Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport
This boat is equipped with lots of storage and facilities. With a dry weight of 955 pounds, it can easily be towed on a single axle trailer behind a bicycle. This fishing boat consists of various amenities like interior courtesy lights, Livewell lights, and stowable running lights. There are grab handles for the seats on each gunnel and in front, with storage on either side. The helm has a single row of system switches to the right and a gauge cluster to the wheels left. You will also find a massive 34-gallon live well on the bow, which acts as the biggest bow platform storage. There are two storage hatches near the center seat base.
Some Considerations On Changing From Steel To Aluminum
Aluminum is not as strong as steel so some compensations must be made if using it in place of steel. Without getting too technical, with aluminum used for shell plating compared to mild steel, yield strength for aluminum as-welded is about 25% to 35% less than that of steel. In addition, it has about 75% the tensile strength at 1/3 the weight. Put another way, to get the same strength as steel in an aluminum hull, it needs to be approximately half the weight of steel.
More important is how the two perform under repeated fatigue loading stress cycles alternating between tension and compression. Tests show that for a similar number of cycles, steel stays above its yield strength threshold. But aluminum dips below it, suffering a loss so that strength is equivalent to only 75% of its yield stress. In other words, it is more likely to fail due to fatigue over time, an important consideration for boats subject to such conditions . The point is that if you decide to adapt a steel design to aluminum, youll need to increase scantlings . But by how much?
Best Aluminum Boats Unbiased Review Of Mod Vs
With dozens of makes available, finding the best aluminum boats for your needs and budget can be a challenge. To help you with your search, BoaterInput.com surveyed 151 aluminum fishing boat owners from across the country.
However, before we get to the results, it is important to point out that responses differ by the type of boat owned/desired. Within the Aluminum Fishing segment, there are two major types. Mod Vs have shallower bottoms and raised decks near the gunnel. These are popular in southern areas and are often used for bass or panfishing. Deep Vs, on the other hand, have higher, deeper sides to provide for a drier, more comfortable ride which is important in northern climates and colder waters.
Below are the most desired Mod Vs among current aluminum boat owners.
Read Also: What Is My Pontoon Boat Worth
Tips On Being A Resourceful Builder
If working from stock plans for an aluminum boat, the designer probably specified certain sizes, types, and alloys of members for framing, etc. However, itâs possible that not every item will be available from your supplier or at a reasonable price. But deviations may be possible. Most designs have some latitude in alternates that can be substituted. Itâs simply not practical for a designer to specify each and every option.
For example, angles can be substituted for tees and vice versa. Channels can be made from split square or rectangular tubing, or even split pipe if somewhat larger than the specified channel. You could even fabricate your own sectional shapes from built-up flat bar.
Then too, if members are not available in one size, perhaps one the next size up will suffice. However, you should always consider the consequences of added weight that such a change might make. Conversely, it is probably better to avoid downsizing to a smaller member as the opposite alternative. But you may compensate for using smaller members by placing them closer together, for example, in the case of longitudinal stiffeners, and/or you might space frames more closely together all in an effort to reduce the area of unsupported plating.
How Much Stuff Will I Have Onboard
Finally, you need to think about the number of passengers you intend to ferry and the gear you have to stow. Every Jon boat has a maximum weight capacity that determines the combined weight limit of what it can carry.
This limit is usually higher as the boats go up in size. So, as you would expect, a large boat will have a larger weight capacity than a smaller one. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but this is generally the case.
It is important to keep in mind that bigger doesnt always equate to better. Larger boats have their own unique set of challenges that gives their smaller counterparts a slight edge over them.
For instance, larger Jon boats often have trouble accessing smaller sloughs or maneuvering tight bends. They are, however, better equipped to ride choppier waters since their larger surface area gives them a higher degree of stability compared to smaller vessels.
So, the best size boat to pick will largely depend on how much stuff youll have in your craft and the nature of the waterways you intend to navigate.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do Boat Mechanics Make
Maintaining Your Aluminum Boat: As Easy As 123
Best Aluminum Boats Unbiased Review Of Deep Vs
Thinking about buying an aluminum fishing boat but am not sure which brands to consider? We can help. BoaterInput.com surveyed 151 owners from across the country to identify the best aluminum boats.
Since results varied by the type of aluminum boat owned, we broke out the results by the two major varieties. Mod Vs have shallower bottoms and raised decks near the gunnel. These are popular in southern areas and are often used for bass or panfishing. Click on the following link to see our report on the Best Aluminum Mod Vs.
Deep Vs, on the other hand, have higher, deeper sides to provide for a drier, more comfortable ride which is important in northern climates and colder waters. This report provides a summary of the Best Aluminum Boats with Deep V hulls.
Don’t Miss: Colorado Boat Registration Numbers
Princecraft Resorter 160 Bt
If you want a simple, no-nonsense fishing boat that costs even less than your monthly electric bill much less your familys cell plan, check out the Princecraft Resorter 160 BT. This rig is wide-open with two pedestal fishing seats, and an elevated bow casting deck that houses a 16-gallon livewell.
