Build a Fishing Boat: Choosing the Best Boat Material for You
Choosing the best material to build a fishing boat is a classic debate that has led to many discussions over time—and for a good reason. Every material has its own pros and cons that influence everything, like how well it works and how easy it is to take care of. We’re here to help you choose what works best for you and what’s important to you.
What are fishing boats made of?
Fishing boats are typically made from aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. When you're choosing a material, consider what works best for you. Whether it's the tough nature of aluminum, the classic look of wood, or the low-maintenance qualities of fiberglass, just make sure you build a fishing boat that fits your needs, budget, and skills for building.
Here are the most common fishing boat materials with their advantages and disadvantages:
Aluminum Fishing Boats
Aluminum Boat Pros
1. It’s lightweight.
One of the biggest advantages of using aluminum to build a fishing boat is how lightweight it is. Aluminum boats usually weigh about 30-40% less than fiberglass ones of the same size, and that brings a lot of advantages for anglers.
The lighter weight makes it so much simpler to manage these boats in different situations. For example, getting the boat in and out at the ramp is easier, moving the boat off sandbars takes less effort, and you can use a smaller vehicle to tow the boat, so you won't have to deal with heavy boat trailers.
2. Saves you money on fuel
Aluminum boats use less fuel whether you're cruising on the water or towing them because of their light weight.
3. Easy to maneuver
Aluminum boosts the boat's agility and responsiveness when you're out on the water. If you're cruising through tight channels, battling rough waters, or exploring shallow spots, an aluminum boat's lighter weight gives you a nice boost in how easily you can steer and perform overall.
This boost in agility helps make things safer out on the water.
4. Impressive strength-to-weight ratio
Aluminum boats usually have great riding characteristics and can be surprisingly fast, even with a less powerful engine. If you want to build a fishing boat that's strong yet light, aluminum is a great option to consider.
5. Less to zero maintenance
You can get an aluminum boat dirty without worrying about keeping the deck white or the seats clean. Maintaining an aluminum boat is pretty straightforward. You mostly just need to rinse and scrub them.
When you get rid of the hassle of maintenance, boating turns into a lot more fun and feels less like a chore.
6. Bends but won't break
An aluminum boat is tough enough to stay afloat without leaking after an impact, and fixing it is quicker and cheaper when you get it on land.
7. Lasts for decades
Aluminum's strong resistance to corrosion helps it last a long time. They can last 30 to 40 years with very little need for major fixes or updates.
Aluminum boats can definitely help you save some money, but they have their drawbacks, and there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Aluminum Boat Cons
1. Noisy
The metal hull makes the engine noise and the sound of water hitting the boat much louder compared to fiberglass or other materials. The noise can easily spook fish, especially in calm or shallow waters where being quiet is so important for catching them.
2. Dent or scratch more easily
If you're going to fish in places with lots of rocks, logs, or other things in the way, aluminum boats need a little extra attention. The metal hull is strong but not as hard as fiberglass, so it can dent or scratch when it hits hard surfaces.
If you’re not cautious when moving through tough areas or prefer to avoid frequent repairs, aluminum may not be the ideal option for challenging environments.
3. Not the most stylish choice
Aluminum boats tend to have a more practical, utilitarian look. Their metal surface usually has a matte or brushed look, and while you can paint them, it's tough to achieve that sleek, showroom-quality finish like you get with fiberglass.
4. Hot and cold surfaces
One of the drawbacks of aluminum boats is how the metal responds to changes in temperature. On a hot summer day, the metal parts—especially the seats and edges—can get hot and uncomfortable. On cold mornings or when the weather is cooler, aluminum can feel cold against your skin, which can be uncomfortable during early fishing trips.
This sensitivity to temperature means you might want to bring along some extra cushions, covers, or gear to keep comfortable, which can add a bit of hassle to your outings.
5. Not best for saltwater
Since aluminum boats tend to be noisy—a minor issue in freshwater—it can become much more noticeable and bothersome out at sea.
Aluminum boats are also susceptible to saltwater corrosion. Aluminum naturally creates a protective oxide coating, but saltwater is harsher and can cause corrosion over time, especially if the boat isn't maintained or fittings and accessories are made of incompatible metals. Also, aluminum boats tend to have hull forms that are better for lakes and rivers than oceans.
Fiberglass Fishing Boats
Fiberglass Fishing Boat Pros
1. Less wobble and noise
If you're on the heavier side, you might find that an aluminum boat tends to wobble a bit more compared to a fiberglass boat. The fiberglass hull absorbs and lessens the impact from waves, vibrations, and other stuff hitting the boat.
Fiberglass boats are different from aluminum or wooden ones because they don’t make that loud "lapping" sound when water hits the bottom or sides. You can sneak up on your favorite fishing spot without scaring the fish away, which increases your chances of catching that trophy fish.
2. Get custom hull shapes
Fiberglass is extremely versatile, making it possible to create all sorts of unique shapes and designs that would be tough or even impossible to pull off with aluminum.
Fiberglass boat makers can create advanced hull designs like bow flare, steps, and different angles of deadrise. The boat's performance and handling are improved by these features, making it better suited for different water conditions.
Also, being able to add complex shapes makes it easy to fit in accessories such as livewells, tackle stations, seating modules, and fishboxes right into the boat's main design. Just be sure to use stainless steel screws in fastening the accessories to avoid any rust and keep everything secure in the harsh marine environment.
