Oaf Brain Trust

[back2roots]

Hello All,

Just now starting the process of looking into buying a 16' - 20' aluminum fishing boat, 20-50 hp, mainly to be used on Taney. Of course, talking with the salesperson, a rivited boat is best AND a welded boat is best. Both say that the other building style will develope leaks......ANY boat developes leaks....eventually. Looking for input from them that actually have a boat....not just trying to sell one.

Thanks for the help!!!

Bill

[rps]

In the 80's I owned a Lowe. Right now I own an Xpress. Very happy with both. I have been told by several the G3 is very good.

[back2roots]

Those are two of the brands I've looked at. Also thought about a Lund.

Thanks for the info!

Bill

[bigredbirdfan]

My boat is a tracker all welded 1997 and I just bought it in March from the 2nd owner. The only time water comes out of the plug is when I use it in the rain. Never a drop. Which reminds me to test the bilge pump to make sure it is working. I also have a rivited old boat leaks like crazy. My buddy had his old boat coated on the outside now it never leaks. Probably depends on your preference.

[techo]

I almost purchased a G3 instead of my glass Skeeter. Lund are famous in Minnesota (they are made there). I fished many a Lund and they are good boats, you betcha! Times have changed and for the most part I think most brands of anything are good. Not really a bad motorcycle, car, truck or boat made anymore. It seems to be more about what features are most important to you.

Alumacraft was a prior boat I owned. You could do anything with that thing. I think it was four wheel drive and indestructible.

[WebFreeman]

I used to have a '62 richline which was riveted and it never leaked. Storied outside or under a car port for most of it's life until I sold it in 03 or 04. Don't know if that info is worth anything or not. I guess it just depends.

[Parker]

I own a 1998 16' G3 with a 25 HP Yamaha and it is dry as a bone. Also it is just a great boat to fish out of. If interested we might be selling this boat. I have been looking at Champion bass boats and others.

[JRay]

I've owned both and currently own a G3 that is all welded. My riveted boats didn't leak, but I personally would always favor a welded boat from here on. When I was shopping the thing I liked about the G3 over a Lowe was that the G3 was built from thicker aluminum than the Lowe for the particular model I wanted.....probably overkill for the average situations we fish in.

[back2roots]

That's the kind of input I was looking for. Thanks to everyone! Now comes the penny & nickel saving and just waiting for the right deal.

Thanks Again!!

Bill