inlets to lakes with stumps and price for used boat 2500 to 6 grand for a nice boat.
You didn't mention the Ranger 188p and 198p both are aluminum and have glass consoles and a glass coinbox if you opt for it. They both have padded hulls they ride smoother than any other aluminum boat tbh cant even tell its aluminum. Sadly after 2020 they moved them to the Tracker plant so I'm guessing the quality may go down hill. I got mine when they were still made in the Ranger plant never have had any issues with it. Even hit a rock going slow and the only damage was scratches on the bottom.
I run a Vexus AVX1880 the console, boxes and live well are fiberglass infused so it has nice solid feel to things. the wheel is rock solid etc. The ride is pretty good even in choppy conditions I don't often fish on huge lakes and have no problems even on windy days at my local lakes. It slides right off stumps and rocks being aluminum its tough as nails and floats in inches Go fishing for days on 1 tank of fuel and pull it with a v6 pickup no problems.
was on a river where the wind was blowing against the current. not crazy rough but waves stacked close together. I hear what sounded like a file cabinet coming down the river at about 30...this thing was beating the occupants to death. Very surprised it was a Vexus. No alum can absorb the slap whether running or fishing. Nothing worse than how your knees feel after fishing a day in rough water in an aluminum
The science behind your opinion I find rather accurate I’m gonna have to agree with you I’m just about everything you’ve said in this video!! Keep up the good work!!!
Glass vs aluminum, they both have there place. Look at gator Trax. They seemed to have bridged the gap in the strike series. But the price is comparable to glass
I have owned and used both types. You are wrong. It just depends on the boat, how it will handle, the quality, etc. You left out one big disadvantage for fiberglass boats, SPIDER cracks.
As a champion 203 owner I understand the ride issue. Had a buddy who owne a stratus and it scared me with how unstable it felt at 65mph. My champ at 70 is smooth as a Cadillac. Only thing holding my boat back is the crappy optimax on the back of it. Worst motor I have ever used. It's a constant battle keeping it running. I love the idea of a tin rig on the 20ft range but hard to beat a glass rig for the ride. And far as cost goes....I bought my 1998 champ 203 with a 1998 optimax 225, 2 898 birds, and the guys ENTIRE tackle setup for bass fishing all for 10,500. Everything's been perfect except the engine. It's never left me stranded but came dang close many times. My dream now is a repower with a proxs 250. With that I'll be set for many many years to come
Both has theee pros and cons alum sure is alot easier on your truck trannie but u if dont fish alot it dont really matter but if u do something to think about them glass boats heavy
Good Points Andrew. I have a VEXUS AVX 1880. Fish smaller lake areas, up rivers and creeks. The only downside is crossing bigger water in larger waves. 1. Towing & running is much less expensive due to fuel efficiency. 2. Fishability is great. Boat is wide enough so that moving around while standing does not cause instability. 3. Interior storage, lids, console are fiberglass not plastic! Storage is more than enough, no flex when walking on lids, large quality live well, lots of first class extras are standard. I would not change back to a fiberglass at time time ( i can trailer to different areas of the lake instead of running if the winds get up. Thanks
Not sure how glass faster than tin unless bigger motor. Had 18 1/2 glass with 150, fastest ever was 51 speedometer, empty, 47 loaded. Now run 18 1/2 tin w/150 and run 10 mph faster. New tin has almost as much storage as glass. Had mine in 3-4 footers and handled it but pretty rough ride. Glass definitely better for those size waves but even glass is rough in that. Great video and information.
I priced an Xpress 19 foot and a Nitro Z19 PRO all with the exact same equipment and the Xpress was $500 cheaper. I went with the Nitro Z-19 Pro and absolutely love it. I have owned 3 Chargers Boats but the quit making the 195 Foxfire which was the absolutely best riding boat I ever been in. I paid with cover loaded out $49,749
I agree with your assessment! I bought a used Skeeter which I have totally rebuilt, ( I enjoy fixing things big plus for me). I love the way it handles at all speeds and it's stability when fishing of it. Thanks for the great video!!!
Shoulda showed the differences of rough water footages. As an offshore fisherman, ride quality is fiberglass but everything else caters aluminum for the average person. Those of us offshore fisherman know that ride quality is everything in the ocean but freshwater, it doesnt have to be. I am looking for a video comparing deep V alum/fiberglass, for those of us "hybrid" salt/freshwater guys. The biggest thing is cost. My wondering of why we dont see bay boats on smallmouth spots in the great lakes lol. I want a bay boat center console for both waters, unless pedal fishing will be less convenient than aluma. Because im a die hard pedal fisherman and man, those electric steer motors SUCK to the cable driven ones! Any input?
