6 Versatile Aluminum Fishing Boats
Aluminum fishing boats have long been a go-to for anglers who want something durable, low-maintenance, and highly functional. They’re lighter than fiberglass and easier to tow. Plus, they are nearly impervious to rough landings, submerged stumps, and long-term corrosion.
Whether you’re launching solo at a backcountry ramp or fishing small lakes and rivers, aluminum boats are reliable, affordable, and built to take a beating. And today’s models offer far more comfort and tech than the spartan Jon boats of the past.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ve rounded up six standout aluminum fishing boats, organized by size, to help you match the perfect platform to your fishing needs. We have nimble river runners and full-sized lake cruisers. Each model offers a smart balance of versatility and performance.
Welded vs. Riveted Hulls
A common question aluminum boat buyers have is, Do I buy a boat with a welded or riveted hull? Welded boats, such as the many models from Lowe and Tracker, use continuous seams that provide a rugged, leak-resistant construction. They are ideal for shallow rivers, stump fields, and heavier use. Riveted boats, on the other hand, are often lighter and less expensive. While they may flex a bit more in rough water, they perform well in deeper lakes and are typically easier to repair.
Ultimately, both types hold up for years if they are properly maintained. It comes down to where you fish and how hard you plan to run your boat.
Choose the Right Size Aluminum Fishing Boat
Not sure which size class fits your needs? Start with where and how you fish.
For solo anglers or smaller waters, a 16- to 18-foot boat is often plenty. These small fishing boats are easy to tow, quick to launch, and nimble in the shallows. These rigs work well for bass, crappie, and panfish and are often the best value for weekend anglers.
Are you running long distances on big lakes, fishing with others, or targeting larger species? Then a 19- to 21-foot boat gives you more deck space, livewell capacity, and overall stability. They often feature higher sides (freeboard), too, which means better handling in waves and peace of mind in open water.
Also consider your storage space at home and what your tow vehicle can safely handle.
Aluminum Fishing Boats Less Than 18 Feet
Light, fast, and built for action, boats in the sub-18-foot class are the scrappy overachievers of the fishing world. They don’t need a giant motor or a deep hull to get the job done. In fact, their greatest strengths are what they lack: excess weight, bulk, and complexity.
These are the rigs you take down dirt roads to hidden ramps. They launch fast, sneak into the shallows, and let you fish with surgical precision. Whether you’re working flooded timber for crappie or slipping through the current seams for smallmouth, these boats are all about access, efficiency, and stripped-down fishability.
Lowe Roughneck 1760 SC
MSRP: $24,646
If you’re looking for rugged simplicity, the Lowe Roughneck 1760 SC is difficult to beat. Built for work or play, this side-console Jon-style boat handles shallow water, stumps, and skinny rivers with ease. It’s a popular choice for bass anglers, duck hunters, and anyone who values durability over frills. The open layout gives you room to move, and the deck’s textured finish provides solid traction even when it’s wet.
Specifications:
- Length: 16 feet, 10 inches
- Beam: 7 feet, 1 inch
- Dry weight: 890 pounds
- Max horsepower: 75
Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW
MSRP: $17,770 (with motor)
The Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is one of the most popular aluminum bass boats of all time. It hits the sweet spot between performance and affordability. Angler-friendly features abound, including dual bow rod boxes, a divided livewell, and a recessed trolling motor pedal. The welded hull delivers a quiet, smooth ride for its class. And Tracker’s factory-rigged packages mean it’s water-ready from day one.
Specifications:
- Length: 17 feet, 7 inches
- Beam: 7 feet, 5 inches
- Dry weight: 1,050 pounds
- Max horsepower: 75
Smoker Craft Excursion 166 SC PRO
MSRP: $28,999
Smoker Craft’s Excursion series blends big-water design with compact size. The 166 SC Pro is stable, wave-capable, and perfect for anglers who fish inland lakes that can get choppy. With deep gunwales, a broad beam, and a performance hull, it’s a confidence-builder for newer boaters. Need a serious platform for targeting walleye, pike, and panfish? Check out the Smoker Craft Excursion 166 SC Pro.
Specifications:
- Length: 16 feet, 5 inches
- Beam: 7 feet, 2 inches
- Dry weight: 1,022 pounds
- Max horsepower: 90
Aluminum Fishing Boats 18 Feet and Larger
This is where aluminum boats start acting like fiberglass—minus the weight and maintenance. Once you cross the 18-foot mark, you get more waterline, amped up horsepower, and serious versatility. These boats are tournament-ready, big-water capable, and rigged for days when conditions change fast or fish move far.
These boats feature deep-V hulls that soften the ride in wind chop, expanded storage for gear-heavy pursuits, and interior layouts built to handle everything from trolling spreads to family ski sessions. Does your idea of fishing include 40-mile runs, multiple rod setups, or a boat full of friends and coolers? This is your domain.
Crestliner 2050 Sportfish
MSRP: $77,621
The Crestliner 2050 Sportfish is one of the most versatile aluminum deep-Vs on the market. Designed as a true fish-and-ski crossover, it blends angling features with family-friendly comfort. Dual jump seats, an optional ski pylon, and a walkthrough windshield make it a pleasure to cruise. Anglers will appreciate the 52-gallon livewell, the massive bow casting deck, and lockable rod storage.
With a 98-inch beam and a maximum horsepower rating of 225, this rig handles rough water with confidence. Plus, it transitions from walleye trolling to tubing in seconds.
Specifications:
- Length: 20 feet, 10 inches
- Beam: 8 feet, 2 inches
- Dry weight: 2,587 pounds (boat plus max engine)
- Max horsepower: 225
Lund 1875 Impact XS Sport
MSRP: $49,157 (with motor)
Lund’s IPS hull is known for its smooth, dry ride, and the Lund 1875 Impact XS Sport takes full advantage of it. With rear jump seats, a walk-through windshield, and optional ski hardware, this is a true fish-and-family hybrid. It’s capable as a walleye or multispecies boat but flexible enough for tubing or cruising when the bite slows down.
Specifications:
- Length: 18 feet, 10 inches
- Beam: 8 feet
- Dry weight: 1,686 pounds
- Max horsepower: 150
Alumacraft Competitor 205X Sport
MSRP: $60,937
The Alumacraft Competitor 205X Sport is a big-water beast. With serious deck space and storage, it’s designed for hardcore anglers who fish tournaments, cover big water, or run long distances. The twin livewells and center rod locker are ideal for multispecies setups, and the 98-inch beam gives it the kind of stability you’d expect from a glass boat, but with the tow weight of an aluminum rig.
Specifications:
- Length: 22 feet, 2 inches
- Beam: 8 feet, 2 inches
- Dry weight: 2,090 pounds
- Max horsepower: 400
Honorable Mentions: Other Great Aluminum Fishing Boats
We know it is impossible to highlight all of the worthy aluminum fishing boats in one article. The market is full of them. To expand your possibilities, check out this handful of other aluminum boats:
- Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk. Buyers get big casting decks, optional jump seats, and versatile layouts.
- Xpress XP185. The pad hull design is all-welded, lightweight, and fast.
- G3 Sportsman 1910. This one features a great layout for bass, crappie, and catfish anglers.
- Ranger RT188P. Serious anglers get a boat with a high-end finish and tournament-level performance.
All of these aluminum fishing boats offer serious fishability, can be tricked out with accessories, and are well-supported by a network of dealers.
Images courtesy of the manufacturers.
David Schlake
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