I love this video! I really think the interest in plastic boats is growing because most boat manufacturers are no longer making 12' aluminum Jon boats due to the costs of the aluminum. I think it'd be important to discuss how wind affects the two boats. Also, aluminum breaks due to flexing meaning both boats need wood to reinforce the transoms for the motors. With the plastic boat, you can use treated 3/4" plywood. You cannot use any treated wood since most treatment processes use copper which will eat away at the aluminum.
This is false, they still make and sell Aluminum boats. They are not available at cheap box stores like the plastic ones. It's not convenient shopping.
In Australia we have had 12 ft aluminum, a 17ft fibreglass, a 19ft plate aluminum hull with fibreglass deck & interior with foam sandwich (Silver Shark from Finland), Polycraft 10ft & Smartwave 11.5 ft poly boats. The Silver Shark was far better than a completely alloy or completely fibreglass boat. Just magic. Strength, ride, quality finish and comfort. Poly boats are fantastic. The one in your video was very basic. The Aussie Polycraft boats are now available in the US. Benefits, better hull shape gives smoother and quieter ride, almost indestructible and popular as hire boats, if you do damage it can be readily fixed with heat wand and poly stick. Does not heat up like tinnys, quieter through the water, far more stable at rest for fishing or passengers getting on or off. Quieter when moving around or water slapping against hull so you don't scare the fish. Not the slap slap bang bang of alloy across a chop. All around more comfortable on feet and bum. Textured floors non slip and part of deck. Built in cup holders. Anchor does not buzz and rattle. Unsinkable. Storage in seats, Twin skin with foam sandwich. We are addicted to our NZ Smartwaves. Aluminium is crude in comparison. Painted alloy boats scratch up more easily. Try a good poly and you will be hooked.
I liked seeing the side by side comparison. It's the first one I've seen like that, plus you filled the video up with facts, some I hadn't even thought to consider. Thanks!
I own one of these Sun Dolphin American 12 models and have a small 2.5 HP Mercury outboard on it, as well as a trolling motor on the front. I only use the outboard if I want to travel a bit farther before fishing. I generally only fish coves and the edges of lakes, so it works fine for that. And, as you said, it works great for pond fishing. The water drainage issue is a serious problem. I have no idea why Sun Dolphin has not updated their design to account for this. If they did that, it would be a much better boat. My biggest issue with aluminum boats is that here in Texas they can get very hot in the summer. Overall, I would say the Sun Dolphin is a great modding platform and good little fishing boat. If they would just update the design, it would be awesome. Another design flaw is that the drain for the inside of the hull is too far up on the transom. A moderate amount of water can get trapped inside the hull and you'll never get it back out. Maybe they just need to talk to some of us (like you and I) that use these and make some real changes to it!
You make a good point about the drainage issue. I should’ve went more into detail with it on the video. That has to be one of my biggest problems with the sundolphin. I never understood the point of the drain plug if it only drains the back of the boat.
@@KillahReptiles I have owned a few aluminum boats and they certainly have their place. But, it's not just the floor that gets hot. The whole boat does. Spraying with liner certainly can help, but then that adds weight and cost. I'm not arguing that an aluminum boat isn't a great option for some. I'm just saying they do have their drawbacks too.
i had one also and the drains our jacked you gotvthe one plug for the back but the other two cubbies got no drain hole so they just hold water so got unload it and dump or buy a tarp or psyphon it honestly to much headache for me
I just bought a sun dolphin it's got a little more pointed front but I'm thinking I'll have fun with it a few more things to do to my trailer I also just got and I'm ready to go thanks for the information.
I had a plastic bass hunter 2 seat 30+ years ago and it met it's demise from dry rot cracking. For me the plastic boats are a waste on life span compared to an aluminum boat I could still buy that's older than what I had. Aluminum boats seem easier to patch than plastic as well. You mentioned the plastic boat was filled with foam, maybe they are considering the evolution of plastic boats and brands out there my old bass hunter was definitely hollow air space inside. I gave my brother the boat as he dumped 300 bucks of foam fill into it to realize he should have used closed cell foam ☠🤫
Thanks for the comparison….enjoy your videos. Foam inside the boat does not make it float better under normal use. It adds weight to the boat, so it actually has slightly less buoyancy. The foam is there to improve reserve buoyancy. Less water can get into those areas, so if the boat is damaged and starts taking on water, it is harder to sink.
Very informative video. Thought it was good. Just bought a Pelican intruder. Has not even come in yet. Got a 6.5 motor for it. Gonna use it in a small river for cats, walleye and smallmouth. Got this boat because I have to figure out how to get it on the car roof and tied down. Don't have a truck and can't swing one now.
I used to strap my 12ft kayak on top of my car a couple years ago. I think you’ll manage for sure. Good thing about that is you can pretty much launch anywhere and don’t have to worry about a trailer lol.
