7 Best Aluminum Fishing Boats in 2025 [Buyer’s Guide]

Fishing is something that most people find peaceful and exciting both and for this purpose the selection of the right boat is extremely important. Among many options of boats available one right choice is an Aluminum fishing boat that can enhance your fishing experience.

These boats are lightweight, sturdy, and built to handle everything from calm lakes to rough rivers. Unlike heavier fiberglass boats, aluminum boats are easier to tow, launch, and store, which adds to their overall effectiveness. Moreover, these boats are also surprisingly durable—bumps and scrapes aren’t a big deal, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about every little dent.

Price is also a big advantage of these boats as they are generally more affordable than other types, making them a great option for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best aluminum fishing boats, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the right one for you. Have a look!

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7 Best Aluminum Fishing Boats for Every Budget

There is a vast variety of aluminum fishing boats, but a few models stand out for their exceptional performance, features, and value. Let’s explore the 7 best aluminum fishing boats to suit different styles and budgets.

Boat Name	Size (feet)	Hull Design	Livewell Capacity	Seating Capacity	Price (Starting)
Crestliner XFC 189	18.10	V-Hull	23 Gallon	Up to 4	$29,140
G3 Bay 20	19.10	V-Hull	14G or 34G	Up to 6	$22,739
Alumacraft Trophy 175X Sport	19.1	V-Hull	18 Gallon	Up to 6	$51,962
Duckworth 20 Advantage SE	22.10	V-Hull	No	Up to 6	$42,772
Lowe Fish & Ski 1800	17.10	V-Hull	24 Gallon	Up to 5	$38,871
G3 Outfitter V167 T	16.7	Flat Bottom	14 Gallon	Up to 6	$20,985
Smoker Craft Excursion 166SC Pro	16.5	Flat Bottom	20 Gallon	Up to 5	$19,821

1. Crestliner XFC 189

Image Credit/Crestliner

• Size: 18.10 feet
• Hull Design: V-Hull
• Livewell: 23-Gallon
• Seating Capacity: Up to 4
• Price: Starting at $29,140

The 18-foot Crestliner XFC 189 is designed for crappie and bass anglers. The wide casting deck has ample storage for rods, gears, and more. All the storage compartments are easily accessible and the water management system keeps the valuable gears dry.

The aluminum boat features a 23-gallon livewell with removable bait buckets in the stern and bow. The boat also features customizable seat setups and can accommodate up to four passengers.

The fiberglass console has multifunction gauges and space for 12 flush-mount graphs. It can accommodate up to 150 HP motor and the V-hull quickly takes you to the fish. The standard boat comes with a MotorGuide X3 electric trolling motor.

2. G3 Bay 20

Image Credit/G3

• Size: 19.10 feet
• Hull Design: V-Hull
• Livewell: 14G or 34G
• Seating Capacity: Up to 6
• Price: Starting at $22,739

It is the best aluminum fishing boat for ocean and freshwater angling. G3 Bay 20’s spacious and deep hull with excellent maneuverability and performance, offers a sturdy, wide, and versatile fishing platform.

The deck can accommodate up to 6 and is covered with slip-resistant SeaDek mats that are also easy to clean. The storage is intelligently designed with lockable compartments for added security. The console has Yamaha gauges and controls to power the VF 150LA engine.

The feature-rich aluminum boat is great for fresh and saltwater fishing but it may not be suitable for long offshore trips.

3. Alumacraft Trophy 175X Sport

 

Image Credit/Alumacraft

• Size: 19.1 feet
• Hull Design: V-Hull
• Livewell: 18 Gallon
• Seating Capacity: Up to 6
• Price: Starting at $51,962

Alumacraft has been revamping its models and bringing innovations for the past few years. The Trophy 175X Sport is one of them, it's a 19-foot boat that can accommodate up to 6 and has a full windshield for a comfortable and dry top-speed ride.

The double-plated V-hull is paired with larger aircraft-grade rivets that reduce sound and vibration, delivering a soft and quiet ride even in rough water. The max deck design provides an additional 25 sq ft space with LinQ attachment points for more storage possibilities.

Alumacraft also has 2 motor options. They have a wide selection of traditional outboard engines from Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda. Or you can choose the Rotax S outboard with stealth technology. It adds more usable space and makes fishing trips safe.

The sporty aluminum fishing boat has everything you need for a fun recreational trip, but the price is quite steep.

4. Duckworth 20 Advantage SE

Image Credit/Duckworth

• Size: 22.10 feet
• Hull Design: V-Hull
• Livewell: No
• Seating Capacity: Up to 6
• Price: Starting at $42,772

Duckworth 20 Advantage SE is another exciting aluminum fishing boat. The 22-foot boat is suitable for both fishing and sports activities, thanks to added transom seating and a ski pylon. The spacious deck has a well-designed interior for comfortable movement and can accommodate groups of friends and family fishing trips.

Its extended bottom and reverse chine hull design delivers a stable ride. The Duckworth also has a heavy-duty convertible top with a side curtain and a three-piece walk-through windshield for dry water sports activities.

The boat is powered by a 150HP Yamaha F150XA. 20 Advantage SE does not have a livewell, which can be a deal breaker for some anglers.

5. Lowe Fish & Ski 1800

Image Credit/Lowe

• Size: 17.10 feet
• Hull Design: V-Hull
• Livewell: 24 Gallon
• Seating Capacity: Up to 5
• Price: Starting at $38,871

The Lowe Fish & Ski 1800 is equipped for all-day water sports fun and serious fishing action. It is the best aluminum fishing boat for families with kids who enjoy being pulled around the lake. Its bowrider-style layout has a tall windshield. It protects passengers from external elements.

