Should You Buy an Aluminum Boat or a Fiberglass Boat?

Boating is a multi-generational activity. It allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones on the water. However, different boats are designed for various distinct activities, and you want a vessel that can handle your marine adventures safely and efficiently. If you are in the market for a boat but are unsure where to begin, you have arrived at the right place.

The Ski Shack is your local boat dealership in Missouri, and our experts have created this buying guide to help you decide whether you should get an aluminum boat or a fiberglass model. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team.

The Advantages of Aluminum Boats

Aluminum is durable and affordable, and boats made from this material are lightweight, reliable, and resilient to impacts from waves and currents. Aluminum boats are also easier to trailer around with a small towing vehicle and launch at the dock or marina. They also have excellent resale value because they don’t require much maintenance to continue serving for years. In addition, aluminum vessel repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive.

However, aluminum boats can be noisy when running in choppy waters because of their thin hulls. They can become unstable during high-speed maneuvers and corrode faster in saltwater.

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The Perks of Fiberglass Boats

Fiberglass boats offer several advantages over aluminum boats. For example, they perform better in rough water conditions due to their heavy weight and thick hulls. They are also more comfortable due to their sound-deadening properties and extra customization options. They are ideal for fishing and enjoying leisurely cruises.

On the downside, fiberglass boats can be more expensive than aluminum models and more prone to damage from bumps against rocks or other objects. These vessels require more maintenance to keep going, and you will need to wax your model regularly to protect it from UV damage and keep it looking new.

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Boat Dealers in Springfield, MO

We hope this guide helps you determine whether you should buy an aluminum or a fiberglass boat. If you need more information or want to explore a few models in person before finalizing your decision, visit The Ski Shack. We have dealerships in Springfield, Branson, and Shell Knob, MO, and we are proud to serve those from Nixa—so stop by today.