This is great. I was looking at the Sun Dolphin for a starter boat to use on a lake where we will be moving to next year. I think I'll save up a bit more and look at a reasonable utility or jon boat now. Thanks again!
thats what i started with was sundolphin american 12 bought trailor outboard motor trolling motor and a trailor sold it for double the money and upgraded to a 12 ft jon with casting deck and more and doin so gave me options of running lights and more and not have the wiring hanging out everywhere
Great video! Appreciate you doing it and your experience with these. I was thinking of the plastic boat but after watching I will find an aluminum now! Thanks!!! 👍
Depending on where you live. The plastic is a lot safer. I say that because on the East Coast we have constant lightning ⛈ storms in the summer. The last thing you want to be in in a storm is a aluminum boat. After you go through it once you will never do it again.
I vote for the Alumacraft. It gurgles when you set sail. UV rays don't damage it. It rides on a car top a bit better. I bought a Tomking TK144FC 4 stroke outboard. Only 23 LBS. You might want something wooden so you can slide your boat in and out of the water without scraping rocks. Nice show.
I got 2 of these Sun Dolphins on clearance for 165$ each a couple days ago and noticed the water trapped...took off the back plate...unscrewed the 1 screw and seperated it just a bit, tipped it, drained it and siliconed ALL the connection points just an idea!
I am thinking of getting a boat to float the rivers and fish. I was thinking that one advantage to the plastic boat would be sound. If you bumped a rock it wouldn’t be to noisy.
I had a Sun Dolphin for several years. Used a 5 hp - as others have said - couldn't get on plane. Also used eletric trolling motor which worked fine on smaller bodies of water. I would never take it out on larger bodies of water. Ditto for all the otherproblems mentioned. The plastic boat deformed easily when stored and especially in heat. Sold it a bought a V bottom.
I recently purchased a Sundolphin American 12, my biggest complaint is how low the seats sit. I had an 11’ Coleman Crawdad plastic boat and the seats were much taller. I’ve had the Coleman for twenty years and still performs well. Hopefully I can do some mods to the Sundolphin and enjoy is as well. Great video btw!
Excellent- So on the water drain issue. If you get a leak the plastic one will only 1/3 sink and the aluminum one will fully sink? I see the rain filling issue, but the usage in the water I like the three compartment benefit. But for longevity the aluminum will last forever compared to the plastic, especially outside in the sun all of the time.
Yes the plastic boat does have foam between the inner and outer shell and if you ever get a crack inside or out the foam WILL take on water which adds weight and if your up North it will freeze and expand cracking it even further. I wore out a 12 foot aluminum by dragging it to and from the water where there was no ramp. Wore through the metal bottom in about 5 years while my 1988 11.5 bass tender pro is not even scratched and still used to this day. Aluminum can be repaired and dents hammered out if you have the skill and tools. Yes they make plastic "welding repair rods" for the plastic boats but they don't work very well. Surprisingly you can fiberglass over plastic but I have only used it to fill holes the previous owners had made. My personal choice is fiberglass. Its strong, lite weight and is easily repairable. My fleet: Native Watercraft 10ft pedal drive kayak, 12ft Outback Pedal drive Hobie, 11.5 bass tender pro with trolling motor and 3.5hp 2 stroke Yamaha, 14ft side console fiberglass skiff with 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha, my gf has a 14ft aluminum Lund with 15hp Mercury tiller and a 14 ft gill raker pontoon.
i had american 12 ran it allover the coves here in florida in the banana river which is brackish water had a 2.5 merc outboard with front mount trolling snd it worked great in saltwater and my 12' aluminum was bout ten inches wider than my sundolphin
To be honest I always wanted to have a plastic boat but had aluminum ones(2, not at the same time) before moving out of LA (Houma). But was looking for another boat and think I will stick with the aluminum now that I saw this. I always thought the plastic was a lot lighter than the metal boat. And I think they are close to the same prices around where I am living now.
good job. grass root perspectives. it's helping considerably, as i navigate ultimate decision among jon boats. consider doing a sea demo maybe, sometime.
If you are talking about the aluminum boat, that’s the transom bracket that I mount my mud motor kit on. I’m currently using the aluminum boat so that’s why you see that on there. Lol
Great video! Very informative! You are very well spoken how old are you? My grandson an I have a 12 Foot Jon Boat And are starting to make some modifications on it! We love to fish and i’ve been thinking also about getting a bigger boat some type of skiff cause we live close to the Gulf an Causeway in Clearwater Florida. Anyway good job and keep the videos coming! 👍
I have a Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10. It's fully outfitted with a trolling motor up front and a 3.5hp Mercury in the rear. The seats that come with it suck so I had to upgrade right away. The boat gets so soft in the sun that both transoms flex ridiculously. Split hull construction (top half and bottom half) means that water can seep into the seam. You can't bolt any accessories to them because they're plastic. The floor width is only 23 inches so not enough room there for me. The pontoons naturally get water in them just from condensation and you have to tip the damn boat up on its nose vertically to get the water out of the drains. I added two drain plugs to the bottom of the rear pontoons. Basically I hate the boat and I am currently in the process of purchasing a 12 foot aluminum jon boat to replace it with.
