Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Aluminum Fishing Boats 2024
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Aluminum Fishing Boats 2024
Aluminum fishing boats remain the most practical way to get serious time on the water without the weight, cost, or maintenance headaches of fiberglass. For 2024, the field spans tiller-steer jon boats under a thousand dollars to fully rigged deep-V multispecies rigs topping fifty thousand.
We judged this segment on welded versus riveted hull construction, fishability and layout, resale strength, dealer network, and real-world ride quality in chop. Whether you chase walleye on big open water, flip jigs in skinny backwaters, or just want a dependable family fishing platform, there is an aluminum hull built for it.
Below are ten boats that genuinely earn a buyer's money in 2024.
Direct Answer
The best overall aluminum fishing boat for 2024 is the Lund 1875 Pro Guide at roughly $48,000 rigged, thanks to its IPS2 hull, premium fit, and class-leading resale. The best value is the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW at about $24,000 as a ready-to-fish package with motor and trailer.
Match the hull to your water first; a deep-V built for big lakes will pound your kidneys on a calm pond, and a flat mod-V wastes money on rough open water.
How We Ranked
- Hull construction — welded all-aluminum hulls resist leaks and last decades; riveted hulls are cheaper but can loosen over time.
- Fishability — casting deck space, rod storage, livewell capacity, and electronics mounting decide how the boat actually fishes.
- Ride and handling — deadrise, beam, and weight determine how the boat handles wind, wakes, and open-water chop.
- Value and package pricing — many aluminum boats sell as boat-motor-trailer packages, so the out-the-door number matters more than hull price.
- Resale and dealer support — brands with strong networks and proven resale protect your money when you sell or trade.
1. 2024 Lund 1875 Pro Guide 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Lund 1875 Pro Guide is the boat most serious multispecies anglers aspire to own, and it earns the top spot on build quality alone. At 18 feet 5 inches with a 94-inch beam, the all-welded hull uses Lund's IPS2 (Integrated Power Strake) design to lift spray and deliver a notably dry, soft ride in the kind of walleye chop that swamps lesser hulls.
The fit and finish, from the powder-coated frame to the flush-mount electronics, is a step above most aluminum competitors.
Rigged with a 150-horsepower Mercury or Yamaha four-stroke, it cruises in the high-30s and tops out near 50 mph. The 31-gallon aerated livewell, twin pedestal casting decks, and abundant in-floor rod storage make it a true fishing machine. It is not cheap, but Lund's resale is the strongest in the category.
- Price: ~$48,000 rigged
- Pros: Exceptional dry ride, premium build, best-in-class resale, huge livewell
- Cons: Premium price, heavier tow weight than budget rigs
Verdict: The benchmark welded aluminum fishing boat if your budget allows it.
2. 2024 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW 💎 BEST VALUE
Tracker built its reputation on selling complete, ready-to-fish packages at prices that undercut everyone, and the Pro Team 175 TXW is the clearest example. For around $24,000 you get the boat, a 60-horsepower Mercury four-stroke, a custom trailer, and a factory rigging package, all backed by Bass Pro Shops' nationwide service.
That out-the-door value is unmatched.
The hull is a 17-foot 7-inch mod-V with a 90-inch beam, riveted rather than welded, which keeps cost down. You get a bow casting deck, two aerated livewells, a Lowrance fish finder, and a trolling-motor-ready front. It will not ride like a Lund in heavy chop, but for lakes, rivers, and ponds it fishes far above its price.
- Price: ~$24,000 with motor and trailer
- Pros: Complete package pricing, strong dealer network, good warranty, ready to fish
- Cons: Riveted hull, modest rough-water ride, basic finish
Verdict: The most boat for the money in 2024, period.
3. 2024 Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk
Crestliner's claim to fame is its one-piece welded aluminum hull, and the 1850 Fish Hawk is a direct, slightly cheaper rival to the Lund 1875. At 18 feet 6 inches with a 96-inch beam, it offers a roomy, stable platform with a deep-V entry that handles open water well. The 2XB hull bracket adds buoyancy and a swim platform aft.
Power runs from 115 to 150 horsepower, and rigged the boat lands in the low-to-mid $40,000s, a real value against comparable Lund and Ranger models. The walkthrough windshield, large livewells, and proven welded construction make it a smart pick for big-water multispecies anglers who want premium without the very top price.