I've been running an aluminum for the last 3 years now and I've had the opportunity to ride on/ fish on and work on fiberglass rigs. The advantage to an aluminum outside of its stability and change of direction in winds is tremendous over fiberglass. I also recently upgraded boats from a 2020 Bass Tracker Classic XL to a 2024 Lowe Stinger 178. Prior to that I was eyeballing a lot of fiberglass rigs when I was in the market and ultimately stuck with aluminum in the end. I feel the need to to say that not every aluminum brand is created equal by ANY means whatsoever. I love my new rig. I dont just say that because I'm still making payments for it and feel like I'm forced to say so either. While it is aluminum, yes, it has all the speed, fishability, and stability that most fiberglass rigs do. All this while still retaining the shallow draft abilities that aluminum rigs are capable of. To me, I couldn't have asked for a more ideal package. It tows like a dream as well on its single axle trailer too.
Ive owned several of both kinds over the last 40 years. I always go back to fiberglass for the room and the ride. Not to mention the stability while standing on the casting deck.
Towing an aluminum and running aluminum is much less expensive when it comes to fuel costs.
All you bass nuts should really look into a flats type boat. I own a Ranger and a Piranha. The driving and speed def. go to the Ranger but the skiff fishes better. I look pretty funny at Chickamauga in my guide green Piranha standing up on my front platform but man it floats in 4” and I can run for a month on what one weekend in gas and oil cost for a day.
One last thing. Generally speaking the trailers under an aluminum rig are usually not up to par with nice fiberglass boat trailers. I believe they weren't meant to tour the country
@@brians.4488 I don't find that to be the case with my trailer, I've got a tandem axle trailer. It's pretty rugged for towing my 21-ft aluminum. I put a tremendous amount of miles on my trailer and boat hauling it all over the place to fish and I've never had a problem.
Especially if you don't have to buy a new truck to tow the aluminum boat
I’ve had both, I bought a new 19 ft bass tracker this year and really like it…
All valid points, but where you primarily fish plays a big part in the choice. I fish a coastal river and marsh area 90% of the time and have run aluminum boats for about 40 years and Xpress X boats for the last 21 years, they work for me and that's what counts most.
Whats Xpress have over Crestliner in an alum Jon boat style with side console ?
@@SteveZ919 probably nothing if comparing Xpress jon boat style to a similar Crestliner. The Xpress advantage is in the hyper lift hull or pad hull over a mod v boat, then there is no comparison, much better and faster ride.
I prefer Fiberglass over Aluminum for stability. I’m 75 years old and I feel safer and more comfortable in a glass boat. I am in a tin boat now but I want to
get back into a glass boat pretty soon!!!
My fiberglass rigs are wonderful for stress free family fun. But I don't need a depth sounder on my tins and that is a whole different level of comfort lol.
I've had both. I prefer aluminum because I can afford to buy a decent one brand new. Buying fiberglass at a price I could afford has scarred me for life. Luckily I learned from my mistakes. As far as aluminum shifting funny while fishing...use a GOOD butt seat. I know the cool kids don't like a seat of any kind up front but I take pride in NOT being one of them. I bought a 2016 Tracker 175txw with 75 4-stroke brand new and have the title for it! It's cheap to operate and is a fishing machine with a pair of 7" Garmins and an Ultrex. Can't make myself pony up for Livescope even though the money is in the bank to get it with a 12" screen. I fish around 100 times a year and baby this boat. It's also been flawless since new with no "new boat hiccups". My home lake is 9000 acres and my tin rig takes good care of me. Hopefully it's the last boat I buy but probably not since I still hopefully have 30-40 good years left in me.
I agree with fiberglass until recently lunds pro v bass with the v haul is awesome on big rough water.
Heard nothing but good things about it!
Big water and speed fiberglass for sure but I can pull my vexus 1980 with just about any vehicle don't have to have a F350 and fuel mileage in the boat itself with merc 150 four stroke is 3 to 4 times my buddies with the 250's but only runs 54 mph. But the interior is as good as most glass boats and it was half the price.