With the 14 ft Carolina skiff with a 25 horse on back I can outrun thunderstorms fish grass flats for trout snook and redfish to the shipping channel will 3 ft waves on a windy day and still feel confident cuz my boat's not going to and if I do take on water I can always pump it out with my live well pump ezpz
Compared to a 14-foot aluminum jon boat which I also have there's no comparison but as I've also learned small boats get smaller when you're in the water if I had to do it all over again I would have went with a 17 foot since most of the small boats actually have to be trailered anyways , with a 6 ft bed truck bed & 2ft tool box gives me only 4ft like most extent cabs 6 ft with tail gate down so " 14" ft jon in the back really not going to happen especially rolling down the interstate at high speeds even a 12-footer a 10-footer would be more of a reality but then with two people in gear and a motor you're maxed out
Thanks man. 👍 During the summer heat the aluminum can get very hot. The plastic boat would be your better options for seating. You can always put marine flooring (seadeck) on the aluminum seat to solve the heat problem. As far as installing a seat either boat would be fine. It would probably be better with plastic 👍👍
Things like cleats and rowlocks tend to rip out of plastic boats, but not on aluminum. Plastic is quieter for sneaking around. Most plastic boats have weird low seats and won't row well. If you put pedestal seats on them, they are too high to row. I always want oars as a backup plus I catch more fish when I row. I agree with the limitations on plastic and gas outboard motors. If you get an aluminum jonboat, try to get a least a 36 inch bottom, a 40 inch is even better. The 32 inch bottom jonboat is very tippy. Finally, the aluminum boat will have better resale value.
Hi I have a question … where did u purchase the plastic boat? And have u seen those Jon boats. That are selling for $60+ ?!! What are ur thoughts about that?
I was just looking at a ad on offer up with one for like 74 dollars, I was tempted to test those waters, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Love your content and videos. I just picked up the 12ft sun dolphin. Waiting on trolling motor. Where did you get the cleats and how did you install them? Did you use well nuts? I've heard being that its plastic its a better option than screwing them in. If you can post links for the cleats and hardware be much appreciated. Thanks and keep up the great 👍 fishing vids.
Thanks man much appreciated. I got the cleats from Walmart in the boating section and I just drilled them in with 1 3/4 in. Nails. Real simple and very effective! It’s way easier to do with plastic and holds up pretty well 👍
The downside to jon boats as there's no foam flotation " but most plastic boats have more of a blunt nose so if you can't get your motor to get the boat up on plane and you're in a little bit of wave action you're going to get wet" plastic boats do not like barnacles in oyster beds, jon boats do get hot in the Summer sun and her more noisy compared to a plastic boat when it comes to spooking fish one way to alleviate that" which I'm friend of mine has done he had a bed liner company spray bed liner inside a Jon boat and no it wasn't Black it was like an OD Green and it was no slip " what some might say it's abrasive it deadened a lot of the sound but it also created a little bit" of weight " so basically it's a personal preference of either one wish I never got rid of my 8ft jon boat that was used for a sailboat tender" since you'll be hard-pressed ever find another aluminum jon boat on the internetunless it's used seems as though they don't make them anymore but I broke down and bought a 14 ft Carolina skiff that'll never sink with a 25 horse that I can outrun thunderstorms with so I'm good""
I’ve had me and another person the same size as me in there with the motor (70lbs), trolling motor in the front, two batteries, ice chest and fishing gear and the boat did fine. I wouldn’t stand up though unless you got good balance. It won’t sink. But you won’t get good speed out of it either.
You're videos are great. They made me decide to get a sundolohin Jon boat and this video made me realize I need an aluminum one.lmao I thought the aluminum ones would weigh a good bit. I have an issue with trailers, so boat ramps scare me. But if I can just drag this to the water then everything is dandy. What is the weight capacity of the aluminum Jon boat?
Great video as always man! Where would one find one of those Jon Boats these days?(Aluminum) having a hard time finding one new around the BR area myself. Keep the vids coming!
Thanks man! I should’ve mentioned it in the video but the cost of aluminum is going wayyy up so it’s getting harder to find these boats brand new and for a good price nowadays. But academy sports should have them for around 1400$ or you can try bass pro shops. Push come to shove you might have to order one online or see if somebody is selling one in good condition on the market. 👍👍🎣🎣
Great video. I am looking for a small boat and was trying to decide between the plastic vs. Aluminum boats that you featured 😀. Since I will be mostly fishing in the slow areas of the lakes I am going to get the plastic. I also read your comment on the price of aluminum, good point. Thanks for your help.
I really don't like to settle for less ....less stability.....less space ......less speed .....less ability......I would do anything to have a lowe roughneck fishing boat ,center console 18ft ....$29,000 dollars . I just wanna get out there and fish , I have a passion for fishing it's all I want to do and I'm very good at it , I'd bet I would give KVD a run for his money. When I was a little boy I would ask my dad " can I go fishin with ya dad " and he'd say no not this time and I'd be heartbroken and then when I was five years old I asked my dad ...begged and pleaded to go fishin with him....he says " boy you jump off the roof of our house there and I'll take you fishin with me " well dad got me up on the roof and I jumped....luckily he caught me and I've fished like a demon ever since every chance I get , I use only top notch fishing gear...st crox..g loomis Penn, shimano even having rods custom built. Being such an avid fisherman I've always wanted/needed a boat but I'm disabled now so there's virtually zero chance I'll ever be able to afford one as social security doesn't pay much for you to live on much less be able to buy a fishing boat. In the meantime I'll keep dreaming of owning one . Keep your dreams alive and keep fishin
With big gators here in Okeechobee, I can't see myself putting my kids or girl in a plastic boat that weighs a fraction of what some of these gators do
It was set in the yard prior to making this video and it was raining. Normally when I’m not using the boat I would put it upside down or lean it against something.