- Price: ~$42,000 rigged
- Pros: Welded hull, stable wide beam, slightly cheaper than Lund, dry ride
- Cons: Resale trails Lund, heavier rig
Verdict: A welded big-water rig that delivers near-Lund quality for less.
4. 2024 Ranger VS1882 WT
Ranger brought its legendary fiberglass build standards to aluminum, and the VS1882 WT shows it. This 18-foot 8-inch deep-V multispecies boat features Ranger's signature attention to detail, a smooth-running hull, and one of the most comfortable layouts in the class. The walk-through windshield and tall freeboard keep occupants protected.
With a 150-horsepower outboard it is quick and dry, and the build quality rivals Lund. Expect to pay in the mid-to-high $40,000s well rigged, so it is a premium choice. Ranger's reputation and warranty give buyers confidence, and the boat holds value strongly on the used market.
- Price: ~$46,000 rigged
- Pros: Outstanding build, comfortable layout, strong resale, dry deep-V ride
- Cons: Premium price, fewer dealers than Tracker
Verdict: A premium deep-V with fiberglass-grade fit and finish.
5. 2024 Alumacraft Competitor 175 Tiller
For anglers who prefer the control and open layout of a tiller-steer boat, the Alumacraft Competitor 175 is a standout. At 17 feet 6 inches with Alumacraft's 2XP (formed-in) hull, it delivers a stable, fishable platform that is popular with walleye trollers who want maximum deck space and direct motor control.
Rigged with a 60 to 90-horsepower tiller outboard, it usually lands in the low-to-mid $30,000s. The wide-open cockpit, aerated livewells, and rugged welded construction make it a favorite for jig and live-bait anglers. Alumacraft's long history and durable hulls give it solid resale, and the tiller layout is genuinely practical for one or two anglers working structure.
- Price: ~$33,000 rigged
- Pros: Open tiller layout, welded hull, great deck space, durable
- Cons: Tiller not for everyone, smaller dealer network
Verdict: The best tiller-steer aluminum boat for hands-on anglers.
6. 2024 G3 Sportsman 1810
Backed by Yamaha, G3 builds all-welded aluminum boats with excellent value, and the Sportsman 1810 is a versatile deep-V that fishes and family-cruises equally well. At 18 feet 4 inches with a wide beam, it offers a comfortable ride and the option of a fully welded hull with strong corrosion resistance.
Paired naturally with a Yamaha 115 or 150 four-stroke, packages run in the mid-to-high $30,000s. The Sportsman gets dual livewells, ample storage, and a stable platform. Yamaha's integrated rigging and nationwide service network add real peace of mind, making this a dependable choice for buyers who value the Yamaha ecosystem.
- Price: ~$37,000 rigged
- Pros: Welded hull, Yamaha backing, versatile fish-and-family layout
- Cons: Resale trails Lund and Ranger, fewer premium touches
Verdict: A solid welded all-rounder with strong Yamaha support.
7. 2024 Smoker Craft Pro Angler 161
Smoker Craft has built aluminum boats in Indiana for generations, and the Pro Angler 161 is a tidy, affordable mod-V fishing boat ideal for smaller lakes and rivers. At 16 feet 1 inch, it is light, easy to tow with a small vehicle, and simple to launch solo.
Rigged with a 40 to 60-horsepower outboard, packages typically run in the low-to-mid $20,000s. You get a bow casting deck, aerated livewell, and rod storage in a no-nonsense layout. The lifetime hull warranty and proven construction make it a dependable, budget-friendly entry that punches above its price for anglers who do not need big-water capability.
- Price: ~$23,000 rigged
- Pros: Affordable, light and easy to tow, lifetime hull warranty
- Cons: Small for rough water, basic finish
Verdict: A budget-friendly small-water fishing boat with a strong warranty.
8. 2024 Lowe Stinger 175
Lowe, a sister brand to Tracker under the same parent, offers the Stinger 175 as an aluminum bass-and-crappie boat with package pricing similar to Tracker but a sportier, bass-boat-style layout. At 17 feet 5 inches with a mod-V hull, it emphasizes a big front casting deck and fast hole-shot.
Rigged with a 75 to 90-horsepower outboard and trailer, expect roughly $26,000 to $30,000. The Stinger brings dual livewells, abundant rod storage, and a low-profile bass-boat feel that appeals to tournament-minded anglers on a budget. Strong dealer support through the Bass Pro and Cabela's network makes service easy.