I went from a tin boat to a glass one last year. Fishing is a hobby for me and not an income so I went the used route and have no regrets. The glass boat is just more stable to fish from and handles much better.
Hey Andrew I have a 19 foot 1994 /// 285 pro xL stratos bass boat rides great
I have a Ranger 198 p aluminum and I love it but I want that new Basscat bobcat, I can’t stop thinking about it. Basscat is the best fiberglass boat hands down IMHO.
I find it funny because I am the opposite about used boats. Aluminum boat all day used, leaks are easy to fix and are far in between. Fiberglass, if there is a crack in the gel coat/poor storage the fiber will swell, the wood can rot. I have fished out of Aluminum boats abused and 50+ years old and still work a treat. That said I was also raised by someone who worked summers in a fiberglass boat factory and he had a huge bias against them because of it. Personally my 16 foot aluminum Jon is my shallow, river, spring and fall boat. But ideally I would love a nice fiberglass centre console for the deeper water/hot summer and rough lake days!
Have you been in many of the newer model larger aluminums? Xpress, Vexus, etc? They still can’t compare to fiberglass but rougher water ride is improving on the higher end tins.
Gator Trax Strike Series will run with any glass boat , they are built with top of the line materials and workmanship.
I don't know but I love fishing, especially alot of towing to different lake here in Texas and I prefer aluminum deep V, Handle big lake like Lewisville and texahoma lake with ease on my 16ft lowe fm165 deep V. Handle rough wave nicely and best part won't worry that much of these shallow water area messing up the hull. Just my opinion
Enjoyed this video. I'll be purchasing a bass boat next year and looking for pro and cons on each type of boat and this video helped me out alot. So far it looks like I might be purchasing an aluminum boat based on my location. Great video. I will say, I've haven't seen any of the $50k used boats. Seems like used prices are shy of new price boats.
Thank You for a great lesson on this subject.
👊👍 Andrew, this was a great video topic. Im saving to buy my first bass boat. I was leaning towards buying an aluminum boat like Xpress or Vexus boat. But now you have me thinking of trying to find a good used fiberglass boat. If im not wrong, i think Vexus has some type of hybrid that is fiberglass and aluminum.
Do you know anything about this hybrid style boat or Vexus boats?
Thanks again, this was great video for us fisherman looking to buy a boat. You couldve made this video 30 min and I would've been glues to the video to hear your perspective on the boats. Thanks Andrew.
If the aluminum boat you are considering is a Lund Pro V Bass, then literally every single comment made in the video is incorrect except for the comment on speed. Probably very accurate video with regard to all other aluminum boats, I liked the video.
Grew up in aluminum boats, took my first trip in a fiberglass boat when I was 62. Needless to say I was sold, there is no comparison in ride. I have a fiberglass boat, not new but nice.
I’m hoping to pick up an avid 23 fs in the spring. I fish mostly river with like 4 or 5 weeks of offshore fishing. I just can’t afford the weight or cost of a fiberglass boat. Currently in a 16’ fiberglass fish and ski. It’s just sketchy in big water.
About the ride yes fiberglass in general is a better ride except for 1 aluminum bass boat Lund 2075 pro v bass by far the smoothest riding boat I’ve ever been in it takes 3 footers no problem. Of course it’s going to be a bit slower but the ride is amazing. Also it has fiberglass consoles and huge huge livewell I believe 32 or 39 gal
Lund makes the very best aluminum boat for rougher water. I couldn’t agree more
Andrew have you ever fished the Upper Chesapeake bay if so, would you highly recommend a fiberglass over aluminum. Or that fishery it’s not a big separation?
12:15 Jacob Wheeler’s lower unit has entered the chat lol.
You are getting that hank Parker look with the stach but as always great content
Worse people to be compared to😂
Andrew, do you have buyers lined up every year for your boat? I’d be interested in talking to you about buying one of your eryas’ in next few years. I’m just west of Beaumont
About plastic console in the Aluminum boats look at Gator Trax from Louisiana the console is welded aluminum like the rest of the boat its my favorite Aluminum boat
I’ve heard of those. I’ll have to check em out
Aluminum! Cause I've never been in glass😂. But hope too
You will like it
I have an aluminum bay boat with an 8 x 9 ft front deck. Love the easy to no clean up at the end of the day. Also wide equals stability while moving around the boat!
