Exactly!! We restored our 98 Champion 186. . . We (my son and I) BFL, some Toyota… We help with high school kids, underprivileged children and we are help men coming out prison get their lives back together. Sport of Fishing is more than just a tournament. It is also tool of building/connecting lives. The Money Hungry Boat Companies have lost sight of what fishing is/was to them. Sad

I have a aluminum one, it pulls a lot easier but wind affects it more. I love it though

I’m firmly in the aluminum camp. I love the durability and have not been affected much by the wind issue. A big plus for me was being able to pay cash for a brand new boat. I also like the fact that I get better gas mileage towing and on the water because of the lighter weight. In the meantime my fiberglass buddies complain about gas mileage and repair costs from damage caused in the flooded timber or reservoirs.

I admire your attitude Randy. Thanks for the refreshing way you're approaching this! Keep it up!

Fiberglass boat. Your back will thank you……as will your wife. At this stage of your career, comfort is more important than $5000 dollars. Besides…. You have earned it at this point in your life.

Fiberglass. How they handle rough water is a game changer for me personally.

Choose the boat that performs in all kinds of weather conditions. If I were fishing professionally, I would own a fiberglass boat. I'm a retired fisherman, so I own a light, easy to pull, easy to handle aluminum boat. That being said, I pick and choose low wind days to fish.

@caseysaunders2137

16 күн бұрын

I dream to be fishing on Tues and Thurs every week during retirement when ramp has under 15 trailers.

Sounds like the your biggest dilemma is form over function and with Spot Lock the wind isn't really an issue anymore. Glass is sexy, but I'll choose function over looks any day.

Personally have a 18’ Lund pro v bass and had a fiberglass ranger before, both have pros and cons but for me personally I love my Lund, possibly because it’s 20yrs newer than previous boat

It is a tough call. Glass on big water is nice but the durability of aluminum is a fantastic plus.

@richardjohnson6695

16 күн бұрын

Durability is relative. Glass might scratch or chip more readily but is easier to fix. Aluminum has initial durability but is not easily repairable. Welding affects the temper making the metal more likely to crack vs bend. Re-welding and painting sounds simple but it brings a marked decline in structural integrity.

Aluminum for everything you mentioned!! I love how little water it takes to float them and as you said you dont have to worry about the gelcoat issues. And the modern Aluminum boats im sure ride great!!

I love my Ranger 198P. Great boat. I've owned both and I really like this boat

@stevedennison4438

17 күн бұрын

Hey, I know that guy! What's up cousin?

@Skeedabo

17 күн бұрын

Same here. Love mine and performs just fine.

@JacksonsRAGE

16 күн бұрын

My 198 is all I need

I have a G3 1710 Sportsmen and am very pleased with it. 90hp pushes two anglers and gear 42mph. Yes, wind pushes me around a little butI just work with it. I purchased it because of the weight. I pull it with a Jeep Wrangler so the aluminum boat pulls much easier. It was all about money to me !!

I’ve gone back to an 18’ aluminum. I love that it’s more cost effective to run and tow. It’s not as pretty as a glass boat but I don’t worry as much about damage.

I went from glass to tracker 195 and never going back. The mod V hull cuts waves in my opinion better than the Ranger 198. It’s a roughly 60mph boat. 100% agree with the wind comments but a 36v trolling motor solves that. Wider than Ranger. Ample storage. Simple toggle switches so replacing them means 2 dollars at the hardware store not $100 factor part. Not as sexy of a name as the Ranger but every glass guy who rides with me is very impressed. Good luck in your search! Keep fighting the good fight!

@caseysaunders2137

16 күн бұрын

Those Trackers are sweet rigs man. No denying it. It does it's job. Good enough for Bill Dance it's good enough for all. haha.

@davidbeutler9510

15 күн бұрын

Rangers are not just a name. Unsinkable

Aluminum is less maintenance, easier to tow, cheaper on fuel to run, spot lock trolling motor helps with wind. I just purchased an Xpress H22B, being welded together as we speak.

The tracker 195 is nice like super nice

My Vexus 1980 aluminum with a 150 Mercury XS has worked great for me. I looked at Ranger and Xpress as well but felt Vexus was best for me. Great build quality and ride…love it.

