Alumacraft Boats: Are They Worth The Money?

Alumacraft boats are a popular choice for fishing and boating enthusiasts, with many positive reviews highlighting their quality, performance, and comfort. The brand offers a wide range of boat sizes, from high-performance deep-V boats to flat-bottom jon boats, ensuring there is something for every need and budget. One of the standout features of Alumacraft boats is the Alumacraft Ride, known for being drier, quieter, smoother, and more responsive than competitors. Their boats also feature superior hull designs, with the 2XB aqua-dynamic deep V hull delivering quicker planning, better handling, and superior control in harsh weather conditions.

In terms of construction, Alumacraft boats are built to last with heavy-gauge, top-quality, 5052 marine-grade aluminum, ensuring they remain on the water for years. The boats also feature one-piece hull construction, all-aluminum transoms, larger aircraft-grade rivets, and high-quality paint jobs, contributing to their durability and aesthetics.

When comparing Alumacraft to other brands like Lund, Starcraft, and Crestliner, the decision often comes down to personal preference, budget, and specific needs. While some boaters prefer the layout and features of one brand over another, many agree that Alumacraft offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and value. Ultimately, the choice between Alumacraft and its competitors depends on individual requirements, but Alumacraft's reputation for building long-lasting, high-performance boats makes it a strong contender in the market.

Alumacraft vs. Lund

Alumacraft and Lund are two of the most well-known brands in the boating world, and both have their pros and cons. When it comes to choosing between the two, it is essential to consider various factors, including performance, features, customer service, and price.

Performance and Handling:

Alumacraft boats are known for their exceptional performance and handling. The "Alumacraft Ride" is a term used by professionals to describe the brand's dry, quiet, smooth, and responsive ride. The 2XB Aquadynamic Deep V Hull design allows for quicker planning and superior control, even in harsh weather conditions. The Mod V and Flat Bottom Jon Hulls can take a pounding and are ideal for rugged use. Alumacraft boats also feature one-piece hull construction, heavier-gauge aluminum, and an all-aluminum transom, enhancing durability and minimizing vibration.

On the other hand, Lund boats are also well-engineered and offer excellent handling. Their patented IPS technology and center keel provide better steering control, even at high speeds. The hull design of Lund boats contributes to a smoother ride, and their boats tend to plane faster than Alumacraft.

Features:

Lund boats offer innovative features that enhance the boating experience. Their Sport-Track and Protrack Gunnel systems provide a stable, smooth, and easy-to-move-around gunnel. The gunnel system also allows for easy installation of rod holders, increasing fishing rod capacity. Additionally, the Prolong System, a livewell system, extends the life cycle of caught fish, making it a fisherman's dream. Lund boats also offer ample storage space and various lighting options to suit different needs.

Alumacraft boats also have impressive features. They offer a wide range of boat sizes, from high-performance deep-V boats to flat-bottom jon boats, ensuring a vessel for every need and budget. Alumacraft's all-welded and riveted jons are built to last, with heavy-gauge aluminum and stronger, wider ribs. Their boats also boast larger aircraft-grade rivets, providing greater strength and reducing the likelihood of popping a rivet.

Customer Service and Resale Value:

Lund boats are known for their exceptional customer service, having won the elite customer service award. They offer strong warranties that provide peace of mind for boat owners. Additionally, Lund boats tend to have better resale value than Alumacraft. The higher initial cost of a Lund boat translates to a higher selling point down the road. Their stronger trade value, due to their warranties and consumer demand, makes them a wise investment.

Price:

Alumacraft boats are generally more affordable than Lund boats, which might be a deciding factor for those on a tighter budget. However, it is essential to consider the resale value when factoring in the cost, as a lower initial price may result in a lower selling price in the future.

In conclusion, both Alumacraft and Lund offer high-quality boats with unique features and advantages. When deciding between the two, consider your specific needs, budget, and the resale value. Remember to read reviews, compare models, and, if possible, test out the boats to determine which brand aligns better with your boating requirements.