Express has a good console even the last gen was good
Need to check out the Gator Trax aluminum
Hey Andrew. Cool vid as usual. Have an important question. 11 year old boy. Loves loves to fish for bass and panfish. What is a good first time baitcaster combo to get him. I know enough but you obviously may have a great choice.
I would recommend a combo. Something like a Mach Smash or even a Mach 2. 7 foot medium heavy rod. I actually did a video on it on Lew’s UA-cam channel. The video explains exactly how to adjust your reel too
@@AndrewUpshawFishing awesome man. Exactly why I asked you. Thank you 🙏
Look at VEXUS Aluminum line!!
I see your test boat was a Lowe, i have nothing against Lowe but to compare a Lowe to a BassCat for a aluminum vs fiberglass is unreasonable. Now if you want a more comparative match, make the aluminum boat an AVID, Vexus or Gator. While these boats are lighter the hull and exterior engineering and structure is much more advanced. I would challenge anyone to compare the ride of one of these models vs Bass Cat. On all levels, ride, fish ability, speed, fuel efficiency and most importantly initial cost
The brand new xpress x21pro is not good for rough water?
I haven’t been in that particular model, so I can’t speak to it.
good stuff
Get you a gator trax strike series
My Polar Kraft has a fiberglass console
fiberglass
Express aluminum ftw
So here’s my question why does just about every single “Pro” get a new boat every year? Is it a sponsor deal or a need? Cause if you aren’t getting a new truck every year then why a boat if it’s just getting broke in???
Pros eventually get to the point where they are offered a new boat at a massively discounted cost. So they can sell their old boat, buy a new one, and still make a profit.
Perfect world is having both. Had tin and fiberglass to have option of type of fishing. Tins are way tippy over fiberglass. Found the tin always setting left behind in garage so sold the tin. I do miss it but fiberglass is the way for me..🤷♂️
Aluminum!! Much easier to handle out of the water..!!
Your method is flawed. You can have several of each, purpose built, if you pick the right spouse. Great video.
Aluminum has better durability
also aluminum boat can take an insane beating(especially welded boats) you bump off a rock going slow who cares you might have a ding. boat cracking? nope dented
I prefer aluminum deep V bass boats. They are by far the best.
The only thing your glass boat does better is go fast on flat water. No offense but "easier to film on" isnt a criteria in the real world.
Whata brain😆
I dont give a shit about the "ride" or an luxuries. I just want a tournament ready boat for the cheapest price...
I’d give 60k for your 2024 setup in 2025. I’ll pay cash
Has dude even looked at the new tin boats? Vexus, AVID, Ranger, Crestliner all have fiberglass consoles. Vexus has all fiberglass inside the boat everywhere-nicer than a nitro with removable plastic compartments. Dude doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.
He’s comparing a Bass Cat to a tracker or Jon boat.
I have been in a Ranger Aluminum, Crestliner, Lowe, among others. I haven’t been in the new Vexus or Avid, but I have heard great things about them. Thanks for putting me down though, you definitely are a nice guy👍
@@AndrewUpshawFishing the internet streets are rough my man. I apologize.
But to my point, a BassCat and a tracker aren’t the same category of boat. Comparing a Vexus/Avid/Xpress to a BassCat would be fair.
I don’t disagree with you at all actually. It’s not the same type of comparison. Got to remember this video was posted in 2021. Just in the last few years quite a few big improvements have been made to aluminum boats, but I still have to say, a fiberglass is better. Maybe not a Nitro, but you get my point. At least for what I do day in and day out.
Aluminum is to noisy…
Yes!
I downsized to an aluminum boat back in 2017 and honestly I couldn’t be happier. I got the cheap of the cheap. Tracker Pro 170 with a 40 Mercury and the vinyl floor. Now I did up grade the trolling Motor to a 24v 80lb system as well as HDS touch electronics, and a power pole. I’m a shallow water guy myself and I only fish off shore when it’s a blue bird day because the wind is better for my style. I do fish tournaments in the boat and do well (I have one coming up this weekend). But I’m SSLLOOWWWW.. so it make me fish a little different than others. Not necessarily a bad thing at times because I really pick apart an area before I make a run but I do still make long runs if need be. The best part other than I can fish ultra shallow is I get fuel about every 6-7 trips! For me it suits my style of fishing where my last glass boat I was not willing to damage the boat to get in the spots I fish. I’m going to run this until it dies and for the price I’ve already got my money out of it! It’s on the lake 52 weeks a year! Plus there is nothing better than bringing a SACK in when a lot of the 100k boats either zeroed or didn’t get a limit. With that said if I were to do it professionally it would have to be an Xpress 21’. But I’m no pro.