The stock tiller-steer outboard is a Mercury 20 HP FourStroke and the trailer is a single-axel galvanized model with LED lights and a swing-away tongue. Princecraft also mounts a lighted switch panel aft near the captains seat, with a bump-out mounting surface for your fishfinder.
Visit Princecraft to learn more.
How To Choose The Best Jon Boats Buyers Guide
If this is your first Jon boat rodeo, youre probably confused about which brand and model you should go with. While these are certainly important factors to consider, your choice will ultimately boil down to how you intend to use the boat and the environment in which youll use it.
Before we get into what you need to look for in the best Jon boats in the market, here are three questions you need to ask before you make that all-important purchase decision.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mildew Off Boat Seats
Top Diversity Ownership Manufacturers Of Aluminum Boats
Companies qualifying for minority ownership certification are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a member of a minority group. The below table lists several suppliers in the USA with this qualification, and also some veteran-owned, and woman-owned aluminum boat manufacturing companies in the USA on Thomas, ranked by annual sales in US dollars. Additional details on each companys headquarters location and the number of employees are also included, as well as summaries of company activities below.
Information from Thomasnet.com, owler.com, dnb.com, manta.com, zoominfo.com, wikipedia.org, and company websites.
Top 5 Things To Consider Before Buying Aluminum Bass Boats
Its a big financial investment to buy an aluminum bass boat, so you dont want to make a poor guess here. You need only the best aluminum bass boat to be able to completely enjoy fishing, as anything less will not do.
For a great experience, having the best aluminum bass boat is essential, but it can be overwhelming to determine which one to buy from loads of options on the market. We have included a list of some of the big factors you may want to consider to choose one of the best aluminum bass boats out there to make things easier.
Also Check: How Much Do Boat Mechanics Make In Florida
Thicker Versus Thinner Framing And Plating Whats Best
There is an on-going debate as to whether welded aluminum boats should be made as light as possible via light plating and framing , or with heavier plating using minimal but also somewhat huskier framing members. To put this issue in perspective, weâll assume strength is sufficient in both cases in order to examine the merits otherwise.
A boat built with light plating and framing is lighter in weight for more-economical operation, has a higher speed for a given power, is more-easily trailered, has greater payload, and because it has less material, will cost less.
Advocates of heavier plating and framing counter that thicker plating is stiffer which better resists flexing, twist, and fatigue, wont dent as easily, and will deter longer any effects of corrosion. They also claim that lighter scantlings take more time and labor to build , and that any increase in weight and/or cost is offset by a reduction in framing. Then too, they claim thicker plating is less prone to distortion by welding heat and its easier to make stronger joints since its more likely that both sides of joints can be welded without problems or defects. In addition, thicker members are often easier to handle and work since they resist distortion and are not so floppy.
Tech Tips And Practical Info For Doing It Yourself
The number of people with aluminum welding skills and access to fabricating equipment has increased considerably over the years. Yet many are unaware of fundamental considerations confronting the short-handed amateur building a single boat for his own account. Iâll discuss many of the more common issues, especially as they relate to powerboats in the 15 to 40 size range we most commonly deal with today.
Read Also: Freedom Boat Club Seattle Cost
Qingdao Allheart Marine Co Ltd
It is one of the best aluminum bass boat manufacturers. Qingdao Allheart Marine Co., Ltd. is situated in the stunning New National District of the Qingdao West Coast. It is a high-tech marine manufacturing company with integrated aluminum yacht design, research development, production, sales, and service with all-around solutions.
All Heart Marine upholds the artisanal spirit of imagination, efficiency, and protection. With its high technical strength, it has a strong reputation in the international boat industry, rich industry experience, and industry-leading management capacity. We will escort them, whether it is a supreme business event or a fun water experience.
Kingfisher 2025 Flex Tiller Xp
With 20 feet length and 8 feet beam, the Kingfisher 2025 flex tiller XP comes with a commercial look. Its one of the deep-V fishing boat series having different configurations like tiller , dual console , side console , and extended bow platform .
A jig system builds the Kingfisher hull in order to form it with pre-flexed components. Consequently, the hull exhibits extra strength and resistance towards external impact or shock.
A 250 horsepower motor drives this gigantic beast in lakes and oceans.
It comes with all the basic amenities like side storage, in-floor rod locker, and 24-gallon live well.
You can find a 24-gallon livewell within the stern platform. By the way, you can also convert the stern platform to a fully wide flip-up bench seat.
The best part about this bass boat is that its tournament ready with its ProFish Command Center.
Pros
- Upgrades require more bucks
Read Also: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
Framed Boat Advantages For Do
Using a frame substructure for setting up your hull has several advantages for the do-it-yourselfer typically working alone. First the frame substructure makes it easy to assure hull accuracy that is so important to ultimate performance in a powerboat. Second, the framework makes it possible to build from off-the-shelf materials and shapes available anywhere for lower costs and easier material purchasing. Finally, the framework makes it easier to form hull members in place and during weld-up since clamps and other devices can be readily used most anywhere as required, acting as extra pairs of helping hands in the process.