Must build the plastic reinforce everything build a flat bottom to stand on a reinforce the transform an definitely just a good little creek/river boat
Aluminum: sturdy, easy to repair, light-weight, easy to handle. BTW, a welded aluminum boat is far superior to a riveted boat. A fiberglass boat, or in this case a PVC hull, on the other hand, is not easy to repair, it is heavy by comparison, and it requires more strength to handle. I've owned many boats, and I have settled on the lighter Aluminum boats for decades now.
Definitely aluminum can always have it heliarc welded I'm patched up you can run them right up on the beach , if you got to spend the money getting all welded jon boat without rivits,
#1 On the plastic boat you pulled on the open/unsupported area. On the aluminum boat you banged on it near a seat. #2 The plastic boat is rated for a 5hp or less (5 is pushing the limits! ) that mud motor is way bigger than a standard motor. The aluminum boat is probably rated for about a 20hp motor and has extra bracing for that reason. 😄 You talk about the width then show specs for everything but the width. #3 What the boat is filled with has nothing to do with its buoyancy... the foam actually makes it heavier! The foam is simply to keep it from sinking when it's full of water. FYI: The aluminum boat has foam under the seat benches. *You hit on the plastic boat meant for tiny motors.
we know what they say it will hold, now how much weight does it really hold? they go light because of liability issues, estimate the overall weight of you and your larger friend that was in the PLASTIC boat at the same time for us please, real world numbers are always preferred over the liability numbers
Do not buy the plastic boat. I have one just like the one in the video and would gladly give it away. Not only does the open area fill up with water, but the area between the inner and outer shells of the hull also gets water in it and is extremely difficult to drain. the drain opening for the area between the shells is to high above the outer shell and thus the water stays in the bottom shell until you can stand it on end and allow it to slowly work its way out. I' d definitely consider an aluminum boat again over a plastic, at least this one!
He, he, he... The correct answer is, of course, wood. Plywood sheets are good, but absolutely not OSB, nor pressure treated either. Modern paints make fiberglass unnecessary.
I love this video! I really think the interest in plastic boats is growing because most boat manufacturers are no longer making 12' aluminum Jon boats due to the costs of the aluminum. I think it'd be important to discuss how wind affects the two boats. Also, aluminum breaks due to flexing meaning both boats need wood to reinforce the transoms for the motors. With the plastic boat, you can use treated 3/4" plywood. You cannot use any treated wood since most treatment processes use copper which will eat away at the aluminum.
Thanks man! that is definitely some good info! 👍👍
Aluminum boats have been around for decades. Easy to modify and add things. My 1962 aluminum 14 footer is still in use.
This is false, they still make and sell Aluminum boats. They are not available at cheap box stores like the plastic ones. It's not convenient shopping.
In Australia we have had 12 ft aluminum, a 17ft fibreglass, a 19ft plate aluminum hull with fibreglass deck & interior with foam sandwich (Silver Shark from Finland),
Polycraft 10ft & Smartwave 11.5 ft poly boats.
The Silver Shark was far better than a completely alloy or completely fibreglass boat. Just magic. Strength, ride, quality finish and comfort.
Poly boats are fantastic. The one in your video was very basic.
The Aussie Polycraft boats are now available in the US.
Benefits, better hull shape gives smoother and quieter ride, almost indestructible and popular as hire boats, if you do damage it can be readily fixed with heat wand and poly stick.
Does not heat up like tinnys, quieter through the water, far more stable at rest for fishing or passengers getting on or off.
Quieter when moving around or water slapping against hull so you don't scare the fish. Not the slap slap bang bang of alloy across a chop.
All around more comfortable on feet and bum. Textured floors non slip and part of deck. Built in cup holders. Anchor does not buzz and rattle. Unsinkable. Storage in seats,
Twin skin with foam sandwich.
We are addicted to our NZ Smartwaves. Aluminium is crude in comparison. Painted alloy boats scratch up more easily.
Try a good poly and you will be hooked.
That sounds Awsome man! I will have to look into those! 👍👍🎣
I’m looking at the Tuffy for a river, lake and bay fishing boat. The Polycraft Tuffy looks pretty robust and can hold up to 3 people which is cool.
I liked seeing the side by side comparison. It's the first one I've seen like that, plus you filled the video up with facts, some I hadn't even thought to consider. Thanks!
