Nomad,
Since you seem too not have a preference on glass or aluminum ; i would take a look at Marinette's . They quit making them around 1992 but if you take care of them they will be here long after the glass tubs are gone. You need to check out a few. It's a personal preference amoung we owners. Yes they are lighter than glass the same size but can't recall hearing of one being flipped over. Since you have about 7 years to make a decision take your time, but in my opinion Marinette's best boat for the buck and best built.
Mark

I would like to go ahead and purchase a boat sometime next year and familiarize myself with the boat. This would also give me time to update any navigation equipment a little at a time without breaking the budget all at once and basically do any remodeling or updates.

I do personally like the idea of the aluminum boat. I have experienced problems with fiberglass and rotten transoms in the past. Nothing like launching the family boat, go park the truck and then return to find the boat going gloop gloop gloop gloop with water pooring in around the outdrive because the transom rotted out.

I also have 20+ years exp. as a mechanic and also owned a custom cabinetry shop for 10yrs. What a great combination, I can do repairs.

anyway, I just love the marinette's, I always seem to come back to them when looking. My main concern is fuel capacity.

nomad

Think of it this way: You're tooling along down the Mississippi when--blammo! You hit a floating log.

Here's what happens next:

1. Fiberglass boat: Assuming you can haul her out before she goes down, you call in a fiberglass expert to repair your hull. (Naturally, you will be stranded in East Overshoe where no one availlable for a hundred miles.) As you reside in the local Roach Motel for a week or so, eating ugh local food and getting around in a clunker leased from Ralph's Rent-a-Wreck, the bills keep piling up (along with indigestion). Finally, you hull is repaired and you're on your way again, this time being paranoid about whacking another log.

2. Aluminum boat: Drop the hook, beat the dent out with a hammer (or let it go), and prceed on your way.

Tough choice!

Jeff

We did bump a log or two on the Mississippi but had no damage at all!

Good time to buy a boat. You can get a completed boat for a good price and a real bargain on a project boat.
With Marinettes the main repair issues are the state of the engine(s) and the paint job. Your experience with engines
will apply well to the Marinettes inboard design. Painting aluminum is tricky. You have to etch or use etching primer on
bare aluminum and a Marinette complete bottom job is no fun. but there is plenty of info on this site about paint.

I have two project Marinettes. My 32' twin is going back in the water this spring with it's new topsides paint.
I will pull the 28' single for painting. In this market look for a completed lake boat.

One big issue is the need for a trailer. I need them to manage my boats. My state run marina has no repair or winter storage.
If you find a nice 28' or 32' fitted to a trailer consider it.

I actually bought the 28' single with a loop trip in mind. Since then I learned that a 25 horse kicker should be mounted for
backup. Also "fresh" water cooling that uses an enclosed anti-freeze system would be best for the loop. These are not cheap
systems but could be installed by a good mechanic on a former lake boat like mine.

I have looked at trawlers and the only affordable ones (in my price range) are foreign made boats with poor maintenance reviews. I am 7yrs out from being able to think about doing it but want to go ahead and purchase a boat to enjoy now. I have to ask myself if I would actually do the loop or just cruise around enjoying myself. I just wish there was a fuel option for the