Aluminum Vs. Fiberglass

[Greg]

Help!! This has nothing to do with building boats, but I
need info. I want to buy a small boat for freshwater
fishing. should I buy a small aluminum utility or a small
fiberglass boat such as Carolina Skiff? What are the pros
and cons? Which is more durable?

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[Greg]

Help! wich is a better hull for fishing freshwater ponds
and lakes? Looking for a small boat about 14'
Has anyone had experience with Carolina skiff?

[Jim Mowreader]

Greg sends:

> Help!! This has nothing to do with building boats, but I need info. I want to
> buy a small boat for freshwater fishing. should I buy a small aluminum utility
> or a small fiberglass boat such as Carolina Skiff? What are the pros and cons?
> Which is more durable?

I'm not familiar with the Carolina Skiff (and I live in the Carolinas!) but!

* If you're nice to the boat, either hull material should prove equally
durable. My father runs a 1954-vintage fiberglass boat that's still sound.
* If you plan to drag the boat across the rocks, aluminum will be better for
you. It's easier to put a hole in a fiberglass boat.
* Fiberglass boats are quieter in use--the glass-reinforced plastic absorbs
sound better. Drop a cola can in your aluminum boat and every fish for miles
around is going to hear it.
* Fiberglass boats don't absorb so much heat from the sun.
* Aluminum boats are cheaper than fiberglass boats are.
* Aluminum boats weigh less than do fiberglass ones, which means (1) less
power is needed to move them through the water and (2) a smaller vehicle is
required to tow them.

Which is better? Up to you.