I own one of these Sun Dolphin American 12 models and have a small 2.5 HP Mercury outboard on it, as well as a trolling motor on the front. I only use the outboard if I want to travel a bit farther before fishing. I generally only fish coves and the edges of lakes, so it works fine for that. And, as you said, it works great for pond fishing. The water drainage issue is a serious problem. I have no idea why Sun Dolphin has not updated their design to account for this. If they did that, it would be a much better boat. My biggest issue with aluminum boats is that here in Texas they can get very hot in the summer. Overall, I would say the Sun Dolphin is a great modding platform and good little fishing boat. If they would just update the design, it would be awesome. Another design flaw is that the drain for the inside of the hull is too far up on the transom. A moderate amount of water can get trapped inside the hull and you'll never get it back out. Maybe they just need to talk to some of us (like you and I) that use these and make some real changes to it!
You make a good point about the drainage issue. I should’ve went more into detail with it on the video. That has to be one of my biggest problems with the sundolphin. I never understood the point of the drain plug if it only drains the back of the boat.
Why not just install some nice DIY cushions & flooring to the aluminum boat?? Then the heat issue is solved & you have a better boat🤷🏾♂️💯
@@KillahReptiles I have owned a few aluminum boats and they certainly have their place. But, it's not just the floor that gets hot. The whole boat does. Spraying with liner certainly can help, but then that adds weight and cost. I'm not arguing that an aluminum boat isn't a great option for some. I'm just saying they do have their drawbacks too.
i had one also and the drains our jacked you gotvthe one plug for the back but the other two cubbies got no drain hole so they just hold water so got unload it and dump or buy a tarp or psyphon it honestly to much headache for me
Thanks for the thorough evaluation between the two boats.
I just bought a sun dolphin it's got a little more pointed front but I'm thinking I'll have fun with it a few more things to do to my trailer I also just got and I'm ready to go thanks for the information.
I fish on small water lakes/ponds and own a Pelican Bass Raider 10E. I am happy with it.
I Appreciate Your Content, Hands Down Very Good Job Explaining
I had a plastic bass hunter 2 seat 30+ years ago and it met it's demise from dry rot cracking. For me the plastic boats are a waste on life span compared to an aluminum boat I could still buy that's older than what I had. Aluminum boats seem easier to patch than plastic as well. You mentioned the plastic boat was filled with foam, maybe they are considering the evolution of plastic boats and brands out there my old bass hunter was definitely hollow air space inside. I gave my brother the boat as he dumped 300 bucks of foam fill into it to realize he should have used closed cell foam ☠🤫
What caused the dry rot crack and how long did it take?
I got it used in decent shape and had it about 6 years. Eye bolts pulled out with 1 1/2" holes and linear cracks mostly topside.
Sun damage I guess
Thanks for the comparison….enjoy your videos.
Foam inside the boat does not make it float better under normal use. It adds weight to the boat, so it actually has slightly less buoyancy.
The foam is there to improve reserve buoyancy. Less water can get into those areas, so if the boat is damaged and starts taking on water, it is harder to sink.
Very informative video. Thought it was good. Just bought a Pelican intruder. Has not even come in yet. Got a 6.5 motor for it. Gonna use it in a small river for cats, walleye and smallmouth. Got this boat because I have to figure out how to get it on the car roof and tied down. Don't have a truck and can't swing one now.
I used to strap my 12ft kayak on top of my car a couple years ago. I think you’ll manage for sure. Good thing about that is you can pretty much launch anywhere and don’t have to worry about a trailer lol.
This is great. I was looking at the Sun Dolphin for a starter boat to use on a lake where we will be moving to next year. I think I'll save up a bit more and look at a reasonable utility or jon boat now. Thanks again!
thats what i started with was sundolphin american 12 bought trailor outboard motor trolling motor and a trailor sold it for double the money and upgraded to a 12 ft jon with casting deck and more and doin so gave me options of running lights and more and not have the wiring hanging out everywhere
Great video! Appreciate you doing it and your experience with these. I was thinking of the plastic boat but after watching I will find an aluminum now! Thanks!!! 👍
Thanks man! Glad I can help! 🎣👍
Depending on where you live. The plastic is a lot safer. I say that because on the East Coast we have constant lightning ⛈ storms in the summer. The last thing you want to be in in a storm is a aluminum boat. After you go through it once you will never do it again.
I vote for the Alumacraft. It gurgles when you set sail. UV rays don't damage it. It rides on a car top a bit better. I bought a Tomking TK144FC 4 stroke outboard. Only 23 LBS. You might want something wooden so you can slide your boat in and out of the water without scraping rocks. Nice show.
I got 2 of these Sun Dolphins on clearance for 165$ each a couple days ago and noticed the water trapped...took off the back plate...unscrewed the 1 screw and seperated it just a bit, tipped it, drained it and siliconed ALL the connection points just an idea!
Where on clearance
I really thought the aluminum would have been heavier. The draining is key for me! Thanks so much for this comparison!
Good review and you made a lot of good points about each boat. I don't like how the plastic boat will wont drain completely.
I am thinking of getting a boat to float the rivers and fish. I was thinking that one advantage to the plastic boat would be sound. If you bumped a rock it wouldn’t be to noisy.
I had a Sun Dolphin for several years. Used a 5 hp - as others have said - couldn't get on plane. Also used eletric trolling motor which worked fine on smaller bodies of water. I would never take it out on larger bodies of water. Ditto for all the otherproblems mentioned. The plastic boat deformed easily when stored and especially in heat. Sold it a bought a V bottom.
