The Best Aluminum Center Console Boat Options Reviewed

Aluminum center console boats are a great choice for those looking for a small fishing boat, a bay boat, or the best center console boat under 25 feet. They are lighter and easier to tow and handle than their fiberglass counterparts, tend to cost less, and require less maintenance. However, with so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to determine which aluminum center console boat is the best fit for your needs. Here is an overview of some of the top choices in different categories to help you get started on your search.

Best Aluminum Center Console Bay Boats

Aluminum center console boats are a great choice for anglers, offering several advantages over their fiberglass counterparts. They are lighter, easier to tow, and handle better in docks and require less maintenance. Here are some of the best aluminum center console bay boats available:

G3 Boats

G3 Boats, a Yamaha Boat company, offers a comprehensive lineup of bay boats, ranging from 17 to 22 feet. Their GX and T GX lines differ in the hull design, with the T GX versions featuring tunnels that allow for a reduced running draft, making them ideal for anglers fishing in backcountry areas. G3 boats also offer dual livewells and extensive menus for choosing electronics and trolling motors, even on their smallest models.

Lowe Boats

Lowe Boats is a prominent builder of aluminum fishing and hunting boats, as well as pontoon boats. Their aluminum center console bay boat lineup includes the 18 Bay, 20 Bay, and 22 Bay models. These boats feature large fore-and-aft casting decks, aluminum-framed leaning posts, and Mercury outboard powerplants. Fishing features include aerated livewells and locking rod lockers, and they are built with beefy 0.125" gauge aluminum hulls.

Ranger RB Aluminum Center Console Bay Boats

Ranger's RB aluminum center console bay boat lineup includes the RB190 and RB200 models, which come as complete boat-motor-trailer packages ready for fishing. They offer a range of angling features, including integrated livewells, fishfinders, bow-mounted trolling motors, lithium-capable onboard battery chargers, and fishing rod racks. Additionally, they have a high-gloss metallic exterior paint job and a Rawhide-coated interior.

Crestliner Bay Boats

Crestliner's Bay series offers ample space, a premium console, and stability for fishing or cruising intercoastal waters. Their aluminum center console boats are constructed with an all-welded aluminum V-hull, making them reliable for navigating both shallow and big waters. The 1800 Bay model maximizes space and storage, while the 2050 Bay provides stability and features like ample rod and livewell storage and a heavy-duty windshield.

Other Options

Other notable aluminum center console boat manufacturers include Pacific Boats, Walker Custom Aluminum Boats, Koffler, and SJX. Additionally, for those seeking a boat for both fishing and hunting, options like the Crestliner Retriever series, Tracker Grizzly line, and War Eagle's Sportsman and Blackhawk lineup are worth considering.

Best Aluminum Center Console Offshore Boats

Aluminum center console boats are a great choice for anglers due to their lightweight, low-maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. While there are many options on the market, here is a list of some of the best aluminum center console offshore boats:

Pacific Boats

Pacific Boats constructs a range of recreational and commercial vessels, including two center console models ideal for offshore fishing: the V2325 and the V2600. These boats are designed for serious use, with 0.25" thick hull plating and 0.1875" thick sides—the thickest aluminum plating found on recreational boats. While these boats are not luxurious, they can be customized with features like livewells, raw water washdowns, and fishboxes.

Walker Custom Aluminum Boats

Walker offers an 18-foot, 22-foot, and 26-foot center console models, with the CC26 being the most suitable for offshore use. The hull and sides are reinforced with 0.25" and 0.1875" thick aluminum, respectively, ensuring durability. The boat also features a full-length internal keel and single-piece hullsides, as well as a full-sized protective console with a three-sided enclosure. Walker boats stand out for their superior fit and finish compared to other aluminum options.

Metal Shark

Metal Shark manufactures a range of offshore boats that are worth considering. While specific model details are not provided, their boats are noted for their attractive design and sturdy construction.

Wooldridge

Wooldridge offers the Sport Offshore and Super Sport Offshore models, which are used boats that can be found within a $40,000 budget. These boats are likely to provide a good balance of features and value for money.

