Aluminum Boats, Which One?

[Harold Ray]

I am going to buy an aluminum boat between 17 and 20 feet, center console, 40 or 70 HP, 4-stroke Suzuki motor depending on length. I will be using it primarily on rivers and lakes in Central Texas. Lake Waco, the Brazos and Bosque primarily, and on the Coast at times. My choices on brands are SeaArk, Alumacraft, and Xpress. I have a favorite at this time, but wanted to ask those of you who have these boats, which brand would you choose and why. I haven't bought and haven't decided yet and am looking for all of the suggestions and thoughts I can get. I would like to make an informed decision.

Thanks!!

Ray

[Mythman]

It's been years since I owned an aluminum boat and the ones I owned were mainly 14-`16 ft. But SeaArk (who was then MonArk) always made a longer lasting boat than the others I had.

[conroebait]

I had an xperss it was a great boat. Keep an eye on the thickness of aluminum and in my opinion Yamaha will give you the least amount of problems

[Harold Ray]

I was going aluminum because I like them and they cost less. I just can't see buying a boat that cost $40,000.00 to $60,000.00 like the bay boats do. I have looked at them multiple times, but I just can't make myself sign the papers on one like that.

The SeaArk has a lifetime guarantee on the hull; Alumicraft does not, and I was told Xpress didn't either. That seems like a very good guarantee. It also has thicker aluminum.

I am looking to spend $18,000.00 to $25,000.00. All of the aluminum boats I have looked at fall in that range.

Ray

[Tallgrass07]

Are you tied to the Suzuki motor? It might be hard to find dealer support.

[13MWZ]

I really like the Xpress boats. That's what I'll be getting once I'm able to. I can't really put my finger on why exactly, I just like them a lot and Yowells is just down the road.

[huntingarcher]

I have a 18' Alumacraft with CC,tunnel hull and a Yamaha 90.I bought it new in 03 and have had no issues what so ever.I looked at the Xpress boats also at the time,they were nice but also about 1500.00 more then the Alumacraft for same package.Both dealers were close by but went with the Alumacraft with no regreats.I have had a lot of boats and this one has given me no problems and that's not the norm when it comes to boats.

[Jimbo_47]

There are several good brands out there, but I think the most important thing is to find a well established dealer, even if it means driving some distance. One that has a good reputation and great customer service. New boats, old boats, brand doesn't matter, they will have issues. It will make your boat ownership so much easier!

[Tombo]

http://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/boa/4406224698.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Saw this on Craigs list, pretty cool rig.

[tarpy kayak]

I had a SeaArk 16 CC and currently have a 15' SeaArk duck boat. Both were well built and had no issues. My bro has a 21' Express tunnel in Florida and really likes his (he had glass boat prior to making the switch). Lighter weight means access to skinnier water and the ride is not too bad in deeper water (but not nearly as nice as glass). Always been a Merc/Yamaha man myself and haven't had any 1st hand experience with Zuki. They are not as popular so dealers/parts may be harder to come by. For a 17'er a 60 HP is the min. I'd put on and a 90 HP for a 20'er. For a mid sized outboard, I'd always go with a 2 stroke if you can get one. The 4 stroke adds about 1/3 more weight and require more mantainance but on the other hand, they sure are quiet.

[H2O Seeker]

Those 3 brands have stood the test of time in a rough market and they are welded hulls to boot which should be a no brainer.
Check out http://www.gatortraxboats.com
Unless you are dead set on sticking to your 3 brand choices you might find you have more flexibility going through Gatortrax. I have talked with them on numerous occasions doing my own due diligence and each time they answer every question, don't rush me off the phone, and have offered to have me come down and see their process first hand.

[Duckhunter]

Xpress great boat

[Tombo]

How about this one?
http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/4406648682.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Warthog]

I've never owned an aluminum boat, but I have always thought these looked like awesome boats: http://www.riverpro-boats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . I think they're a little out of the specified price range, but they do come with a trailer. A little pricey, but I figured I'd throw it out there.

[Harold Ray]

I have always thought these looked like awesome boats: http://www.riverpro-boats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .

SeaArk has a jet model like that called the Predator. It looks like a boat you would take to war. Apparently Mercury has a lock on these jet motors because that is what pushes the predator, a 200 HP motor that sucks water in and blasts it out.