| Thinking of getting a new boat? Have you decided | | | | Aluminum boats have their own problems too. |
| if you want a fiberglass or aluminum (tin) boat? | | | | Dents are more noticeable in aluminium boats and |
| Below is the advantages and disadvantages of | | | | need to be regularly knocked back into shape by |
| each type of material. | | | | a professional. The main problem most people |
| Fiberglass is often referred to as a no | | | | have with aluminum boats however is that they |
| maintenance material. This however is not the | | | | ride on top of the water rather than through it. |
| case. The day after you take a new boat from | | | | This means the ride will be bumpier than it would |
| the showroom the fiberglass will start to | | | | be with a similar size fiberglass boat. |
| deteriorate. When fiberglass is left out in the | | | | So what's good about a aluminum boat? The main |
| elements, slowly over time it will chalk, fade and | | | | advantage of an aluminium boat is they can be a |
| stain. Any bumps or scratches will one day need | | | | lot lighter than the same size fiberglass equivalent. |
| to be repaired to bring back the appearance of | | | | This is especially true for small dinghy's and |
| the fiberglass. And if the boat is moored in the | | | | car-topper boats. Small cars can tow aluminum |
| water it is essential to have the boat anti-fouled | | | | dinghy's easily whereas if you have a fiberglass |
| to minimize algae build up. | | | | boat you will almost certainly need a large car to |
| Fiberglass does however have a long life span and | | | | tow it. Aluminum boats are also easy to repair if |
| the above wearing happens over a great number | | | | you do spring a leak or the hull is penetrated. |
| of years. With a little care such as covering your | | | | So which material do you pick? You need to first |
| boat when not in use, hosing down after using | | | | look at what you will be using the boat for. Once |
| and the occasional clean your fiberglass boat will | | | | you have worked this out it should give you a |
| maintain it's good appearance. | | | | clearer picture of which material to choose. If you |
| In regards to performance, many boaters prefer | | | | are still not sure, have a test drive in both boats |
| fiberglass as the boat sits lower in the water and | | | | and see which type you prefer best. |
| goes through the water better. | | | | |