This guy is speaking some wisdom! ☝️
awesome info I am looking at the same one as my first boat
How much is cheap?
I’ve fished on several boats and honestly I do not need a boat that goes 80mph. I’m more in that 45 to 50 mph range so for me, speed isn’t a necessity. I would much prefer a more stable platform with added safety features. What would you recommend?
Lol u dont need 80mph boats becuz those thing cost 300k to 1M lmao
Thats what I was thinking.
Fiberglass is definitely the winner when it comes to rougher water imo- no question. But- I think the deciding factor for almost every boat owner I know is price. Especially that first boat when you're young and just trying to get yourself out on the water. You point out that you can buy a used fiberglass boat for around 30-50 grand- decked out. But, you can buy a used aluminum not decked out for like 4-6 grand. This is much more doable for the vast majority of anglers- once you're talking 30-50 Gs- to them (myself included) you may as well be talking 100 Gs- cause it's just as out of reach for us.
I don't disagree but would like to point out that the deep v boats the guys in the north fish on the great lakes, the big lakes in Canada etc. are all aluminum and are built to handle big waves as well.
Bass boats are so low in the water, it makes me think they will sink in the slightest chop.
@@jeffk464 Nah- they do fine as far that goes- but it gets hard to stand close to the edge and not fall off and, if you're running at speed in it, you need to know what you're doing. But I've never seen a bass boat sink due to chop.
@@jeffk464 They won't. Modern bass boats can handle chop surprisingly well. If it's really rough you might get wet, but you won't sink. The Coast Guard requires a lot of flotation foam built into the boats, so you won't sink the boat even if you fully swamp it. You'd be hard-pressed to sink a newer bass boat unless you crash into something solid.
Everyone says this, but what is the reason? Is fiberglass just so much heavier that the chip is less noticeable? Or is it that many people are comparing apples to oranges with flat bottom alu to v hull glass? As others have pointed out there are some of the toughest conditions in the Nw where aluminum boats are far more popular.
I've had both. I prefer the tin boat b/c it's about 500 lbs lighter so easier to tow and if you're going to keep the fiberglass boat for a period of time you're going to have to re-gel coat at some point which was not cheap.
If you have to re-gel your glass boat you are not taking care of it.
I have a 25 year old Cobra 201DC and it still shines. I bought it used in 2015 I'm the third owner.
Not completely true if you have kept the boat maintained well the gel coating will last a long time. I bought a 2001 ranger and it’s still looking like new, very shiny
@@joebobbrown3835same here I have a 2001 ranger it looks new still aside from the seats
I ran Ranger Boats for years and nothing compares to ride and stability of a big glass boat. Since moving to central Florida I’ve gone aluminum. Cost of towing and running is much less plus they now provide a much more stable platform than before. I can go places guys in glass boats can’t or are afraid to go. It’s not as glamorous or turn heads like the 100k glass boat but it fits my style and pocketbook
I dig it
On some of your points about aluminum boat weaknesses, it makes me wonder if you’ve spent any time in a Lund PVB. It has amazing storage, the lids are rock solid, and it rides really well for an aluminum. I do give you that any glass boat will ride better.
While the Lund is on the higher end of tin boats in terms of cost, I still saved probably $20K plus over the cost of a comparable glass boat.
Lund Pro v bass is a different breed of aluminum bass boat . Handles rough water as well or better than a glass boat and has incredible storage.
I have a 17 ft. Commercial Weld-Craft. It doesn't flex. I'm confused with what you are talking about. I guess you are talking about cheeper reinforced aluminum. The 26 foot Weld Craft is $270,000. The program before this showed a Coast Guard aluminum 28 ft. Rescue a 21 ft. Fiberglass that sank. My weld craft is unsinkable welded pockets. Please give me a thought on my boat. Thank you.
I’m gonna be buying my first Bass boat in the spring so this is perfect. I’m probably gonna buy aluminum because of price alone.
I’m looking at the Lowe Stinger. Better than Tracker, not quite an Xpress. But has everything a first time owner needs. I ca always up on next one
Look for a .125” hull
Thanks Andrew, you missed the cost of towing, from one side of the country to the another, one of them is going to be a lot more expensive on fuel and wear and tear on the vehicle.