The boat offers comfy amenities and a sturdy deep-V hull. This design ensures a smooth ride, even in rough waters. With a center rod locker, 5 pedestal seats, and a 24-gallon livewell, it's a perfect family fishing boat. Moreover, Lowe Fish & Ski 1800 has 13 color options.

The boat can handle rough conditions well, but for me, it is not ideal for extremely large waterbodies with big waves.

6. G3 Outfitter V167 T

Image Credit/G3

• Size: 16.7 feet
• Hull Design: Flat Bottom
• Livewell: 14 Gallon
• Seating Capacity: Up to 6
• Price: Starting at $20,985

G3 Outfitter V167T is a reliable, budget-friendly aluminum fishing boat. The all-welded aluminum hull has tall sides around a deep cockpit for safe and secure fishing. The boat comes stocked with livewell, locking rodboxes, two fishing chairs, and huge storage compartments.

The boat’s compact 16.7 feet length makes it easy to tow and maneuver. Despite its lightweight design, the flat-bottom boat is incredibly stable in lakes and rivers. Moreover, the power comes from a fuel-efficient 50HP Yamaha F50 outboard.

Due to its small size and flat bottom, the boat is not ideal for rough waters and lacks some premium amenities.

7. Smoker Craft Excursion 166SC Pro

Image Credit/Smoker Craft

• Size: 16.5 feet
• Hull Design: Flat Bottom
• Livewell: 20 Gallon
• Seating Capacity: Up to 5
• Price: Starting at $19,821

The Smoker Craft Excursion 166SC Pro is a great aluminum fishing boat for a group of friends. This boat is a  dependable vessel for fishing and recreation an dofferrs great value . Its durable build, ample storage, and advanced features provide unmatched performance and comfort on the water.

The 16.5-foot boat is both compact and spacious. It has room for five passengers. The flat-bottom boat may not suit rough offshore conditions. But, it performs well on lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal areas.

Related: Everything You Need to Know about Fish and Ski Boats

What to Look for in the Best Aluminum Fishing Boat?

Adobe/XavierMARCHANT

a. Size Capacity

Size and capacity are crucial, so choose a boat size based on your needs and the number of passengers. Smaller boats typically ranging from 14 to 16 feet are great for 4 to 5 passengers with equipment. While larger models around 18 to 22 feet can accommodate large groups.

Consider the weight capacity, number of passengers, and gear to ensure you get the right size of the aluminum boat.

b. Hull Design

The hull design significantly impacts the boat’s performance. There are various types of hull designs.

• Flat Bottom Hulls offer stable rides on lakes, shallow waters, and rivers.
• V-Hull aluminum design are perfect for both calm and rough waters.
• Ponton Boats is all about deck space and makes excellent boats for family entertainment and fishing.

c. Material and Construction

Material and construction are important considerations. The best aluminum boat uses marine-grade aluminum with corrosion resistant coating. Moreover, aluminum reinforcement is another crucial factor to consider. There are two types of reinforcements.

• Welded aluminum reinforcement is more durable and resistant to damage and corrosion.
• The riveted aluminum hull is lighter and more affordable. It may require more maintenance over time.

Learn how to prevent corrosion in outboard engine

d. Engine and Performance

Horsepower has a big role in the fishing experience and boat rides. Aluminum boat engines typically range from 25 to 300+ HP outboards, depending on the boat size. So, consider the boat size and fuel efficiency to choose the right engine size. Moreover, certain engines have trolling motors, allow ing you to move quietly in fishing zones.

e. Features and Accessories

Amenities make the fishing journey enjoyable. Here are some common features to look for in the best aluminum fishing boat:

• Livewells systems
• Storage compartment
• Comfortable seating
• Rod holders
• Casting deck
• Fish finders

f. Budget

The price of aluminum boats depends on their size, engine, brand, and features. You can find a basic model for $10,000 and a high-end model can cost over $50,000. Set a budget and prioritize the features that matter most.

g. Brand Reputation

Choosing reputable aluminum boat brands has perks like durability, performance, and resale value. So, research different brands and read aluminum fishing boat reviews from boat owners. Some popular boat brands include Lowe, Crestlines, G3, and Duckworth.

Also Read: Complete Guide to Sterndrive Boats

FAQs

What is the best aluminum fishing boat for saltwater?

G3 Bay 20 is the best aluminum fishing boat for saltwater.

What are the disadvantages of aluminum boats?

• Aluminum is highly durable, but it can be noisy in rough conditions.
• Aluminum is conductive, it attracts condensation, making it vulnerable to cold weather
• Due to its lightweight, rides on water tend to be bumpier.

Which is the best affordable aluminum fishing boat?

Smoker Craft Excrusion is an inexpensive aluminum fishing boat. It is small, has ample storage, and advanced features.

Conclusion

Durability, low maintenance, and lightweight of aluminum fishing boats makes it a top choices for anglers. From shallow freshwater lakes to deep rivers and oceans, aluminum boats offer a reliable and comfortable fishing experience.

From versatile multi-species models like Crestliner XFC 189 and Alumacraft Trophy 175X Sport to ocean-specific G3 Bay 20 and the family-friendly Lowe Fish & Ski 1800 our guide has a diverse range of options to cater to every angler.

So, make an informed decision and get your favorite boat today. Remember, research thoroughly, compare models, and if possible, take a test drive before making a final decision. Because the right boat will enhance your fishing experience, providing years of enjoyment and unforgettable moments on the water.

You can browse some of the quality used boat options here. 

Posted by Brian Whiteside