Looking around on the web for an aluminum fishing boat? You'll soon enough find out there are a number of different ways to go, depending on your needs and budget...

Are you looking for something very straightforward and uncomplicated you can quickly fit on your pickup? Or maybe you want something more sophisticated you can use for both tournament fishing and recreational fishing?

Another option - if money isn't your biggest concern - could be to look into a custom built boat with everything just the way you want!

You will probably know why you're looking for an aluminum fishing boat as opposed to a fiberglass or steel boat, but lightness (greater performance or fuel savings) and strength (around 35,000 pounds per square inch (psi) will deform it as opposed to 30,000 psi for mild steel) are probably the greatest advantages.

Price also comes into play as many an aluminum fishing boat owner have reported looking around for similar fiberglass boats and being put off by the prices.

In addition it is not only the purchase price, but also the maintenance costs afterwards which one need to take into account.

Aluminum is practically maintenance-free. If left unpainted aluminum will form a supertight layer of aluminum oxide on its surface and then will stay that way indefinitely.

What else is great about owning an aluminum fishing boat? Aluminum is fireproof and non-toxic; it is natural, and the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. It is easily repairable, and a great advantage for boats: aluminum won't absorb water!

What about price? Well, you can start looking at something that was designed to fit right into small pickup truck beds like a Meyers Explorer 12 Jon Boat. This one goes for only a few hundred dollars!

Then you can move up to something much more advanced like the Tracker Pro Angler V-16. The Tracker features large lockable rod storage that holds up to 7'6" rods, divided aerated livewell with Flow-Rite aeration, a deluxe console with a simulated burlwood switch panel and more.

On the Tracker there's always plenty of room for tackle, people and gear. Even an amateur would know that this was a great aluminum fishing boat after only one ride!

Then there's the Ranger Cherokee 217, which is known for an extremely wide front casting deck. It also features an extension-deck option to make it even bigger. (Note: Unfortunately Ranger stopped making them, but if you can find one, rest assured it's a solid boat. Crestliner's boats can now offer a similar quality in a bass boat).

You may also want to look at unique boats like those of Design Concepts. Their aluminum fishing boats are crafted with a revolutionary hull configuration called Drop-Keel. Instead of being flat on the bottom like other boats, Design Concepts boats are engineered to drop just below the water line before turning upward at the bow. This feature keeps the cutting edge of your boat in the water at all times.

Design Concepts also offer a "true lifetime warranty": even if you sell your boat, the warranty stays with it, ensuring you the highest value retention of any boat you can buy.

How about a custom-built aluminum fishing boat? As an example, King Salmon Marine lets you choose many details like the position of the console, overall length and hight, bottom width and thickness - even the type of aluminum alloy!

- More on fishing boats at www.Fishing-Things.com