Boating is not only a wonderful way to pass the long summer days, but also provides many here in the Rogue Valley with a way to sustain their livelihoods. Whether you’re boating for business or pleasure, there are many factors to consider when buying a boat. When it comes to making an investment in your next boat, one of the most important considerations that arises is regarding the boat’s material—what is better, aluminum or fiberglass?

Factors to Consider

While both aluminum and fiberglass make for good boat construction materials, they differ in several ways. For example, aluminum tends to be less expensive than fiberglass, although it is often considered more durable because it is less susceptible to wear and damage. Other factors include:

• Weight. An aluminum boat weighs much less than a fiberglass boat, making it easier to launch and load at the boat ramp. It is also easier to push an aluminum boat off a sandbar and somewhat simpler to tow behind either another boat or on a trailer. Conversely, a fiberglass boat weighs more, so it does take more work to tow and launch. However, the weight of a fiberglass boat can be beneficial for traversing the larger waves of the ocean as well as for preventing drift during fishing. 
• Maintenance. An aluminum boat needs relatively little maintenance as compared to a fiberglass boat. Aluminum boats tend to dent rather than crack or break, so repairs are much less of a worry—and ultimately cost much less—than with a fiberglass boat. Corrosion and rust are not typically factors with either type of boat.
• Design. Fiberglass boats are traditionally more customizable than metal boat and are often offered in more complex hull shapes. With fiberglass, more accessories can be integrated into the structure of the boat itself. However, a skilled aluminum boat maker can craft practically any custom hull style you can imagine.

Making the Decision

When you’re making the decision between an aluminum and a fiberglass boat, it is important to recognize that both are good options. As a result, the way you plan to use your boat will likely be the determining factor. At Rogue Jet Boats, we’ve been creating custom aluminum boats for over 35 years. Contact us to learn more.