Great video man. Very good straight to point information!!!
I recently purchased a Sundolphin American 12, my biggest complaint is how low the seats sit. I had an 11’ Coleman Crawdad plastic boat and the seats were much taller. I’ve had the Coleman for twenty years and still performs well. Hopefully I can do some mods to the Sundolphin and enjoy is as well. Great video btw!
Excellent- So on the water drain issue. If you get a leak the plastic one will only 1/3 sink and the aluminum one will fully sink? I see the rain filling issue, but the usage in the water I like the three compartment benefit. But for longevity the aluminum will last forever compared to the plastic, especially outside in the sun all of the time.
On all modern aluminum jon boats the bench seats are filled with styrofoam to keep them from completely sinking.
Yes the plastic boat does have foam between the inner and outer shell and if you ever get a crack inside or out the foam WILL take on water which adds weight and if your up North it will freeze and expand cracking it even further.
I wore out a 12 foot aluminum by dragging it to and from the water where there was no ramp. Wore through the metal bottom in about 5 years while my 1988 11.5 bass tender pro is not even scratched and still used to this day.
Aluminum can be repaired and dents hammered out if you have the skill and tools. Yes they make plastic "welding repair rods" for the plastic boats but they don't work very well. Surprisingly you can fiberglass over plastic but I have only used it to fill holes the previous owners had made.
My personal choice is fiberglass. Its strong, lite weight and is easily repairable.
My fleet: Native Watercraft 10ft pedal drive kayak, 12ft Outback Pedal drive Hobie, 11.5 bass tender pro with trolling motor and 3.5hp 2 stroke Yamaha, 14ft side console fiberglass skiff with 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha, my gf has a 14ft aluminum Lund with 15hp Mercury tiller and a 14 ft gill raker pontoon.
i had american 12 ran it allover the coves here in florida in the banana river which is brackish water had a 2.5 merc outboard with front mount trolling snd it worked great in saltwater and my 12' aluminum was bout ten inches wider than my sundolphin
Looking to buy my first boat -- this was so helpful, thank you!
To be honest I always wanted to have a plastic boat but had aluminum ones(2, not at the same time) before moving out of LA (Houma). But was looking for another boat and think I will stick with the aluminum now that I saw this. I always thought the plastic was a lot lighter than the metal boat. And I think they are close to the same prices around where I am living now.
Great informative video, I'm in the market for a 12 footer. I have a 10 and 14 and was curious about the plastic jons.
good job. grass root perspectives. it's helping considerably, as i navigate ultimate decision among jon boats. consider doing a sea demo maybe, sometime.
Great video but could you please explain the clamp on the transom.
If you are talking about the aluminum boat, that’s the transom bracket that I mount my mud motor kit on. I’m currently using the aluminum boat so that’s why you see that on there. Lol
I have a 1964 john boat 0n a 1969 trailer dry as a bone doesn't leak a drop, use it all the time
Good video. I have a 16ft aluminum V and a sundolphin American12. Im sticking with the Sundolphin. My smaller water sundolphin works best
Thanks a lot bro! 👍👍🎣🎣
Great video! Very informative! You are very well spoken how old are you? My grandson an I have a 12
Foot Jon Boat And are starting to make some modifications on it! We love to fish and i’ve been thinking also about getting a bigger boat some type of skiff cause we live close to the Gulf an Causeway in Clearwater Florida. Anyway good job and keep the videos coming! 👍
I have a Bass Pro Shops Pond Prowler 10. It's fully outfitted with a trolling motor up front and a 3.5hp Mercury in the rear. The seats that come with it suck so I had to upgrade right away. The boat gets so soft in the sun that both transoms flex ridiculously. Split hull construction (top half and bottom half) means that water can seep into the seam. You can't bolt any accessories to them because they're plastic. The floor width is only 23 inches so not enough room there for me. The pontoons naturally get water in them just from condensation and you have to tip the damn boat up on its nose vertically to get the water out of the drains. I added two drain plugs to the bottom of the rear pontoons. Basically I hate the boat and I am currently in the process of purchasing a 12 foot aluminum jon boat to replace it with.
You changed my mind about the plastic Jon boat. I would rather have a pond prowler.
I have one. I hate it. Read the comment I posted.
Thank you young man you answered all my questions stay safe
No problem! Thank you for watching!!
Good job. I'm currently trying to decide on these two.
Both are good boats. I Hope you enjoy whichever one you pick! 👍👍🎣🎣🎣
Thanks for the info. Looking for a jon boat and uncertain which material type. This helped make up my mind.
Thank you for the video. Very well done and great explanations.
