I’m in the market to buy an aluminum fishing boat for use in the ocean. What should I take into consideration before buying one?

There are a lot of advantages to aluminum over fiberglass fishing boats, but there are some disadvantages as well. Perhaps the biggest single disadvantage of aluminum over fiberglass for ocean use, is the fact that the corrosive properties of the salt water often can wreak havoc on the metal the boat is made of, particularly the rivets used to put the boat together. The deterioration of these rivets can often cause the boat to warp, crack, and/or leak. This is the main thing you want to think about when it comes to buying an aluminum boat for use in salt water. Some other disadvantages to aluminum boats are: Lightening is attracted to metal, making any electrical storm that pops up a threat to the boat and the people in it. Aluminum is not as easily customized as fiberglass Aluminum boats don’t give as smooth a ride as fiberglass does. Aluminum boats tend to push through the water rather than parting the water like a fiberglass boat will do. This allows water to come into the boat and onto the boaters more. Aluminum boats normally do not have as large a fuel capacity as fiberglass boats do, making it necessary to carry fuel cans if you will be making long offshore trips. Some of the advantages to aluminum boats are: Aluminum is customizable and can be painted in any way you wish Aluminum boats are resistant to punctures, making them strong and durable under normal conditions. Aluminum resists rust and decay and can provide years of dependable use under normal conditions It is easy to repair aluminum boats. They can be hammered or welded as needed. They are easier to row, they are light weight, and they are very fuel efficient. They are light weight enough to be easily moved by even a single person. This being said, only you can choose the right boat for you, based on your intended use and the reasons you have for choosing a particular boat. It is generally accepted that for extensive salt water use, fiberglass is the best choice for boats.