Brand new Triton with a 150 HP sold for 35,000 in Alabama a couple weeks ago,don't be afraid to make an offer

I had a vexus 1880 for a while and it's storage is just as good as fiberglass. the 115 would push the boat around 50mph. I liked the boat enough to move into the 20ft version of the same thing.

Aluminum!

I, like you, have owned and used both, with that said, I am currently fishing out a fiberglass (18.5’) boat and you are spot on with everything you said. There is no perfect boat for all situations.

I run an 18’ aluminum boat with a 115HP motor. Like I’ve heard Randy say, I love everything about it, especially fuel efficiency, but that the wind blows it all over the place.

I'd go with an Aluminum Bass Boat. They are lighter in weight to tow. Give when hitting something. They get up on plane faster. They can be fished in more shallow water. Aluminum is lower cost effective. That's my thoughts on the subject.

I mostly fish Louisiana marsh and big open bays in Xpress bay boat. In open bays I wish I had a glass boat, easy riding in chops. In the marsh Im happy to have a very shallow running aluminum boat. I guess the wide boat that’s 20ft long was the compromise for me. I’d go aluminum. Good luck.

Bought a Vexus AVX. Owned in for 3 yrs. Light and easy to pull and move around. Spot lock helps with the wind issues. But it’s still a tin boat! Cracked welds and other QC issues and I sold it. Back into a glass boat again. Much, Much happier in my new Phoenix.

Got a tracker love the aluminum.

I have an Aluminum 17.5 boat and love it. Besides Tracker & Ranger Crestliner has a nice 18'+ boat. Back to the basics. If Keith Poche can do it so can you!!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!! 🤠👍

Aluminum all the way

I’ve fished my Tracker 160 20+ miles offshore in the Gulf. It handles nasty conditions amazingly well. Plus, it’s got a divided live well, plenty of storage, locking rod lockers-all the basics you need. No joke, I’ve caught everything from bluegill to tuna (and king macks, amberjack, redfish, you name it) on this thing. Entry and deadrise are critical. If you have that, an aluminum will treat you just fine. I love mine.

All the boats you mentioned are very nice. I fishing out of a 15' 9" G3 with a 25HP and catch everything under the Sun so I'm good. Good luck with your shopping for a rig.

Randy, I have owned both the past few years. Avid 19 XB with 150 Yamaha. It was ok. Im now in a Caymas 18 SS with 150 Merc. The Yamaha is a stronger motor. 150 on 181/2 glass boat is barely enough motor. If i were to do it again, I would buy an Xpress H18 with a 115. Reason is it will tow easier and it fishes big. I fish out of one with my good friend who owns it. Do get a spot lock motor. I dont have poles and really dont need them. Only use for poles is beaching boat loading and un loading. the Caymas will barely get on plane loaded with a Tournament load. Take a look at Xpress. They are tough!!!

I really like aluminum for the reasons you mentioned. Most of the aluminum boats are terrible when it comes to dry storage. The poor quality of carpeting is another issue. That may be the same in the cheaper fiberglass also. The maintenance of trying to keep the gel coat from fading is also another plus for aluminum.

I have owned 2 fiberglass rangers and am currently in an rt 188 with a 115 I have owned it for 4 years. I have zero complaints I new what I was getting into and the way I fish is shallow river and creek arms. It has served me well. I'm a ranger guy all the way.

An aluminum boat is what I am after and there's that wonderful saying: "A happy wife makes for a great life" - hopefully you will make the right (Aluminum) decision on this one. ;)

I rock an aluminum and probably always will. BUT If I fished tournaments in larger bodies of water, I'd opt for the glass. I feel like you can do pretty good with 30k on the used market, especially with scaled down electronics etc..

was in pro shops in peoria recently and was shocked at how sharp the big aluminum boats are. i can remember when the trackers had the old stub nosed ugly bow. what an evolution !

You can get a lot of places in an Aluminum boat you can't with a fiberglass. Depends where you live I suppose. I have a lot of tubes on my lake that would be sketchy on a fiberglass boat. they lead to some great fishing areas

Went aluminum years ago and have never looked back. If you’re not constantly running big water at white knuckle speeds, aluminum will do you just fine. There have been tons of advancements in aluminum. Get your Keith Poche on Randy; go shallow!

