I'm hoping to soon go see a 1991 17' fully welded hull aluminum Crestliner Runabout with 10 hrs. on 1997 70 hp rebuilt Johnson o/b. Have spoken with owner and seen plenty photos. Boat/engine both look great. Style/layout is what we seek seek. This 17' Crestliner would replace our current (really nice) 14'8" FRP Crestliner with its 50 hp Johnson... giving us more room and better stability for boarding off our Tollycraft's swim step or off a floating dock. We use this type of little boats as tow-behind runabout for our Tolly.
I've never owned an aluminum boat.
Questions:
What is the durability factor for aluminum compared to fiberglass? This aluminum boat has been and will continue for the foreseeable future to be in fresh water.
Will salt water fairly quickly ruin a relatively thin skinned small aluminum runabout?
What is the weight difference between aluminum and fiberglass?
Does aluminum dent easily?
Are there paints that adhere well to aluminum?
Thanks for any input you may be able to provide!
Happy Runabout-Choice Daze! - Art
I've never owned an aluminum boat.
Questions:
What is the durability factor for aluminum compared to fiberglass? This aluminum boat has been and will continue for the foreseeable future to be in fresh water.
Will salt water fairly quickly ruin a relatively thin skinned small aluminum runabout?
What is the weight difference between aluminum and fiberglass?
Does aluminum dent easily?
Are there paints that adhere well to aluminum?
Thanks for any input you may be able to provide!
Happy Runabout-Choice Daze! - Art