One3 Powerboats

One3 Powerboats specializes in custom aluminum offshore fishing boats. They do not use molds, allowing for a high degree of customization. Their boats feature plate-welded construction, seamless gunwale design, marine-grade aluminum, and proven hull performance. One3 Powerboats is based in Essex, Connecticut, and takes pride in their American craftsmanship.

Best Aluminum Center Console Jet Boats

Aluminum center console jet boats are ideal for anglers who navigate rocky, shallow river environments. While they are referred to as jet boats, they are actually aluminum vessels designed to be powered by jet outboards.

Koffler

Koffler is a well-established builder of aluminum boats designed for rivers and has been in operation since 1973. They build a wide range of boats, including some center consoles, but generalizations can't be made as they build boats to order rather than offering specific models.

SJX

SJX is a rare manufacturer of inboard aluminum jet boats designed for navigating rocky rivers. They have one center console model, the Tru-X 241, which is powered by a 310-hp 2.3L Indmar Ecoboost engine. Their boats are built to order and can be customized with features such as 0.25” aluminum in impact areas and floor bracings 16” apart.

Best Aluminum Center Console Hunting Boats

Aluminium boats are a great choice for anglers and hunters alike. They are lighter, cheaper, and require less maintenance than their fiberglass counterparts. Here are some of the best aluminum center console hunting boats on the market:

Crestliner Retriever Series

The Crestliner Retriever series offers a range of sizes from 16 to 20 feet, as well as a tunnel version of their 18-foot model. These boats come in full camo, including the seat cushions, making them ideal for duck hunting. They also feature gun and shell holders, livewells, and trolling motors, catering to both hunters and fishers.

Tracker Grizzly

The Tracker Grizzly line includes four center console models that can be customized with Grassland or Woodland camo. The seat cushions are also available in camo, and transom pods are designed at the waterline for easy retrieval of ducks. These models also include livewells, rod holders, and spacious decks suitable for both hunting and casting. There is even a Sportsman model with an elevated foredeck and lighting for bow fishing.

War Eagle Sportsman and Blackhawk

The War Eagle Sportsman and Blackhawk lineups are ideal for hunters, offering full camo patterns and spacious open-deck designs for storing decoy bags. These boats are built with rugged durability to navigate stump-filled marshes and backwaters. For example, the 2072LDSV model features a 0.125-inch gauge hull and 12 degrees of deadrise for a smooth ride in choppy waters.

Lowe Boats

Lowe Boats is a well-known builder of aluminum fishing and hunting boats, as well as pontoon boats. They offer three models in their aluminum center console bay boat lineup: the 18 Bay, 20 Bay, and 22 Bay. These boats feature large fore-and-aft casting decks, aluminum-framed leaning posts, and Mercury outboard powerplants. Fishing features include aerated livewells and locking rod lockers, all built on top of sturdy all-welded hulls.

Advantages of Aluminum Boats

Aluminum boats are a popular choice for boaters due to their many advantages over fiberglass boats. Here are some of the key benefits of aluminum boats:

Strong and Safe

Aluminum is a strong and flexible material, making it ideal for boat construction, especially hulls. Aluminum hulls can withstand hard impacts and have a lower risk of punctures during collisions. Aluminum boats are also considered safe as they are resistant to fire and corrosion.

Lightweight and Efficient

Aluminum is lightweight, with hulls weighing up to 50% less than steel. This results in better performance on the water, shallower drafts, and reduced fuel consumption. The reduced weight also makes aluminum boats easier to launch, load, and trailer, and they require smaller powerplants to achieve similar performance as heavier boats.

Low Maintenance and Affordable Repairs

Aluminum boats require less maintenance than fiberglass boats, as there is no need for gel coat waxing. Additionally, aluminum dents instead of cracking or breaking upon impact, resulting in lower repair costs. Aluminum boat repairs are also generally more affordable compared to repairs for fiberglass or wooden boats.

Long Lifespan and Good Resale Value

Aluminum boats have a long lifespan, often lasting 30-40 years with regular maintenance. This contributes to their ability to hold their value over time. The sustainability and durability of aluminum boats mean their resale value remains relatively close to the initial purchase price.

Customizable

Aluminum boats offer a wide range of customization options due to the elasticity of the material. This makes aluminum a versatile choice for boats adapted to specific activities, such as patrol boats, fireboats, or passenger catamarans.

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