I’m considering buying an aluminum boat for (fishing crappie mostly). Most of my fishing is done in Lakes, I hardly ever venture to the river. I was seriously considering a Basstracker, Lowe, G3, Triton or a Ranger. I’ll probably go with a 19’ boat, and it’s gotta have a 4 stroke engine. So what brand would you buy to fish out of? I know a lot of you have experience with several different brands. Which brand boat and which brand engine? Thanks in advance, Robinhedd

I’ll be following this myself. Thinking about one in the next few years but hear negatives about all of them. Cracked welds, flotation foam getting saturated and heavy, etc. would love to know if any are consistently reliable. Less worried about the fanciest bells and whistles and more concerned about longevity and reliability

Alumacraft is my vote. There's a nice Grumman for sale in Ga., but it needs a new deck, and I'd repower it.


https://gon.com/classified-ads/1998-grumman-1855b

I’m running a tracker 195 with a 150 mercury. Wide boat. Now I fish the TN river all the time which can get very rough. 62 to 65 mph boat.

I’ve got a Vexus, should’ve just bought a Bass Tracker. I could’ve saved 10k and got more boat. You’ll be just fine with the Bass Tracker

Although a bit unique I bought an Alweld stick steer last year and have really enjoyed it. It is built like a tank and very stable, I believe they have an 18'.

Regarding the Rangers, make sure you sit behind the wheel on the 19’ and the 17’ ones.
The 17 had more legroom than the 19 did. I’m 6’2”

I’ve got a 2003 G3 DLX 1860 that was bought new. It has a 50 4 Stroke Yamaha (it’s rated for a 90 and that’s what I would put on it if I ever repowered it). I’ve had that boat anywhere you can think of and some places I probably shouldn’t have been. I’ve used the boat hard and never had any issues out of it.

I wish it had any degree of a V shaped hull (it’s a flat bottom) and more storage

My .02

Other than being overpriced, what don't you like about it?

Guess I should add, not looking for a project or anything that needs to be worked on! Water ready

I have a bass tracker classic xl and for the $ it's a great boat. It has the upgraded 50hp mercury on it and will go 31-32mph. Pretty tough and stable board to fish out of.

Rhino aluminum boats....I've seen a couple of them on the Alabama river at boat ramp fishing to head out fishing, Taking a good look at them they look to be a good boat for aluminum.... https://www.rhinoboat.com/dealers

Don’t overlook the Xpress.

Had a tracker for years and no complaints. Been a good boat.

Xpress and G-3 really good. I have a Ranger that I really like.

Tracker are good boats. Keep them garage kept and you will be good. The carpet tends to turn loose in them off they are outside a lot. They have wood decks, but again, no issue if taken care of. I've had 2 different G3s with cracked transoms. Triton, Ranger , and Tracker are all owned by the same company now. Can't remember when they bought them, but around 2020? Xpress are awesome boats! Sea Arks are heavy duty. Just depends on what you are looking for.

Btw don’t do carpet. I paid extra for the vinyl non slip flooring. So easy. To clean.

Xpress,crestliner,g3

X2

Vexus is the best riding aluminum boat I have ever been in