The 195 with 150 PXS is a great choice. The Revolution hull design has more deadrise than the 198 and handles heavy chop without slamming. It cuts the chop. It also will not slide in a turn because of the reverse chines in the hull. On the trolling motor with the engine trimmed all the way up it will get into about a foot of water. There's more storage than you need and front deck space is larger than the Z18 Nitro. Fully loaded with fuel, full livewell, two anglers and gear mid 50's is doable. Running light it will hit low 60's. It's still under the $40K mark with the tandem axle trailer option. It is truly insane to even consider $100K for a bass boat and there are a few close to the $150K mark. Ranger's newest aluminum, the 208 Alpha, hits the $80K+ mark loaded out. It will become even harder to grow or even maintain the sport if anglers think they have to spend a mortgage payment to have a boat.

Wait for the biggest boat show in your region.They usually discount models .

Love my aluminum Tracker. I even use it to get to hunting places and have successfully alligator hunted out of it. Super rugged and durable and can get anywhere without worrying about scratching it up or hurting it.

I have the tracker 195. Love it. After all my own upgrades of course. Comes with basic 70lb trolling motor and (2) lowrance hook 5’s. Ditch the interstate batteries quick.

Bass Cat and Phoenix have some nice smaller models but they cost a little more.

I sold my fiberglass Skeeter and bought a Bass Tracker 195 and both me and my family love it.

Go with the Aluminum one.

The 198 when it’s rains you better have waterproof boxes in your storage. They will fill quickly in a hard rain. The Vexus aluminum has fiberglass boxes and rain tight but a bit more expensive

Throw a drift sock out there it will slow you down.

Look into Gator Trax boats. They are very well made aluminum boats. Just not seeing issues with the hull.

Hi Randy. Ii fished in the top 100s. Met you at the 93 megabucks. Thank you for all you do. Randy me personally . Fiber glass. Because the wind. I have a 19 ft wareagle that I croppie fish in. I know you precision flip. When I fished tournaments. I had a Stratos 201. Flipping boat docks was so much easier. Like you said. The wind is tough. I have a spot lock. And in February March. It does not matter. The stress of the wind is overwhelming. Again thank you for all you do.

Go aluminum Randy. Being able to fish shallow should seal the deal

18 foot fiberglass with 150, better in the wind.

@Shaqoneil81-ci7dr

17 күн бұрын

That’s exactly what I’ve got. No complaints.

For me- aluminum hurts my back when fishing. It's not the tippiness, it's a "shear" effect that happens, especially from boat wakes. Good luck man.

@tootall9209

17 күн бұрын

Your riding to much or you have a bad back

@oldschoolbassin

17 күн бұрын

@@tootall9209 No man, it's while FISHING. They tend to shuffle a little bit sideways instead of just rocking.

@tootall9209

17 күн бұрын

@@oldschoolbassin Ok gotcha

@oldschoolbassin

17 күн бұрын

@@tootall9209 Old age, old back, and I still love aluminum boats. I have a 15' TINY bass boat still...

Im an aluminum boat guy, but Kim likes the fiberglass, so there it is. Decided. Prove me wrong 😂

You can do really well with a late model used boat as an option. I’ve owned several “used” boats and they were great and huge cost difference…

Glass. Man, just saw a Ranger Z19 for under 30k that’d be perfect.

Love the direction you're taking I've had the big glass baots in the past and enjoy my 16 foot aluminum rig with basic electronics. Gets me into those spots and is easy to handle myself. Love to have a Ranger or bigger Lowe aluminum.

To me it depends how much you want to invest. If you only boat fish a couple times a month, I’d go aluminum. I have a 520vx and regret it a little. I hesitate just picking up for a quick fish. 30 years ago I had a 16 ft deep v, spent many, many hrs enjoying. 17ft - 18 aluminum imo is an advantage. Pocket book size matters.

In Louisiana we have some great custom aluminum boat builders. 3/16 hauls and water proof storage. Life time boats. The prices will surprise you Vs a big box manufacturer. Hanko’s Metal Works, Scully Boats, and sportsman fabrication.

Aluminum for sure!

