Battle of the Aluminum What Would You Choose

[tharris811]

I am on my 2nd Xpress started with x19 now a x21 .The sea dek is NICE, Storage is super big ( I can't even buy enough tackle to fill the boat up). Run with the big glass boats been in some pretty rough water that when it show out it's great.
Not knocking any of them but I saw a Vexus at a tackle show a month ago very nice but the console to me looked like an after thought.
The Ranger is built by JM now so some where ( I think) he has found some ways to cut to save a penny.
Crestliner don't know anything about.

I do like alu boat they are tough if it gets a scratch I can fix it myself . So get one that's tuff rides like a glass and you can't hardly tear up.

[croix-man]

I raised three kids while owning bass boats. If I did it over again a Lund Pro V Bass or a Charger Fish n ski would be what I'd get. But out of your list The RT198p, unless I wanted a 20' plus boat then it would be the Xpress.

[Jonesslk]

Vexus 1st(of course I own one) then Xpress is a very close 2nd. Sitting in a Vexus is one thing but actually running one and seeing how they perform is a whole other experience. The boats perform damn good. Just drove in an Xpress this weekend and man they are very close in performance w/ the 250 better. But the fit finish definitely goes to Vexus. Ranger, will never own one again. I am not speaking negative about brand as they make an awesome boat. I just had a shit luck with my 188. I was able to get in Keith Poche's new tin Triton(19 TXP) at a MLF event, mirror image of a 198P but the Ranger has a better fit/finish.

[MetsFan9]

Vexus 1st(of course I own one) then Xpress is a very close 2nd. Sitting in a Vexus is one thing but actually running one and seeing how they perform is a whole other experience. The boats perform damn good. Just drove in an Xpress this weekend and man they are very close in performance w/ the 250 better. But the fit finish definitely goes to Vexus. Ranger, will never own one again. I am not speaking negative about brand as they make an awesome boat. I just had a shit luck with my 188. I was able to get in Keith Poche's new tin Triton(19 TXP) at a MLF event, mirror image of a 198P but the Ranger has a better fit/finish.

Never seen an Xpress in person, is the fit and finish a major issue in these boats, or are you really paying for the hull and it's performance. I have seen a Vexus, they are very nice, great to hear they ride like they look

[Jonesslk]

Never seen an Xpress in person, is the fit and finish a major issue in these boats, or are you really paying for the hull and it's performance. I have seen a Vexus, they are very nice, great to hear they ride like they look

IMO, the fit/finish of Xpress is not an issue. The SeaDek is a really nice option, wish Vexus would offer that in their boats.

Vexus just hit a home run with their overall fit/finish, I don't see any tin brand that has the edge on them in regards to the overall look.

[MetsFan9]

Cant say I disagree with that.

[basshole51]

Vexus...up here in the north the Vee hull is a must in big water.....also the Vexus supposedly has actually dry storage and better fit and finish

[fishon396]

Well if I had my choice any money was not a big deal I would start at the top of your list and work down. If I had to think a little more about money I would get the RT198 that is a nice boat in that price range with a good network of dealers.

[King_Fish]

Ranger all the way if your priority is catching fish and looking like you know what you are doing.

If your priority is to look pretty and talk about how you have the advantage of "fit, finish and curb appeal" or if you like to talk about how fast your boat is, then one of the other options may be your huckleberry...

[bshort]

Ranger all the way if your priority is catching fish and looking like you know what you are doing.

If your priority is to look pretty and talk about how you have the advantage of "fit, finish and curb appeal" or if you like to talk about how fast your boat is, then one of the other options may be your huckleberry...

But does it fish flat?

[King_Fish]

But does it fish flat?

You betcha.... Can even catch Flatheads.

[bshort]

You betcha.... Can even catch Flatheads.

Can you set your beer on a flathead?

[tcesni]

Can you set your beer on a flathead?

Definitely, but only after the flathead stops the "spin move".

[Great Scott]

I have ridden in the Express X model boat in
a heavy chop. If you closed your eyes you would
think you were in glass.
The down side of a high performance aluminum boat,
is metal fatigue after prolonged rough water use.
Glass flexes and returns to its original shape w/o
stress. Aluminum does to some extent, but w/hard use
the metal has to eventually crack or a weld will fail.
Its all on the operator as to how long his boat lives.
LDS

[King_Fish]

Definitely, but only after the flathead stops the "spin move".

Exactly, just like a Gator...

Speaking of Gator, I wonder how our dearly departed brother's Gator Trax is coming along...?

[Pagregss]

Xpress

[justsomeguy]

Exactly, just like a Gator...

Speaking of Gator, I wonder how our dearly departed brother's Gator Trax is coming along...?

RIP Chicken

[RazorShine]

IMO, the fit/finish of Xpress is not an issue. The SeaDek is a really nice option, wish Vexus would offer that in their boats.

Vexus just hit a home run with their overall fit/finish, I don't see any tin brand that has the edge on them in regards to the overall look.

Huh - Xpress has the worst fit and finish of those listed - they live on their name and speed alone. All have small decks. You want a boat. Sea Ark BC 210, Alumacraft XB 200, have huge decks and are big bass boats. Not the wedge shaped of the others.

[King_Fish]

Huh - Xpress has the worst fit and finish of those listed - they live on their name and speed alone. All have small decks. You want a boat. Sea Ark BC 210, Alumacraft XB 200, have huge decks and are big bass boats. Not the wedge shaped of the others.

But they are not pretty...

[TritonTRXV8]

Roy, it was actually a general question on these rigs, if i did upgrade my Triton I would not consider these a downgrade. With three kids the idea of aluminum does appeal from a number of perspectives such as less up keep, less to worry about when beaching and docking at camp, cheaper to tow, and more value. A 20 foot aluminum is far more affordable than its glass counterparts. Most of the lakes and rivers I run are small and rocky, glass isnt needed, more of a luxury. I am plenty happy with my 150 on my 18XS, changing isnt a reflection of performance for me, but rather a bigger platform for my kids and something a bit more practical. Trading for the 18TRX just gets me more HP. Good part is the twins are still little, so till the need to change i will be running my 18XS which I love. But sooner rather later I will outgrow the 18 footer. An I have spent years fishing from aluminum, so the transition for me isnt a big deal psychologically haha.

I never really understood the “less upkeep” statement on aluminum boats compared to glass. If its a plain jane boat then yea but just about all the nicer 18ft and up aluminum boats are painted on the bottom as well. So aluminum or glass if you arent willing to wipe the whole boat down and keep it waxed its gonna look just as crappy. If you fish nasty rocks or beach alot that can warrant it but a big rock can punch a hole in aluminum all the same. When i think of upkeep i think of maintanence on the motor and trailer hubs etc and that is the same regardless.