Deep V boats, pros and cons?

[ragsman]

I've decided to upgrade from my little bass tracker to a bit larger boat that we can use to fish and tube/kneeboard/ski with (general use family boat). I'm looking at the aluminum Lowe, G3, or tracker Targadeep V fish and skimodels, specifically this one:</p>

http://www.loweboats.com/showroom/deep-v/fish-and-ski/fs175.php</p>

These seem to give pretty good flexibility, with movable pedestal seats instead of the large bench seat type arrangements of most fiberglass fish and ski boats. They also seem to be more of a fishing boat and less of a ski boat, which is the opposite of the fiberglass fish and ski type boats that I've looked at. Why are these boats not more popular around here?</p>

I want to use the boat for catfish, bream (my wife), some bass (not much though), and trolling for crappie. i also like to fish below the dam on occasion.</p>

What are the pros and cons for these aluminum deep v type boats for our area? Any input would be appreciated!</p>

Thanks!</p>

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[Shankopotamus]

Well, I'm no expert, but the physics of a deep V compared to a "flatter" bottom boat would help with control and stability because it will draw a little deeper in the water. This would be especially helpful in rough water because you will cut through instead of ride across the waves. Turning at speed, especially with a skier/ tuber, would be tighter- again because of the draw. I think you'll sacrifice fuel economy because the drag will be greater. JMHO

 

[Shark]

Here's two things to consider......

1) aluminum boats are heavier than fiberglass - a 17 ft aluminum boat is heavier than a 17 ft fiberglass boat.

2) Buy an aluminum boat that has all welded seams and not riveted. Rivets can become loose from numerous things and leak. may cost a little more, but worth the extra dough

 

[bbdown]

I've got a Nitro fish and ski 19'. I looked around for a while for an all around use boat and it was the best blend of a fish and ski IMO. They make a 19' and a 20'. I bought mine used (2004 model)and felt like it was a good value. The back seat pedestal also doubles as a ski pole to get your rope up and out of the water. I have a 150 on mine and don't think it would be as much fun with a 115 that comes standard. I have towed a large chariot type tube with 5 kids on it with no problem. Fun boat for the whole family.

 

[Guest]

Voliam is pretty much right on, except the economy part. Sometimes it is more but usually it about the same and of course it can be less.

Shark, your number 1 is backwards. Aluminum is lighter than fiberglass, even with the deep V models. Usually around 750 lbs lighter (give or take 250 lbs), which allows the aluminum to have smaller engine for the same speed. Welded is better than riveted, but there are plenty of 20+ year old riveted boats out there.

 

[groomer1a]

The weight of aluminum boats is less than fiberglass. That is what made my decision on my Bass Tracker. I need something less weight.

 

[jackbass]

TRY 43yrs. emoEek I fish 2 to 3 times a wk in my riveted 66' starcraft aluminum deep V. did I mention she is riveted

 

[ragsman]

Thanks everyone! One of my concerns is with stability. I've read that the Deep V's are good in rough water, but are not as stable as a wide flat bottom or heavy fiberglass boat if one is walking around, fighting the winds, or sitting still in the water. I'm also a bit concerned that it will not be useable in some of the shallow water slews around here because it may draft deeper. A big fiberglass boat probably will be the same in shallow water, but I'm not sure.</p>

I know aluminum is lighter than fiberglass for the same size boat, and although I know it's only my perception, but fiberglass seems more vulnerable and fragile to me! I've owned two bass tracker aluminum boats, never (yet) a fiberglass boat.
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[SpurHunter]

If you really want the best of both worlds, get a Carolina Skiff with the modified V-hull. Cheeze has one, it is great. Stable is an understatement, tons of space, you can fish, ski, party, you name it.

 

[Shankopotamus]

Your concerns are basically well-founded. A deep V will rock side to side more than a shallow-hulled boat, i.e., wider, flatter bottom. The deep V will tend to catch more wind broadside due to the higher profile. The draft will prevent you from getting in water as shallow as a "bass" boat, fiberglass or aluminum, however, how shallow do you really want to go? I would suspect a deep V will go into water in the area of 3' or so.
Aluminum would take more of a beating on the hull than a fiberglass without serious, costly damage. In other words, aluminum will dent whereas fiberglass will crack or splinter. It would take a pretty good impact to cause that damage, and you can puncture aluminum too. So you have to ask yourself- Am I going to be cruising into shallows with no regard to obstructions? Am I going to fly across the lake full throttle and floating debris be damned?
If you are relatively safety-conscious, have common sense, and take care of your property, fiberglass is not a problem.

 

[Shark]

OOPS..... My Bad!

I was lead to believe that aluminum boats are heavier than fiberglass boats. I don't remember who said, but I was told it or read it.

Sorry for any confusion I may have caused

 

[ragsman]

Thanks guys, and I ended up buying the above boat (Lowe FS175). It's a 2007 model but looks practically new! I'm very happy with it so far!