Your experienced thoughts.
My xpress x21 will run almost 90 6 inch jack plate custom made 4 blade prop and my boat will scream
Good video. You make great points. I like some of the aspects of express, but they are priced at similar levels as higher end glass boats. Also, seems like glass boats have fewer issues with water in compartments.
Yes they are priced close to glass boats..but the Xpress out performs skeeter & other lower end glass boats..
Great timing. I am going to sell my old 01 Triton TR 19 this fall and looking at a Bass Cat Classic or P2 vs an Xpress X19.
I LOvE toledo bend if ur in louisiana where are u
Kayak angler here that is wanting to look into getting a boat mostly because my son is getting old enough to go fishing with me. Great video. Thanks bro.
I came from an 17.5 aluminum boat that l had for 20yrs. And l just got a 18.5 fiberglass boat. I miss the shallow draft of the aluminum but dont miss how light it is in windy conditions. I am still learning how to drive the fiberglass boat. So far l feel like fiberglass is a rougher ride in rough water. Also dont miss how wet the compartmemts get in a aluminum boat when it rains. This new fiberglass keeps everything dry. The first 2 months l had the fiberglass boat l had to fish in the rain and tow it. The compartments never got wet. I agree there are good and with each. You have to decide what you can deal with.
Good video!
I’ve owned both, at times I wish I had the tin boat again, other times I’m glad I have a glass boat. Just depends on a lot of factors
It really depends on hull design when you talk about hull material. Look at Lowe and Crestliner or the big aluminum boats they use up in cold water off the pacific northwest and Alaska. The express and Lowe bassboats just do not have the design angles for running rough water because of their draft.
Lund's new pro-v bass boats have incredible storage and fiberglass consoles, great option for those looking for an aluminum style bass boat
The only advantages to a tin boat is cost & weight, that's it
For me there are many variables to buying a boat be it tin or glass. I have no experience with glass boats my current boat is only my second boat i have ever owned but have driven plenty of other boats just no fiberglass. So for me it isnt just about fishing as i like the dual purpose boat for my needs as i am a fisheman and a duck hunter so for me tin for the win. I found a crazy deal last month from a friend of a friend that was perfect for my needs it does lack storage but it can be improved with some tiny upgrades. And for the fishing area we usually get into creek inlets to lakes with stumps and price for used boat 2500 to 6 grand for a nice boat.
You didn't mention the Ranger 188p and 198p both are aluminum and have glass consoles and a glass coinbox if you opt for it. They both have padded hulls they ride smoother than any other aluminum boat tbh cant even tell its aluminum. Sadly after 2020 they moved them to the Tracker plant so I'm guessing the quality may go down hill. I got mine when they were still made in the Ranger plant never have had any issues with it. Even hit a rock going slow and the only damage was scratches on the bottom.
I run a Vexus AVX1880 the console, boxes and live well are fiberglass infused so it has nice solid feel to things. the wheel is rock solid etc. The ride is pretty good even in choppy conditions I don't often fish on huge lakes and have no problems even on windy days at my local lakes. It slides right off stumps and rocks being aluminum its tough as nails and floats in inches Go fishing for days on 1 tank of fuel and pull it with a v6 pickup no problems.
was on a river where the wind was blowing against the current. not crazy rough but waves stacked close together. I hear what sounded like a file cabinet coming down the river at about 30...this thing was beating the occupants to death. Very surprised it was a Vexus. No alum can absorb the slap whether running or fishing.
Nothing worse than how your knees feel after fishing a day in rough water in an aluminum
The science behind your opinion I find rather accurate I’m gonna have to agree with you I’m just about everything you’ve said in this video!! Keep up the good work!!!
Glass vs aluminum, they both have there place. Look at gator Trax. They seemed to have bridged the gap in the strike series. But the price is comparable to glass
I have owned and used both types. You are wrong. It just depends on the boat, how it will handle, the quality, etc. You left out one big disadvantage for fiberglass boats, SPIDER cracks.
I really want a Lund Pro V bass 2075!
