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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 !!

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

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’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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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

The tracker 195 is nice like super nice

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.

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.

Got a tracker love the aluminum.

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 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!!! 🤠👍

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 !

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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 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..

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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!!!

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…

Aluminum!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

18 foot fiberglass with 150, better in the wind.

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$

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

I fish out of a 16.5 Tracker Pro V 16 WT, which is perfect for me as I'm 73 with balance issues. I would look for a good used Ranger 185 series boat. There are many out there well equiped to be had, with enough money left over to do many upgrades.

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. ;)

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Aluminum all the way

Trackers are good boats that get a bad rap.They don’t put a bunch of high dollar finishes in them and that’s how they keep the price down but as far as the hull goes they are good hulls and they putting the same motors on them as any other boat brand.The carpet will wear out faster and you might have to tighten a couple screws every now and then but overall they good boats especially for weekend guys like myself.I personally think the tracker 195 has the best compartment layout of any aluminum boat outside of the Lund pro v bass but that boat is not the average aluminum it’s more expensive then a lot of glass boats.

I ran a tracker pro185 on lake of the ozarks for 10 years no problems. Not fast but handled great in one of the roughest lakes in the us

I really like the Express boat there really nice but the only thing I've seen with it is the storage lids are loud if you slam them.

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...

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

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..

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

The Crestliner looks nice, wide deck.

I have a 98 Sylvan deep V. 18’, 115. Love the deep V. Love the ability to sit all day fishing. Since I’m older, the deep V, with the higher sides just feels safer overall Just use a stronger working trolling motor for those windy days.

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

I love my Lund Impact 1875 xs - it’s not a bass boat but a great fish and ski boat - I’m on the aluminum group

I was @ a dealership 2 months ago looking for hard to find fuel line connector. A sales guy was pushing a already loaded Nitro to my talkative buddy. I think you may have a good bit of bargaining power, though it may be a regional thing. The distances you fish like KY. Lake etc. I would spring for duel axle as others have mentioned. Fwiw I fish Crestliner aluminum & love it except on windy days.

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.

Fiberglass is the best ride and stability while walking around your boat.. I've had my stratos 275 XL and love it.. very stable for a 17.5 ft boat

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.

Vexus makes some pretty good looking Aluminum boats. they seem to be extremely well made.

Have you looked into getting a hybrid where it’s aluminium covered in fibreglass

My two cents. I fish out of a 16 ft aluminum and enjoy it but the wind can play havoc sometimes. If I had my choice it would be the smaller Skeeter with the 150.👍👍👍

Nitro Z18 gets my vote. And I completely agree that boat prices are out of control.

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 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.

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

Just curious why xpress wasn’t in your consideration?

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

Sounds to me like you've already made up YOUR mind, and you like tin. However, the Boss likes glass, so I look forward to seeing your new glass boat!

The falcon freedom model

I’ve been running fiberglass boats of various brands, styles, and sizes since the 1960s. Aging, I wanted something smaller and lighter for towing, launching, and trailering. Six months ago I bought a 20-foot Xpress bay boat. I am very pleased with the boat and feel as though I made no compromises in moving from my traditional fiberglass to aluminum. Fact is, I could not have achieved what I wanted at this price point in fiberglass.