I have the Tracker 195 and wish so bad I had a fiberglass. I’m tired of being blown around and not able to open it up when it’s a lot of waves! So much more comfort in a fiberglass

Glass is for pros and those that feel the need to fulfill their status quo life. Aluminum boats like the Xpress x18/19/20/21 all have pad hulls now, can run the big motors like a glass boat and are not rough like the old aluminum boats of the 90's. They have just as much storage, run faster with a smaller motor, better fuel economy, tow easier, can run up against trees and rocky banks without worries, can run all the same electronics and gear. Its a no brainer to buy the boat thats literally half the cost of a glittering water fairy.

You should check out those Gator Trax boats Randy sounds like exactly why you was describing you was looking for!

I have an xpress aluminum. I have been very happy with it, and with the pad hull, it has a great ride. Plenty of storage. Awesome shallow water performance.

@hoodmatt2011

15 күн бұрын

I have 2022 Xpress X19 Pro 175hp I absolutely love it! But I hate the dang trailer piece of crap! Backtrack trailers are garbage! Seems to be one thing after another! From the spot weilds, having to replace the ball bearings & a cracked leaf spring!

@patrickmahoney3479

15 күн бұрын

@hoodmatt2011 So far, no issues with the trailer for me.

We have a Triton 18.5 foot Magnum aluminum, 150 HP, full windshield deep-v. The boat was manufactured by Crestliner. Top end is in the low 50s. Blasts through heavy waves no problem. It's been a great boat for us. If we ever replace it, would be a comparable Lund or another Crestliner.

Randy: I’ve never owned fiberglass, but my 22 year old welded aluminum has served me very well. Easy to tow. Easy to launch and load anywhere. Cost new $10,000. Replacement cost about $25,000. Less horsepower than you want, but less gas cost as well. As I get older I can afford an upgrade, but why? One of the things I’ve learned over the years is my Tennessee trailer is a key part of why I love my boat. Save money for a really good trailer. Thanks for trying to keep fishing real! God Bless. P.S. Buy aluminum. It will save you a fortune over it’s lifetime of use.

@randyblaukatintuitive

15 күн бұрын

Thx Larry

Good video! I run a 18ft nitro because it fits in th garage. Had my share of bassboats, 20 footers. And of course 18 footers from back in the day when 150hp limits in place. These new 18's fish way bigger than them late 70's 80's boats sometimes I forget I'm in an 18 boat. Look at the Triton 18!

I bought a Crestliner XF189 last year with a 150. Bought for the monster front deck and huge rod locker. I need a boat that would fit in my single car garage and I out grew my old javelin after my knee replacement. Needed the open space. That being said it’s the best boat I’ve ever fished in with the trolling motor down. On the big motor not so much. Rough ride. 50mph tops but I run bow heavy with tm and electronics. I happy with my Crestliner. No issues with it. Gets me on the water at under 40k.

Randy, buy a cheap older bass boat and restore it into exactly what you want. I just picked up a 1994 Stratos SF 290 that'll be a complete restore, but it'll be exactly what I want when I'm done. Just a thought. Also, go fiberglass. You know you want that v-hull.

I have aluminum and love it never will go back to fiberglass don't have to worry so much about landing on a stump in high winds and busting the bottom out..

I like your train of thought a lot. One thing to consider is how weight is additive in boats. Going for a lighter hull, means a smaller engine that is a lot lighter. A smaller gas tank, less gear, a lighter trailer and a lighter car...

I'm on the aluminum side.....write down the pros and cons of each.....scale definitely tips to the aluminum. I would get a trolling motor with spot lock though. I'm running a Ranger RT188w/Yammy 115 last 8 years and love it. Fortrex was fine but the Ultrex does change the game. Most of the time your fishing, the trolling motor's in the water, you're not running. Had mine on St. Clair several times....not problem, just slow down a bit and be smart. I applaud you for not getting sucked in to the big rig. Best of luck to you Randy!