With the 14 ft Carolina skiff with a 25 horse on back I can outrun thunderstorms fish grass flats for trout snook and redfish to the shipping channel will 3 ft waves on a windy day and still feel confident cuz my boat's not going to and if I do take on water I can always pump it out with my live well pump ezpz
Compared to a 14-foot aluminum jon boat which I also have there's no comparison but as I've also learned small boats get smaller when you're in the water if I had to do it all over again I would have went with a 17 foot since most of the small boats actually have to be trailered anyways , with a 6 ft bed truck bed & 2ft tool box gives me only 4ft like most extent cabs 6 ft with tail gate down so " 14" ft jon in the back really not going to happen especially rolling down the interstate at high speeds even a 12-footer a 10-footer would be more of a reality but then with two people in gear and a motor you're maxed out
Good video. Which has the better seating option
Thanks man. 👍 During the summer heat the aluminum can get very hot. The plastic boat would be your better options for seating. You can always put marine flooring (seadeck) on the aluminum seat to solve the heat problem. As far as installing a seat either boat would be fine. It would probably be better with plastic 👍👍
Appreciate the Video! Im hoping to get my 1st boat soon.
Hey Chief, I’m planning on kayak fishing Ramah soon. Can you give a new kayaker the spillway tour? I can pay a consult fee.
Which one? Jon Boat, Crestliner, Lowe or Lund?
Great info captain 👍🏾
Things like cleats and rowlocks tend to rip out of plastic boats, but not on aluminum. Plastic is quieter for sneaking around. Most plastic boats have weird low seats and won't row well. If you put pedestal seats on them, they are too high to row. I always want oars as a backup plus I catch more fish when I row. I agree with the limitations on plastic and gas outboard motors. If you get an aluminum jonboat, try to get a least a 36 inch bottom, a 40 inch is even better. The 32 inch bottom jonboat is very tippy. Finally, the aluminum boat will have better resale value.
Good job! Worth a sub and a thumbs up!
Hi I have a question … where did u purchase the plastic boat? And have u seen those Jon boats. That are selling for $60+ ?!! What are ur thoughts about that?
I was just looking at a ad on offer up with one for like 74 dollars, I was tempted to test those waters, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Hi from Michigan • I prefer aluminum 😊 well done 👍 video 🚂
Does the aluminum jon boat have a higher weight capacity?
Perfect. Thanks so much for this video!
Great video brother, keep it up, I enjoyed the content !
Thanks man 👍🎣
A wooden one will be actually the best.but one that can go over a stump with out getting any damage or out a hole in it.
Yep I'd get aluminum those barnacle will slice right through plastic and the sun will deteriorate that plastic in no time.
Love your content and videos. I just picked up the 12ft sun dolphin. Waiting on trolling motor. Where did you get the cleats and how did you install them? Did you use well nuts? I've heard being that its plastic its a better option than screwing them in. If you can post links for the cleats and hardware be much appreciated. Thanks and keep up the great 👍 fishing vids.
Thanks man much appreciated. I got the cleats from Walmart in the boating section and I just drilled them in with 1 3/4 in. Nails. Real simple and very effective! It’s way easier to do with plastic and holds up pretty well 👍
@@PFDTV thanks
I own a pelican intruder plastic John boat do you know how to get plastic John boats registered
Great video ill just save up for a aluminum jon boat
Thanks for sharing, I’m looking for a boat this spring 🇺🇸🍀Be safe out there. Happy fishing man🐠from Wisconsin 🐸
is the boat good for standing up in?
Where do you buy aluminum Jon BOATS 12ft or 14ft online??
The downside to jon boats as there's no foam flotation " but most plastic boats have more of a blunt nose so if you can't get your motor to get the boat up on plane and you're in a little bit of wave action you're going to get wet" plastic boats do not like barnacles in oyster beds, jon boats do get hot in the Summer sun and her more noisy compared to a plastic boat when it comes to spooking fish one way to alleviate that" which I'm friend of mine has done he had a bed liner company spray bed liner inside a Jon boat and no it wasn't Black it was like an OD Green and it was no slip " what some might say it's abrasive it deadened a lot of the sound but it also created a little bit" of weight " so basically it's a personal preference of either one wish I never got rid of my 8ft jon boat that was used for a sailboat tender" since you'll be hard-pressed ever find another aluminum jon boat on the internetunless it's used seems as though they don't make them anymore but I broke down and bought a 14 ft Carolina skiff that'll never sink with a 25 horse that I can outrun thunderstorms with so I'm good""
Im looking to get a sun dolphin what is the most weight u had in it im 280s and my cuzin like 4s something think it would be good
I’ve had me and another person the same size as me in there with the motor (70lbs), trolling motor in the front, two batteries, ice chest and fishing gear and the boat did fine. I wouldn’t stand up though unless you got good balance. It won’t sink. But you won’t get good speed out of it either.
@PFDTV thanks don't need speed just wanna stay above water lol i been worried about getting one cuz of our size but moving closer to getting one
You're videos are great. They made me decide to get a sundolohin Jon boat and this video made me realize I need an aluminum one.lmao I thought the aluminum ones would weigh a good bit. I have an issue with trailers, so boat ramps scare me. But if I can just drag this to the water then everything is dandy.
What is the weight capacity of the aluminum Jon boat?
Thanks man. The standard weight capacity is 450lbs but I’ve had more than that in the boat and it did just fine!
@@PFDTV Ok thanks.
Great video as always man! Where would one find one of those Jon Boats these days?(Aluminum) having a hard time finding one new around the BR area myself. Keep the vids coming!
