With so many types of fishing boats out there, you may be stuck trying to find the right one for your needs, dreams, budget, and lifestyle.
Multispecies fishing boats are popular because they allow anglers to catch various fish instead of being built specifically for one species (such as bass). If having the option to haul in all kinds of catches sounds fun to you, a multispecies boat could be the way to go.
What’s So Great About Multispecific Fishing Boats?
These fishing boats offer benefits for anglers of all levels:
Comfort. High sidewalls and large windscreens on a multi-species boat mean you’ll likely stay dry during your fishing excursion.
Versatility. Whether you want to explore freshwater or saltwater fishing, lakes, rivers, or oceans, these boats can handle it all.
Spaciousness. Their roomy design means multispecies boats are great for inviting your friends, family, or fellow anglers along for a fun day on the water.
Narrowing It Down: Aluminum vs. Fiberglass Boat
Check Out Aluminum Fishing Boats
To date, aluminum fishing boats remain the most versatile option out there, with models from popular manufacturers such as Lund, Crestliner, Lowe, and Alumacraft.
Aluminum boats are lighter in weight and relatively inexpensive to repair if damage comes up — the material is more likely to dent instead of break or crack like fiberglass materials.
That being said, because these boats are lighter, it can be trickier to pinpoint precisely where you’re going, which makes a big difference when you’re tracking.
Or, Consider a Fiberglass Boat
While more expensive than their aluminum counterpart, a fiberglass boat is heftier, with more stability and a crisper, cleaner design.
On average, the upkeep and maintenance of a fiberglass boat can cost more. But its weight and construction mean you can get more precision with your boat’s movement.
Whether you buy an aluminum or fiberglass boat, we always recommend doing as much research as possible before deciding which model is the best multi-species boat for your needs.
How Much Should I Spend on a Fishing Boat?
That answer depends on how you plan to use it. If it’s for recreational fishing, your budget might look different than if you’re planning to provide professional fishing guides.
Beyond the boat’s cost, there are insurance and license fees, routine maintenance costs, and fuel. You’ll want to factor those into your budget as you think about buying a new boat.
Smooth Out Your New Ride
At the end of the day, the final decision is yours to make! Only you know what type of boat is right for how you want to spend your time.
Once you buy your boat, don’t forget to deck it out with your favorite boating accouterment, including Smooth Moves Seats. Adding in a swivel boat seat mount means you can fish comfortably all day long without worrying too much about neck, back, or joint pain.
Learn how to install Smooth Moves Seats on your new boat, then sit back and ride the waves.