I have a Lund 2021 Pro V bass 2075 with a 200 Mercury Pro XS. No jack plate yet, maybe in the near future. Easily runs 50 to 55 mph, plenty fast enough for me. I have had friends who swear by glass boats that were really impressed with the hole shot, how well it handles and the features. It has no problem with rough water. Storage in my opinion is equal to or better than a lot of the glass boats I have been in. It has a 49 gallon fuel tank and a 27 gallon live well. With a 98" beam the front and back decks offer plenty of room. Lund does not make this model anymore but I believe they still make an 18' model. The new aluminum boats are not the same as the old ones. If you can get a test ride in one I believe some of your concerns about aluminum boats will go away. If you ever get to Pennsylvania I would be glad to let you take mine out for a test ride. My ghost trolling motor with the anchor lock takes care of most wind issues. I am 62 and I have no issues launching or loading this boat myself. I picked up a Dakota boat retriever and what a difference that makes when launching.

I had to chuckle when you talked about your first bass boat. My first real Bass boat was a Bonanza trihull with a 50 hp Johnson. I bought it used for $1500. My friends called it the toxic waste boat cuz it was so ugly. I caught a lot of fish in that old thing.

Randy, it is timely. I have gone from kayak, to tin boat, to now a used 2007 Nitro 591DC, which is just the current Nitro Z18. That 150 on the back is plenty fast. I'm putting electronics on it with a single bow mounted HDS Pro 9 and one at the console for the back deck fisherman and nav. I moved to fiberglass from tin really because I found a deal on it, otherwise I was looking at tin in the 18-20' range. That said, the way the glass boat handles the wind is a gamechanger for me here in Oklahoma. That alone makes the few disadvantages of glass melt away.

Fiberglass...the pluses are they ride better, have bigger live wells, more storage room, easier to control with the trolling motor, are generally faster Aluminum the pluses are they are cheaper, easier to tow with a smaller vehicle, can generally get into skinnier water with Fiberglass...the minuses are they cost more Aluminum...the minuses are they have less storage, worse ride, smaller live wells, harder to control in the wind, boat quality is less than a fiberglass boat, lower trade in value

That’s my fav 4 As well, I know you like tandem axle trailers for good reason, I think the ranger is the only one that offers that , maybe tracker 195 also thanks man

In my opinion, you should go with an aluminum boat just to further prove that you don’t need the expensive gear and you don’t need the expensive boats and an aluminum gives you just that

My tournament partner got an 18ft crestliner with a 115 this year. It's AMAZING! the front deck is wider then most is super stable goes over 55 with 1 person in the boat floats in less then a foot of water, perfect for us shallow guys, and under 30,000$

You were talking about buying a brand new boat. I would like to hear your perspective on the “why’s” and “why nots” on a used boat.

I have an AlumaCraft 2021 Pro 185 with a Merc 115.The wind does affect You some but I knew that going in being I had owned a smaller boat before. The Boat fishes great and the big plus is it was paid for when I left the Dealer.

One thing you may not have considered is what happens when the boat is nno longer functional? After having to cut up two obsolete fiberglass boats with a circular saw in order to take them to the dump at a reasonable price, I will never get another one. With aluminum even if it's wrecked the recycler will pay you. Even if you sell a fiberglass after a few years or decades eventually it will end up a derelict hulk clogging up the landscape somewhere. So go aluminum .

Randy I went from fiberglass to aluminum in 2017 . I have a rt 188 four stroke 115 pro xs. It ain’t no bass tracker. I have one power pole I rarely use and fortrex troller and two helix 7 fish finders gps. I fished in thirty mph winds a month ago for three days and did fine just slow down . Me and my buds still catch a lot of bass out of my tin and if I want to troll around for sandies or hybrids it’s easy. My previous 19 ft with opti 200 was a great platform for bass fishing but I just wanted something easier to deal with as I get older.

If you are fishing, instead of riding you do not need anything bigger than 18ft. Aluminum. Ranger 198 P 150 hp. The fish are NOT going nowhere, they will be there when you get there . I've seen anglers running up and down lake constantly, your not fishing, put the trolling motor down and fish.Ranger 198 150 hp Mercury pro xs ,fast boat handles ,rides great .I owned a Nitro Z18 ,HEAVY BOAT hard to pull with today's V6 engines .Unless you got V8 ,then more gas.

