Understanding the key differences between aluminum and fiberglass boats
Choosing the right boat for you means considering factors like cost, maintenance requirements, boating activities, location, trailering, passenger space and so much more. Fortunately, when you go into the boat buying process, you probably have a lot of those things decided. What you may not have thought about is the physical material from which the boat is constructed. With that in mind, let’s compare aluminum vs. fiberglass boats to give you insight into which is right for you.
Let’s start our comparison with aluminum boats, which are typically the less expensive of the two options. While the cost difference varies based on a number of factors, you may find significant savings when choosing aluminum over fiberglass for your boat.
Also Read: Choosing between a powerboat and a sailboat
Aluminum boats also weigh less than their fiberglass counterparts, which means you won’t need as much power to match performance, saving you money on fuel and the cost of the powerplant itself. That lightweight construction also means it won’t take as much to trailer your boat.
When it comes to maintenance and repairs, there are some advantages to aluminum construction as well. First, accidents tend to be lower impact as aluminum typically dents where fiberglass tends to crack. You also won’t have to put as much work in since fiberglass boats tend to require more frequent waxing and overall care.
While it may seem like aluminum is the easy choice after reading that, there are plenty of advantages to fiberglass boats as well. Although we noted the advantages to the lightweight construction of aluminum, there are some benefits to the heavier build of fiberglass boats. That extra weight makes them more steady and typically provides a smoother ride in choppier water. For those buying a fishing boat, there is also less drifting since wind does not impact the boat as drastically.
Unlike aluminum, which is more rigid, fiberglass can be constructed into many different hull shapes and even include built in conveniences like tackle stations or seating modules.
Lastly, as a matter of personal preference, many boaters consider fiberglass to be more sleek and modern looking.
When deciding between aluminum and fiberglass boats, consider which is better for your needs and most common boat uses.