- Price: ~$28,000 rigged
- Pros: Bass-boat layout, package pricing, big casting deck, wide support
- Cons: Riveted hull, modest rough-water manners
Verdict: A bass-style aluminum rig with strong value and support.
9. 2024 Xpress H20B Bay
For coastal and inshore anglers, the Xpress H20B is an all-welded aluminum bay boat that handles saltwater far better than freshwater-focused hulls. At 20 feet with a wide beam and Xpress's signature welded hull and reinforced transom, it is built to chase redfish and speckled trout across shallow flats and chop.
Power up to 150 horsepower, and rigged it lands in the mid-to-high $30,000s. Features include a raised front casting deck, large aerated livewells sized for bait, rod lockers, and rugged corrosion-resistant construction. Xpress dominates the welded aluminum bay-boat niche, and resale in coastal markets stays strong.
- Price: ~$38,000 rigged
- Pros: Welded saltwater-ready hull, true bay-boat layout, durable
- Cons: Specialized for inshore, heavier rig
Verdict: The go-to welded aluminum bay boat for inshore anglers.
10. 2024 War Eagle 754 LDV
War Eagle builds heavy-gauge welded aluminum boats prized by hardcore duck hunters and river anglers, and the 754 LDV is a rugged, do-everything mod-V. At roughly 17 feet 6 inches with a flared bow and thick-gauge welded hull, it shrugs off stumps, ramps, and shallow gravel that would dent thinner hulls.
Rigged with a 50 to 90-horsepower outboard, packages run in the mid-$20,000s to low-$30,000s depending on options. The open layout suits anglers who also hunt, run jugs, or fish skinny rivers. The heavy-gauge construction and camo options make it the most durable hull on this list for abusive conditions.
- Price: ~$28,000 rigged
- Pros: Heavy-gauge welded hull, extremely durable, hunt-and-fish versatility
- Cons: Utilitarian finish, heavier than comparable boats
Verdict: The toughest aluminum hull here for rivers and hunters.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull construction: Welded all-aluminum hulls resist leaks and last longer; riveted hulls cost less but can loosen, so inspect rivets for weeping on used boats.
- Engine hours and service: On a used outboard, ask for a compression test and service records; aim for documented annual maintenance and reasonable hours for the year.
- Trailer condition: Check bunks, bearings, brakes, and tires; a worn trailer is a hidden cost that can rival a small repair bill.
- Survey and floor: Walk the casting decks and floor for soft spots or corrosion, and confirm the livewell pumps, bilge, and wiring all work before you buy.
FAQ
Are welded aluminum hulls better than riveted? Welded hulls eliminate the leak points that rivets can develop over years of use, and they generally last longer and resell better. Riveted hulls are cheaper to build and perfectly fine for light freshwater use, but heavy or saltwater anglers should prioritize welded construction.
How much should I budget for a good aluminum fishing boat in 2024? A complete, ready-to-fish package from Tracker, Lowe, or Smoker Craft starts around $23,000 to $28,000 with motor and trailer. Premium welded boats from Lund, Crestliner, and Ranger run from the high $30,000s to nearly $50,000 rigged.
Which aluminum boat holds its value best? Lund consistently posts the strongest resale in the aluminum segment, followed closely by Ranger and Crestliner. Strong dealer networks and welded construction are the biggest drivers of long-term value retention.
Can aluminum fishing boats handle saltwater? Yes, but you need a hull built for it. Xpress and other welded saltwater-rated boats use corrosion-resistant construction and reinforced transoms; always flush the motor and rinse the hull after every saltwater trip regardless of brand.
Bottom Line
For 2024, the Lund 1875 Pro Guide is the best overall aluminum fishing boat, rewarding buyers with a dry ride, premium welded build, and unmatched resale at roughly $48,000. If value matters most, the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW delivers a complete, ready-to-fish package near $24,000.
Between them sit nine more boats matched to specific waters, so buy the hull that fits where you actually fish.
Sources
- Discover Boating — aluminum fishing boat buyer guides and segment overviews
- Boat Trader — new and used aluminum fishing boat listings and pricing
- Boating Magazine — boat tests and aluminum hull reviews
- NMMA — recreational boating market and segment data
- BoatUS — used-boat survey and inspection guidance
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation and resale data
- Manufacturer specifications — Lund, Tracker, Crestliner, Ranger, Alumacraft, G3, Smoker Craft, Lowe, Xpress, and War Eagle
*Keywords: Top 10 Aluminum Fishing Boats 2024 — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*