My first boat was aluminum 12' with a 9.9. Working my way to fiberglass 22'Ranger Battleship. Yes you gotta take care more of the fiberglass that's why I have a 14' v bottom with a 20hp tiller that I can run and beat in skinny water. If the big boat goes down I have a backup

Not just wind. Try loading in a river with fast current. It’s damn near impossible. Other than that I love my aluminum.

randy check out xpress a guy can get a 2024 18 ft unit with yami 115 for under 40k or under 35k for 23 model . just an fyi

Posting before watching because I've just went through this, and decided. I'm curious to see your thoughts. You know by this stage of experience everything is a compromise Randy. I find it hard to see you on anything but glass. I've done the same exact thing over the years, downsize-rethink-refit as my directions changed. But my water is different than some having inland lakes, rivers and close to Lake Erie and the other great lakes. But I'm done with glass - going aluminum. I see all the comments and thoughts on glass, and they are right. Problem I've found? In glass boats? 100's of choices, configs - Aluminum? it's a slim profile of options, dwarfed by glass. It's simple, Glass boats are easy to make, most popular. But man, boats have gone stupid in the price game. Blows my mind. ate 90's I bought a fishing cruiser new, less than 40K, today? in the 90's - fkn' stupid. It's getting old man, bitd, 2-3 years felt like 10. Now, 10 years feels like only 2-3. That's how fast it goes by. Example "Yeah babe, I think that was 7 or 8 years ago" .... "No dear, it's been 15" ... Yall know that know.

Idk go aluminum with nice spot lock trolling motor to help with wind and easier for anchoring. Im a kayak fisherman though so that spot lock is an absolute game changer for kayaks in the wind and on creeks.

All you need is is that Ranger 198 or the Tracker 19 with a 115!

Randy get a BassCat Pantera 2. It’s a get platform to get in those tight spots where guys like us fish. It’s the absolute best platform for under 62k.. Bought mine in 2022 for 55k.

When I bought my first kayak and scaled back the amount of tackle I carried and the distances I traveled across the water, my catch at least doubled. Seems like once you stop changing lures every 10 minutes and running up and down the lake and simply spend your time fishing you start catching more fish.

You can find a used glass one within your budget it’s a no brainer my guy

@07slowbalt

16 күн бұрын

Yea with a motor with 400+ hrs on it and about to throw a rod.

@casiokids91

16 күн бұрын

@@07slowbaltunless you’re buying a guides or pros old boat that’s not the case with an average person old boat lol

@davidbeutler9510

15 күн бұрын

I have had both. Not sure what your wind situation is. Really hard to controlling in a wind. Went to a ranger r 73. To short with again in the wind. Takes water over the bow. Finally settled on a Ranger vx 520. I have had this boat (used) since 2007. I would never go to anything any smaller. Spend the extra and be safer. Better ride. Dave, Idaho

@07slowbalt

15 күн бұрын

@@casiokids91 i have 2 buddies that its happened to now and they weren't a pro or guides boat. Not sure if you've priced a new block for a 200hp merc lately buts its stupid expensive. The money you save on a used glass goes right out the window if you get an unfortunate blowout.

Look at a Vexus aluminum, much better than a Ranger.

John Cox does well with a Crestliner aluminum

I bought the Z18 In 2016. It's a 2017 model. Still looks and runs like brand new

Man, it all personal prefrence. I have seen glass with leaks from cracks and i have see welds torn on alum. Good luck randy

You might consider X-press Aluminum Boats in Hot Springs AR. H18 has a Hyper Lift padded hull, .125 thick hull and all aluminum construction-no wood. I have an older H51 and love it!

The Crestliner looks nice, wide deck.

I bought a 1999 Lowe 18ft Sea Nymph deep-v with a 2023 Honda 90hp. After running a fiberglass 20ft long and the boat I bought, my boat is slower but roomie and comfortable. The boat takes waves much better, and I catch more fish with it being aluminum. It may be different for some, but I love that deep-v. I can stand and lip a bass or net it easily. Captian seats are amazing for me with a bad back. I put a Terrova 70-pound spotlock on it for 1500.00 bucks. I do have a livescope, but I never use it. It's like poaching for fish. I enjoy the surprise of what's on the line sometime. Go, Cheap, Randy!!! Lund predator is an awesome boat also. The prices are starting to come down a little.