Alumacraft's 2XB Hull System

The 2XB Hull has a one-piece construction, which makes it significantly stronger than the two-piece hulls used by competitors. This design minimises failure points, giving you peace of mind that your hull will withstand challenging water conditions. The second, full-length plate from bow to stern adds a second layer of protection and rigidity, reducing sound and vibration by minimising flexing and racking.

The thickness of the aluminium sheets in the 2XB Hull is optimised for each boat size. Larger models have two .080" sheets or two .100" sheets, while smaller models typically have .080" and .065" sheets. This makes the Alumacraft 2XB Hull up to 60% thicker than competing models.

The 2XB Hull is assembled with aircraft-grade rivets, which are larger and create a stronger clamping force than those used in other boats. This reduces the number of potential failure points and creates less drag in the water.

The Alumacraft 2XB Hull also features a one-piece hardened centre keel, which adds structural integrity and improves handling, tracking and control in all conditions. The keel is made of durable, heat-treated aluminium and has a deeper profile to enhance boat tracking.

Overall, the Alumacraft 2XB Hull System offers a unique combination of double plating, premium rivets and a stiff keel, resulting in a durable and solid running surface that provides a smooth and dry ride in various water conditions.

Alumacraft's quality and longevity

Alumacraft boats are well-regarded for their quality and longevity, with some owners reporting having models that are several decades old. The boats are constructed with heavy-gauge, top-quality, 5052 marine-grade aluminum, which is why they are known to last for years. Alumacraft's one-piece hull construction and all-aluminum transoms also contribute to their durability, with the latter being lighter and stronger than wood transoms.

The company has been in business for over 70 years and is known for its high-performance, deep-V boats, as well as its range of sizes, shapes, and styles to suit various needs and budgets. The "Alumacraft Ride" is praised by professionals for being drier, quieter, smoother, and more responsive than competitors' boats.

However, there are mixed reviews about the quality of Alumacraft boats, with some owners reporting issues with corrosion, rigging, and warranty claims. Some have also expressed concerns about loose rivets and cracking consoles. It is worth noting that these issues may be specific to certain models or years, and overall, Alumacraft is considered a reputable brand with a long history of producing quality boats.

Alumacraft's range of boat sizes

Alumacraft boats are available in a wide range of sizes, from small, flat-bottomed jon boats to high-performance deep-V boats. Their range includes:

• The V-Series: an entry-level boat that is lightweight, durable, and easy to manoeuvre, with open rear seating and extra stability.
• The Classic series: traditional aluminium fishing boats with large rod lockers, gear storage, and premium seats.
• The Escape: a lightweight boat that's easy to tow and launch.
• The Voyageur: a boat designed for exploration, with a quieter ride than comparable boats.
• The Competitor series: boats with a range of engine options, featuring a redesigned captain's helm, all-new flex modules, and extra space, storage, and buoyancy.
• The Trophy: a versatile fishing boat with a modern design and functional space.

Alumacraft's resale value

Alumacraft boats have been around for 70 years, and their long-lasting nature means that their boats are a good choice for those looking for a vessel with good resale value. Their boats are made with heavy-gauge, top-quality, 5052 marine-grade aluminium, which is why Alumacraft boats can be seen on the water years after their production.

The boats are also designed with an all-aluminium transom, which is 130% stronger than a wood transom, minimising racking and vibration and providing a durable mounting surface for larger, more powerful outboards. This means that Alumacraft boats are well-suited to customisation and upgrades, which can be an attractive feature for second-hand buyers.

Alumacraft boats are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and price points, with second-hand boats listed from $3,410 to $75,114. The variety of options means that Alumacraft boats can appeal to a wide range of buyers, from those looking for a budget-friendly option to those seeking a high-performance vessel.

While the opinions of current and previous Alumacraft boat owners vary, some owners have reported issues with corrosion and warranty claims. However, other owners have praised the smooth and dry ride of their Alumacraft boats, as well as their superior handling and control in harsh weather conditions.

Overall, Alumacraft boats offer a good combination of performance, durability and customisation options, making them a solid choice for those seeking a vessel with good resale value.

Frequently asked questions