Aluminum vs Fiberglass: Which One is Best?

There are topics that are best left undiscussed unless you are ready to handle the fallout: politics at the family dinner, religion at the office, and, for boaters, aluminum vs. fiberglass. Every boater has a preference, and each truly believes their choice is the best and the only option. If you are new to boating and trying to decide which is best for you, it is important to look at BOTH sides of the equation before deciding.

Buying a boat is a big deal, something most first-time owners spend much time and money accomplishing. With everything you have riding on your decision, it is no surprise that much time is spent debating whether it should be aluminum or fiberglass. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you view it, there is no simple answer. Although true believers will readily list the advantages of each, the opposition will quickly turn these pluses into minuses. How is this possible? Simply put, the definition of best depends on your personal needs, and the best hull material is the one that best meets those personal needs.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

¯ Price: One of the first considerations with any purchase is almost always cost. In this case, aluminum is the hands-down winner in price-per-foot purchase cost. This should come as no surprise, considering the complex, time-consuming process required to build a fiberglass hull. Not convinced? Let’s look at two similar boats, one aluminum, and the other fiberglass: Tracker 1860 CC w/ 40 ELPT FourStroke and Trailer, $16,895; Mako Pro Skiff 19 CC w/ 115 EXLPT Pro XS FourStroke and Trailer, $24,390.

The Mako is half the price of the Tracker thanks to the increased production cost and the larger power unit, which is necessary for the heavier fiberglass hull. Of course, you need to consider the additional costs associated with having a heavier construction — the vehicle needed to tow it, the possible need for a larger trailer, additional wear, and increased fuel costs.

¯ Maintenance costs: While discussing cost, let’s look at long-term maintenance and upkeep. Again, the aluminum hull comes out on top. Unlike fiberglass, it does not require special cleaning procedures, waxing, or off-season care – you can wash it with a hose or bucket & brush, let it dry, and be good to go. Repairs are also more straightforward (aka cheaper). Aluminum will not blister, dent, or crack; if it needs to be patched, it generally requires a rivet or quick weld instead of a complex patch.

Of course, there are those costs that many owners fail to consider, but quickly learn that they are unavoidable costs of owning a boat. Registration is generally calculated by length, so neither material offers an advantage. But what about insurance? Using the same ships as earlier, a quote was requested, and here is how they stack up: Tracker, $ 251 per year; and Mako,$ 298 per year.

Surprisingly, despite the larger engine and higher purchase price, the fiberglass Mako only costs $47 per year more than the Tracker. This is probably not enough to sway the average buyer.

¯ Additional features

There was a time when the nod would go to fiberglass without thought. Aluminum hulls were generally bare bones, utility-style boats. Great for the sportsman who needed to get from Point A to Point B, but not the best option for someone looking to take the family out for the day. While this is generally still the case, and fiberglass maintains an advantage, the gap is closing. Manufacturers have developed better construction methods and continue to improve the overall packages available to aluminum boat owners. One of the main attractions of modern aluminum hull boats is the ease with which they can be customized to meet your specific on-the-water needs. Unlike fiberglass, which usually requires a trip to the boat shop to add anything more than a cleat, almost every add-on to the aluminum hull is a DIY project. However, that is not the whole story.

While it may be easy to customize an aluminum boat, many fiberglass boats do not require the same level of after-market attention. There is rarely a need to add decking, storage boxes, or a rod holder. The boats ride better (more on this later), so the standard seats will be comfortable enough, and the overall construction is more solid, so there is little need to replace or tighten fittings and gear.

But it is still a close call. Although most experts agree that fiberglass is better off the showroom floor, aluminum edges closer when it comes to what you can do after the market. In the end, fiberglass still leads, but the margin is closing.

¯ Comfort

If you spend the day on the water, you want to enjoy yourself. Whether fishing, hunting, or towing your kids on a tube, you want to have fun, and part of having fun is being comfortable. Here, there is little doubt that the fiberglass hull is the winner. Despite the advances in aluminum hull construction, makers are still limited when it comes to features that impact ride comfort, such as shape and noise dampening. Fiberglass designers are not as limited. Almost any shape can be made in a mold, and the typical double hull is so much quieter. Plus, the heavier fiberglass hull automatically has an advantage as it is more suited for cutting through rather than bouncing on top of waves. For those who worry about stability, fiberglass wins again. Thanks again to the increased weight, the fiberglass hull will provide a boat that is easier to handle at high speeds or in tight maneuvering. These same features also translate to a more stable, comfortable drifting experience. In the end, the fiberglass boat will be more stable, quieter, and less jarring, translating to more comfort.

¯ Life expectancy

The typical boat is expected to last between 15 and 20 years. The truth is that it really depends on how well the boat is maintained and used. As discussed earlier, aluminum boats are easier (and cheaper) to maintain. This generally translates into better maintenance, which in turn increases their life expectancy. While not a hard-fast rule, human nature points to this being true.

We also discussed aluminum’s overall durability, which is better than that of fiberglass. Dents can be pounded out, welds fixed, and rivets replaced with relative ease and at little cost. Even a tiny chip in the fiberglass’s gel coat is usually a job for a professional, and significant damage can be cost-prohibitive for the owner on a budget.

You also need to keep in mind that in most aluminum boats, the deck, seats, live well, console, and most other accessories are also aluminum. On a fiberglass boat, there are likely wood, stainless steel, chrome, and even rubber components. The latter are each more susceptible to damage, wear and tear, or rot if not maintained properly. The result is that the fiberglass boat is more likely to deteriorate because it is either no longer seaworthy or no longer worth the expense of making it so.

So, although any boat can last a lifetime if properly maintained, it is more likely that the aluminum boat will be just as seaworthy on the last day you own it as it was on day one.

¯ Aesthetics

Let’s face it: one of the factors every boat buyer eventually considers is how good the boat they select will look. Regardless of how much boat you can afford, you want it to look good on the water or your driveway. Although manufacturers have made significant advances in paint application and finishes, they cannot match what can be done with fiberglass. Colors are almost limitless, graphics are easily applied, and sleek lines are more appealing. Sorry, but a shiny fiberglass boat with rich teak trim outshines even the prettiest aluminum boat.

¯ Conclusion

As you can see, there is no clear-cut answer to which boat is better, aluminum or fiberglass. Each has advantages and disadvantages, areas where it shines and others where it may fall short. However, as we said in the beginning, it comes down to what you decide is important to you and how the boat will be used.

The best way to select the boat that is right for you is to seriously consider how and where you will be using the boat and what you expect in return. Then, review all available information (including what we have provided) and determine which hull material best meets your personal needs.