Factory production boatbuilders often use specialized forming equipment not always available to amateurs, or use forming services that might be provided by metal suppliers when quantity requirements are high. For example, special rolling and/or bending equipment might be used to form integral shapes in hull plates for stiffness, etc.
Conversely, a design for the do-it-yourself builder would more likely specify internal longitudinal stiffeners , and be designed in such a way so that no special forming or bending equipment or outside services are required. Either method gets the job done but the latter is easier and cheaper for most building their own boats.
Nordlund Boat Company Tacoma Wash
Custom and semi-custom yachts to 120 feet , composite refit and service
This year, family-owned and -operated Nordlund is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding.
Our main advantage is that we build true custom: If somebody has the design in mind, and we can do it, we are set up to do it, says Vice President Gary Nordlund. We tell our employees, We do the same thing over and over again, but each time its something different.
Nordlund uses an expandable hull mold to lay up most new yachts and builds the tooling for each superstructure in-house. After the yacht is launched, the builder destroys that tooling so no two Nordlunds are ever the same.
While the shipyard will work with different yacht designers, it is known for its longtime collaboration with naval architecture firm R. Edwin Monk. All but three boats in the last 45 hulls have been done by Ed Monk, Nordlund says.
Yacht owners who are anglers prize Nordlund for its yachtfishers, a category of oceangoing fishing yachts that the yard helped to develop. In August, Nordlund launched a 115-foot expedition yachtfisher with naval architecture by Monk and interior design by Mary Flores Yacht Interiors.
Nordlunds 115-foot expedition yachtfisher.
Read Also: Does Minnesota Require Boat Insurance
Properties Of Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum is an amazing material. Most can easily recognize one of its most distinctive qualities: weight. Compared to other metals, aluminum is incredibly light. It weighs about 1/3 as much as steel, yet has the strength to be used in structural applications, can be used in most fabrication processes, and can be cast, forged, formed, welded, machined, etc. Additionally, its particularly great for things that move, and combined with its exceptional resistance to corrosion, makes it an obvious choice for boat construction.
Types Of Aluminum Boats
Aluminum fishing boats often have a very simple design with riveted or welded bench seating and hulls. These boats are usually powered by outboard engines and have tiller and remote steering options. There are four main types of aluminum fishing boats:
- Deep V-boats are the most popular choice of aluminum fishing boat thanks to their extra-wide bottom, and deep-V welded hulls that provide a smooth riding experience and stability on large waves and rough waters.
- Jon boats are fishing boats with an almost or completely flat bottom enabling navigation in extremely shallow but calm waters.
- Bass boats feature swivel chairs for angler comfort and greater fishing reach, storage bins for fishing equipment, and live wells for keeping caught fish alive in recirculating water. These are propelled by outboard and trolling motors.
- Multi-species boats come in many forms but are generally described as versatile all-round fishing boats with semi-V hulls that can adapt from lake to sea waters with ease.
Fishing boats are not the only aluminum boats available on the market pontoons, tug and towboats, and professional and service boats, such as military vessels, utility boats, workboats, and patrol boats are also often all-aluminum.
You May Like: Is Banana Boat Cruelty Free
Tracker Grizzly 1754 Jon
The Tracker Grizzly 1754 Jon boat is no doubt one of the best all-welded aluminum fishing boats weve come across. It measures 17 ft. in length and has a generous 6 ft. 6 in. wide beam, making it ideal for fishing, bowfishing, and hunting.
The cockpit floor is made of thick .190 aluminum for a smooth and quieter ride and covered in a textured Sure Thread to provide a non-slip surface. The foam-filled welded-in sidewalls add to its structural strength, rigidity, and durability.
A Practical Rule Of Thumb
Converting from steel to aluminum is fairly straight-forward mainly because the members used are much the same in configuration and the methods of design and construction are similar. And while there are standards-making organizations with rules and formulae that can be use for determining a boats scantlings, a more-pragmatic approach for the less-technically oriented is to use the following rule-of-thumb. After all, were talking relatively small boats here, and as well see, the sizes, types, and thicknesses of members readily available and suitable put some practical limits on what can be used to frame up and plate a metal boat in the first place.
Consider plating thickness. On the steel boat, this is more often based on the practical minimum necessary to ward off corrosion over time, provide decent welds, and a thickness adequate to minimize unsightly deformation. Thus 10GA plating is commonly specified as a minimum in small steel boats even if something thinner might suffice if strength alone were the requirement.
So in light of the above about the materials, and based on experience over time, aluminum members that are 30% to 50% larger than steel members will suffice for most small boats up to about 40. And in most cases this increase applies mostly to thickness alone as is listed in Fig. 2 showing sections for a typical planing utility power vessel of chined form.
Fig. 2
F.B. = Flat Bar
| 3/16 |
Read Also: Cost Of Freedom Boat Club Membership