As a champion 203 owner I understand the ride issue. Had a buddy who owne a stratus and it scared me with how unstable it felt at 65mph. My champ at 70 is smooth as a Cadillac. Only thing holding my boat back is the crappy optimax on the back of it. Worst motor I have ever used. It's a constant battle keeping it running. I love the idea of a tin rig on the 20ft range but hard to beat a glass rig for the ride. And far as cost goes....I bought my 1998 champ 203 with a 1998 optimax 225, 2 898 birds, and the guys ENTIRE tackle setup for bass fishing all for 10,500. Everything's been perfect except the engine. It's never left me stranded but came dang close many times. My dream now is a repower with a proxs 250. With that I'll be set for many many years to come
I just got both like you did. Lol
Both has theee pros and cons alum sure is alot easier on your truck trannie but u if dont fish alot it dont really matter but if u do something to think about them glass boats heavy
Good Points Andrew. I have a VEXUS AVX 1880. Fish smaller lake areas, up rivers and creeks. The only downside is crossing bigger water in larger waves. 1. Towing & running is much less expensive due to fuel efficiency. 2. Fishability is great. Boat is wide enough so that moving around while standing does not cause instability. 3. Interior storage, lids, console are fiberglass not plastic! Storage is more than enough, no flex when walking on lids, large quality live well, lots of first class extras are standard. I would not change back to a fiberglass at time time ( i can trailer to different areas of the lake instead of running if the winds get up. Thanks
That Vexus isnt much cheaper than some glass boats. IMO, they're over priced. I cant see spending 40K on an aluminum boat.
Not sure how glass faster than tin unless bigger motor. Had 18 1/2 glass with 150, fastest ever was 51 speedometer, empty, 47 loaded. Now run 18 1/2 tin w/150 and run 10 mph faster. New tin has almost as much storage as glass. Had mine in 3-4 footers and handled it but pretty rough ride. Glass definitely better for those size waves but even glass is rough in that. Great video and information.
Thanks a lot Mike for your added info. Very true!
I priced an Xpress 19 foot and a Nitro Z19 PRO all with the exact same equipment and the Xpress was $500 cheaper. I went with the Nitro Z-19 Pro and absolutely love it. I have owned 3 Chargers Boats but the quit making the 195 Foxfire which was the absolutely best riding boat I ever been in. I paid with cover loaded out $49,749
That’s not bad man!
I agree with your assessment! I bought a used Skeeter which I have totally rebuilt, ( I enjoy fixing things big plus for me). I love the way it handles at all speeds and it's stability when fishing of it. Thanks for the great video!!!
The biggest boats are steel!
These prices you mention didn’t age well. 😂😂
Should compare a crestliner pt 21 far better boat than a lowe
Shoulda showed the differences of rough water footages.
As an offshore fisherman, ride quality is fiberglass but everything else caters aluminum for the average person.
Those of us offshore fisherman know that ride quality is everything in the ocean but freshwater, it doesnt have to be.
I am looking for a video comparing deep V alum/fiberglass, for those of us "hybrid" salt/freshwater guys.
The biggest thing is cost. My wondering of why we dont see bay boats on smallmouth spots in the great lakes lol. I want a bay boat center console for both waters, unless pedal fishing will be less convenient than aluma. Because im a die hard pedal fisherman and man, those electric steer motors SUCK to the cable driven ones! Any input?
When I look in comparison the fiberglass all seem to have leaks
this was not a good video at all his mind was made up when he said he owned a bass cat
If you want to mount stuff to the rail, aluminum is better
If I was going to talk about the bass cat I would have to also talk about the Xpres. Those are more around the same price range.
Alot of top of the top anglers are in aluminum now.
I've been running an aluminum for the last 3 years now and I've had the opportunity to ride on/ fish on and work on fiberglass rigs. The advantage to an aluminum outside of its stability and change of direction in winds is tremendous over fiberglass. I also recently upgraded boats from a 2020 Bass Tracker Classic XL to a 2024 Lowe Stinger 178. Prior to that I was eyeballing a lot of fiberglass rigs when I was in the market and ultimately stuck with aluminum in the end.
I feel the need to to say that not every aluminum brand is created equal by ANY means whatsoever. I love my new rig. I dont just say that because I'm still making payments for it and feel like I'm forced to say so either. While it is aluminum, yes, it has all the speed, fishability, and stability that most fiberglass rigs do. All this while still retaining the shallow draft abilities that aluminum rigs are capable of. To me, I couldn't have asked for a more ideal package. It tows like a dream as well on its single axle trailer too.
Aluminum is cheaper and this is how I can afford to go bass fishing. $77-100 is too much for a bass boat
Xpress has a fiberglass console..👍
I want a 21’ Phoenix Pro