BigBendFishing.Net

This one.

Tin Can, that size/style of boat would probably make more sense for me as I have a family of 5 and would want them all to come with me.

With that in mind, I have an honest question for you fella's with the metal boats that fish in the gulf. I'm asking this in earnest as I'm beginning to research skinny water boats.

How do the metal boats stand up to waves over the long hall. One of my concerns would be that in choppy water they would ding or bend, for lack of a better word.

Understand I am coming at this from a no experience in this class boat and am not taking a shot at anyone or anyone's boat. I would love some input on this from metal boat owners.


Thanks,

GeneO.

Two questions:

Are going to an aluminum boat (Tincan)?
Are you looking to keep the bass boat or do you want one new boat for both?

To GeneO, the very few aluminum boats I have fished in saltwater, a Duracraft and a SeaArk, both made a horrible noise as they pounded through a chop. The Duracraft looked like the welder who kept it stuck together probably sent a child through college on the repair bills.

Geno, I'm looking into the durability issue myself. I'll let ya know.

Ken, I've owned boats for 30 years, and have never smelled the new stink on one. Even my wife says it's time for a new one. However, I've priced new ones. The X21B is getting closer to my price range. That boat, a 150 Saltwater Mercury, trolling motor, and custom galvinized Xpress trailer = <$20,000.

I intend to keep the bass boat. I'm thinking it's time to replace my nearly new motor on the Key West. So, maybe it's time to take the plunge.

GeneO it's not gonna deform unless you impact a solid object...Good boats..I would look at the welded hull boats vice a riveted one......You know me though, I would buy a welder and a brake

Xpress warranty

http://www.xpressboats.com/warranty.html

Welllllll, I'll bite I've had mine for about 2 years now and still love it to death I have right at 375 hours on the motor, guestemate 3000 hours fishing and have been 20 miles off shore, run over Oyster Bars and sand bars and logs and whatever else got in the way of fishin withouty a single leak in the boat I have been off shore and had to come in from 7 miles out in 3 to 4 foot seas "dumb ass on my part" and fought a sideways heavy chop for many miles, still no leak "but you do get wet in a Bass boat" Now that my girl is older, I wish that I had got a Bay boat "as recomended by Mikes Marine", but I wanted the carpet for my girls comfort I have had problems with the switches and indicators, but that is expected with a boat designed for fresh and not salt! I fish mine more than most, so these problems would take longer to show up for most folks I will be replacing the Anoids this year, as they are showing the wear and tear of the salt. As for the noise, I really think that WE hear it more than the fish "aint slowed down the bite on my boat"

"EDIT FOR THE MOTOR HOURS"

I guess I'll chime in to since I have an Express. I have an 18 foot Jon boat style hull, and so far I love it. I fish at least twice a week and sometimes more so it is'nt gathering dust by any means. It is a rough ride when the seas get angry because of the large flat hull, but I think that would be the case in any boat without a v-hull. Not sure about the newer hull designs, but I think mine sits on top of the water. I don't think I've seen a shallower draft on any other boat. It is a very stable boat, and can accomodate 4 or more adults easily(i.e. scallop season). Mine has a 96" beam which is very wide for aluminum boats of that length. The biggest downfall that I have noted is that it slides terribly in turning so it would not be a good river boat.
Fish Masterson

Sweet looking TC..