3. More stable on the water
Fiberglass boats are heavier, and that extra weight helps them stay stable and handle the waves better. This added weight helps the boat stay on course and drift more slowly and predictably when it's windy, which is very helpful for anglers.
Fiberglass fishing boats are sure to catch some eyes at the dock with their sleek designs, but like any material, they have their own downsides.
Fiberglass Fishing Boat Cons
1. Naturally brittle
Fiberglass isn't as flexible as materials like aluminum, so it can crack or chip more easily, especially when it bumps into rocks, docks, or other tough surfaces. This fragility means that even small bumps can cause cracks or damage that need fixing.
Eventually, those little fixes can pile up, resulting in more regular maintenance expenses and time your boat spends out of action.
2. Higher upfront and ongoing costs
Fiberglass boats usually cost more upfront than options like aluminum. But the expenses don’t end there since fiberglass needs some regular TLC to keep its gel coat looking good and to avoid problems like osmosis (water absorption that causes blisters). You might end up spending a lot more on maintenance as the boat ages.
3. More weight can slow the boat down
Fiberglass usually weighs more than materials such as aluminum, which impacts your boat's total weight and how well you can handle it both in and out of the water. A heavier boat can make it harder for the engine to move through the water, which can lead to using more fuel.
Your boat's carrying capacity can be affected, which means you might not be able to take as much gear, equipment, or passengers without impacting how well it performs. Also, the extra weight can make it harder to trailer and launch your boat.
Wooden Fishing Boats
Wooden Fishing Boats Pros
1. Naturally lightweight yet strong material
If you design it right as part of a composite structure, a wooden boat can be just as strong as a regular fiberglass boat, but it’ll weigh around half as much. This big drop in weight lets you use smaller, cheaper motors while still keeping up the performance, which helps cut down your operating costs.
That said, traditional wooden boats are heavier than aluminum or some fiberglass boats because wood is denser and has thick planks and structure. Modern technology and lighter woods or composite wood structures can make wooden boats lighter than fiberglass.
If you're using limited power sources like sails or oars, a lighter wooden boat will definitely perform better and be easier to manage.
2. Wood makes fishing boat building easy for everyone
No matter if you're a pro exploring new designs and performance or a backyard builder putting together a kit with your family, wood can meet your needs. It’s great for both small dinghies and big boats, and the ways to build them can go from basic old-school methods to really high-tech stuff.
3. Wood makes the boat quieter and more comfortable on the water
Just like fiberglass, wood has a natural ability to absorb vibrations, which leads to a much quieter ride. This is a great advantage for anglers because a quieter boat makes less noise, which means fish are less likely to be scared away, increasing your chances of a good catch.
Additionally, wooden boats provide a smoother and more gentle experience, ensuring your comfort even when the waves get choppy.
4. Classic look and feel
The different colors and grain patterns, along with those natural shapes that come from bending wood, make each wooden boat one-of-a-kind. Plus, the lovely patina that builds up over the years just adds to its unique charm.
5. Widely available and easy to work with using common tools
Wooden boats are simple to fix, even for people who don't have special woodworking training. While wood can rot, it can actually be a good thing. When a wooden boat reaches the end of its life, it can break down naturally or be recycled, which makes it better for the environment compared to synthetic options.
6. Time-tested fish boat-building material
Plank-on-frame construction nowadays uses modern fasteners, like stainless steel screws, plus adhesives and a better understanding of fishing boatbuilding materials. These improvements make it possible to create boats that look good and last a long time.
Wooden Fishing Boats Cons
1. Naturally prone to environmental damage
Exposure to moisture can cause rot and mildew, and that can really weaken the structure over time. Insects and other pests may also infest untreated or poorly maintained wood. Extended exposure to sunlight may result in warping, cracking, or fading.
Fish boat building experts often use stainless steel screws to help fight against environmental damage.
2. Maintenance can be challenging
Since wood is naturally prone to environmental damage, it needs to be inspected and maintained regularly. This involves smoothing out worn surfaces, putting on varnish or sealants to guard against moisture and UV damage, and making sure all fasteners are secure.
Using stainless steel screws when building or fixing wooden fishing boats can help prevent corrosion problems around the fasteners. This makes it easier to take care of the boat and can help the hardware last longer. Still, keeping everything in good shape takes time, hard work, and certain skills.
When you build a wooden fishing boat by hand or , you can design your boat based on your wants and needs.
Finding the right balance between different priorities is crucial, and custom boats give you the chance to build your ideal ride. You can focus on keeping it lightweight for speed while also designing the layout for maximum comfort.
The Best Material for a Fishing Boat
The best material to build a fishing boat depends on your budget, time, skill level, where you plan to boat, and the kind of fishing you’ll be doing.
By weighing the pros and cons of each fishing boat building material, you’ll enjoy your time on the water much more. However, what the boat is made of isn’t the only thing that matters. How the boat is driven, how effectively the crew presents the spread, and the angler’s skill are what really make the difference.
Stainless steel screws are the best choice when building or fixing fishing boats, whether they are made of wood or fiberglass. Stainless steel screws don't rust or corrode easily, especially in harsh marine environments, so the connections will last for a long time.
Are you ready to build or repair your fishing boat with the best fasteners? Check out our high-quality selection of marine-grade stainless steel screws. Get yours today to keep your boat in great shape!
