Hi. I'm new to boating. Still deciding whether to get a 8ft fibreglass or aluminium boat. Just wondering whether an 18lbs trust trolling motor would work on a 8ft aluminium boat and also how much would the boat weight first? Also, is $400 a good deal for a used 8ft fibreglass boat (decent condition), with anchor, life jackets, oars, 5hp Johnson motor and tank.
i prefer aluminum hands down, especially on a small boat, the weight difference would be astounding! at least double, maybe triple! and then when the wood gets wet and waterlogged, worry about rot and de-laminating. aluminum is so durable, i bought a 14' lund and was very surprised when i was told its a 1985 especially if you want to move it with a 5hp, i have a 10ft alum and a 32lbs thrust elec trolling motor and it only move 6mph, it moves my 14' about 4 mph as for value, hard to say without seeing it, i like buying quality products, its not fun sitting helpless on the water ( ran out of gas this summer) but if its what you can afford and someone can help you fix it up if need be, you gotta start somewhere right?
Some will tell you aluminum and some will tell you fiberglass are better. It's a matter of ones taste/likes in my opinion. Properly cared for and each could give you a lifetime of pleasure. Weight for the boat? Less than a 100-150 pounds probably. As for your question on the $400 deal...maybe yes...maybe no...and I know that seems screwy. Condition of the boat is decent. Question is do you want to see yourself in a decent boat? Do you care? Anchor...that's good. Life jackets? How old? What size? Torn or tattered? All to be figured in for consideration as they are the one thing that may save your life should you need them. Oars? Good if the engine isn't. 5 hp engine tank...good and if it runs could be worth 1/2 the $400 investment. If you're looking for something to just take out fishing or for a spin on calm waters and everything works (or floats), I'd say go for it. Good luck good boating to you!
put a NEW small outboard on one of them and get 30+ years with nothing but routine maintaince. mercs smallest outboard, 2.5 hp, only costs about $750.
