Lund Aluminum Boats: The Best On The Water?

Lund Boats has established itself as a top manufacturer of aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats since its founding in 1948. The company's commitment to quality, design, and functionality has made it a favourite among anglers and boaters. With their innovative Integrated Power Strake (IPS) hull design, high-quality construction, and advanced features, Lund boats offer a smooth and comfortable ride while conserving fuel and maintaining speed. The boats are also known for their durability, with a reputation for resisting denting and corrosion. Additionally, their lightweight construction makes them easy to tow and maintain. While they may not be as fast as fiberglass boats, the benefits of owning a Lund aluminum boat are numerous. The company offers a wide range of models, making them versatile and suitable for various water conditions and activities, whether it's fishing, recreational activities, or family outings.

The pros and cons of aluminum boats

Aluminum boats have gained popularity among boating enthusiasts for various reasons. However, like any material, aluminum has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The Pros of Aluminum Boats:

• Durability and Strength: Aluminum is known for its strength and resilience. It can withstand significant impacts without cracking or breaking, making it an excellent choice for rough waters and challenging conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide coating that resists corrosion, especially in freshwater environments.
• Easy Handling: Aluminum boats are easier to handle, tow, launch, and retrieve due to their lightweight nature.
• Fuel Efficiency: Lighter boats like aluminum require less power to move, resulting in better fuel efficiency and cost savings over time.
• Customizability: Aluminum is a flexible material that can be easily modified and customized to add extra storage, seating, or specialized equipment.
• Variety of Uses: Aluminum boats are suitable for a wide range of activities, from fishing and hunting to leisure cruising and watersports. Their robustness allows them to be used in various environments, including lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
• Simple Upkeep: Aluminum boats require relatively low maintenance and are generally easier and cheaper to repair than boats made from other materials.
• Affordability: Aluminum boats are more affordable to buy and maintain than fiberglass boats due to lower raw material, construction, and transportation costs.

The Cons of Aluminum Boats:

• Speed and Horsepower: Aluminum boats cannot support as much horsepower as fiberglass boats, so they tend to be slower.
• Drifting: They may drift more in the wind, but this can be improved with upgraded trolling motors and drift socks.
• Noise: Aluminum boats can be noisier than fiberglass boats due to the metal hull amplifying the sound of water slapping against it.
• Aesthetic: Aluminum boats often have a more industrial and less polished appearance compared to fiberglass boats, which some may find less appealing.
• Heat Retention: Aluminum can get very hot in the sun, making the deck uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.
• Corrosion: While aluminum resists corrosion, under-maintained boats can still experience corrosion issues as metal and saltwater don't mix.

Overall, aluminum boats offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for many boating enthusiasts. Their durability, lightweight construction, versatility, and low maintenance needs are significant advantages. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as noise, aesthetics, and heat sensitivity, when deciding if an aluminum boat is the right fit for your specific needs and boating environment.

The history of Lund Boats

G. Howard Lund built the world's first Lund Boat, an aluminum duck hunting boat, in 1948. The boat's superior design and engineering caught the attention of an Inland Marine Corporation salesman, who ordered 50 boats. This initial order placed Lund on the map for future generations.

Lund's extreme attention to detail and craftsmanship was the secret behind his success. The popularity of Lund Boats grew as orders continued to arrive more frequently, and the company expanded its model lineup throughout the decade. By 1959, aluminum runabouts were gaining in popularity, and boating was taking off as a family activity.

In 1961, Howard reincorporated the company as Lund Metal Craft, Inc. and expanded into the fiberglass fishing boat market. With the acquisition of the Shell Lake Boat Company, Lund Boats increased their versatility by offering a product line-up for family and sport.

The first flat-floor aluminum fishing boat was produced in 1975, and the Tyee, offering both fishing and recreation features, was introduced in 1979. The company continued to build on its reputation for quality and innovation, becoming known for using feedback from customers, dealers, and pro-staff to influence boat design across the lineup.

Lund Boats is now known for its durable, top-performing aluminum fishing, sport, utility, and hunting boats, leading the way with a fleet that exceeds the demands of even the most dedicated anglers and boaters.

The Lund Adventure Series

Lund Boats has been a top manufacturer of aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats since 1948 when Howard Lund built his first aluminum boat. The company has a long history of innovation, performance, and craftsmanship, and its boats are known for their impressive durability and long-lasting performance.

One of the key features of the Lund Adventure Series is its storage capacity. The boats come packed with storage compartments, including long rod lockers, side storage, deck-level storage compartments, and console drawers. They also feature a mounting system for rods, downrigger brackets, and cup holders.

In terms of construction, Lund Adventure Series boats are made of high-quality aluminum that offers both strength and versatility. They employ advanced construction techniques, such as precision robotic welding and wood-free construction, to ensure a structurally sound and long-lasting boat. Additionally, Lund implements level flotation in all their boat models, even those over 20 feet in length, to maintain stability and ensure the boat remains afloat in an emergency.

Lund Adventure Series boats are also known for their excellent handling and ease of use in various fishing environments. Their responsive steering and stable hull design make them well-suited for anglers of all levels.

Overall, the Lund Adventure Series offers a range of versatile and durable fishing boats that are perfect for families and anglers alike. With a combination of innovative features, comfortable design, and superior performance, the Lund Adventure Series is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality and reliable boat for their water adventures.

The Lund Predator Series

The Utility Series, including the Lund Alaskan, is designed with versatility, toughness, and durability in mind. These boats are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable vessel for activities like duck hunting and fishing. They offer both centre console and side console models, featuring wide beams for stability and low-maintenance surfaces.

The Rebel Series, including the popular Rebel XL, is designed for casual and recreational anglers who prioritise family fun and fishing. These boats offer rear jump seats, ski pylons, comfortable seating, and storage options, making them ideal for family fishing trips.

The Pro Angler Series, including the recently redesigned Lund Pro-V, is tailored for professional anglers and serious fishing enthusiasts. This series boasts high horsepower ratings, wide beams, and advanced hull designs for stability and smooth rides, along with comprehensive fish-fighting features.

The Tyee Series offers versatile boats perfect for families and anglers, known for their spacious layouts, advanced hull designs, and configurable outboard motor options. These boats are ideal for fishing, cruising, and water sports enthusiasts who value comfort and performance.

Lund boats are renowned for their superior handling, responsive steering, and stable hull design, making them a preferred choice among boaters and anglers of all levels. The innovative Integrated Power Strake (IPS) hull design enhances performance, efficiency, and handling, while their attention to comfort and functionality ensures a pleasant boating experience for all passengers.

The Lund Impact XS

The Impact XS comes in two sizes: the 18-foot 1875 Impact XS and the 20-foot 2075 Impact XS. Both boats are loaded with fishing features such as a center rod locker, two livewells, and large casting decks. They also come with rear jump seats, a ski pylon option, and a boarding ladder, making them perfect for family fun on the water.

The Impact XS full windshield consoles have ample room for mounting fishing locators and are equipped with gauges and accessory switches. The boat also has plenty of storage space, including dedicated tackle tray storage and under-console drawers for storing fishing tackle trays.

Frequently asked questions