Thanks man! I should’ve mentioned it in the video but the cost of aluminum is going wayyy up so it’s getting harder to find these boats brand new and for a good price nowadays. But academy sports should have them for around 1400$ or you can try bass pro shops. Push come to shove you might have to order one online or see if somebody is selling one in good condition on the market. 👍👍🎣🎣
Great video. I am looking for a small boat and was trying to decide between the plastic vs. Aluminum boats that you featured 😀. Since I will be mostly fishing in the slow areas of the lakes I am going to get the plastic. I also read your comment on the price of aluminum, good point. Thanks for your help.
@@timmcaleer6024 no problem man. Glad to help! 👍👍🎣🎣
Thanks. Good info.
The American 12 sun dolphin has drain between seats drains perfectly.
I'm subbing just for the thumps on the aluminum boat xD
I really don't like to settle for less ....less stability.....less space ......less speed .....less ability......I would do anything to have a lowe roughneck fishing boat ,center console 18ft ....$29,000 dollars . I just wanna get out there and fish , I have a passion for fishing it's all I want to do and I'm very good at it , I'd bet I would give KVD a run for his money. When I was a little boy I would ask my dad " can I go fishin with ya dad " and he'd say no not this time and I'd be heartbroken and then when I was five years old I asked my dad ...begged and pleaded to go fishin with him....he says " boy you jump off the roof of our house there and I'll take you fishin with me " well dad got me up on the roof and I jumped....luckily he caught me and I've fished like a demon ever since every chance I get , I use only top notch fishing gear...st crox..g loomis Penn, shimano even having rods custom built. Being such an avid fisherman I've always wanted/needed a boat but I'm disabled now so there's virtually zero chance I'll ever be able to afford one as social security doesn't pay much for you to live on much less be able to buy a fishing boat. In the meantime I'll keep dreaming of owning one . Keep your dreams alive and keep fishin
With big gators here in Okeechobee, I can't see myself putting my kids or girl in a plastic boat that weighs a fraction of what some of these gators do
why didnt u store it upside down so rain wont get in it?
It was set in the yard prior to making this video and it was raining. Normally when I’m not using the boat I would put it upside down or lean it against something.
An excellent review.
Good Job Guy.
Great video, thanks!!
this is the first video I've found of yours, are you transporting both of these boats without a trailer? just in the back of a truck?
Yes indeed.. it’s a pain but it is worth it! I’m getting a trailer for them soon tho 👍
I need a boat to go through grasss land with a poll to harvest wild rice and perhaps hunting birds.
Good job! Thanks
Great video!! Thank you!
Must build the plastic reinforce everything build a flat bottom to stand on a reinforce the transform an definitely just a good little creek/river boat
Great video!
I liked aluminum medium size fishing boat.
What state are you living in friend?
Great video! Subbed!🎉
I believe you missed the price
Aluminum: sturdy, easy to repair, light-weight, easy to handle. BTW, a welded aluminum boat is far superior to a riveted boat. A fiberglass boat, or in this case a PVC hull, on the other hand, is not easy to repair, it is heavy by comparison, and it requires more strength to handle. I've owned many boats, and I have settled on the lighter Aluminum boats for decades now.
Damn good video!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
Why did I just find your channel!! Thank you Sir for your information. Subscribe
Definitely aluminum can always have it heliarc welded I'm patched up you can run them right up on the beach , if you got to spend the money getting all welded jon boat without rivits,
Can you take the plastic boat in salt water?
Ofcourse. The plastic boat that I own been in more salt water than fresh lol
#1 On the plastic boat you pulled on the open/unsupported area. On the aluminum boat you banged on it near a seat.
#2 The plastic boat is rated for a 5hp or less (5 is pushing the limits! ) that mud motor is way bigger than a standard motor.
The aluminum boat is probably rated for about a 20hp motor and has extra bracing for that reason.
😄 You talk about the width then show specs for everything but the width.
#3 What the boat is filled with has nothing to do with its buoyancy... the foam actually makes it heavier! The foam is simply to keep it from sinking when it's full of water.
FYI: The aluminum boat has foam under the seat benches.
*You hit on the plastic boat meant for tiny motors.
we know what they say it will hold, now how much weight does it really hold? they go light because of liability issues, estimate the overall weight of you and your larger friend that was in the PLASTIC boat at the same time for us please, real world numbers are always preferred over the liability numbers
Now do a price comparison...Come on man !!
Yes your on spot, but. , that pdb won't sink
You’re right about that! 👍👍
I didn’t realize that those plastic boats were so flimsy.
I said the same thing when I first got it lol.
You have a big crack on the aluminum boat man.
Slap Test Results
Aluminum: Throop
Plastic: Thrump
Do not buy the plastic boat. I have one just like the one in the video and would gladly give it away. Not only does the open area fill up with water, but the area between the inner and outer shells of the hull also gets water in it and is extremely difficult to drain. the drain opening for the area between the shells is to high above the outer shell and thus the water stays in the bottom shell until you can stand it on end and allow it to slowly work its way out. I' d definitely consider an aluminum boat again over a plastic, at least this one!
wide boats better
Aluminum is better. Throw that plastic boat out in a yard in Florida for 10 years next to an aluminum boat and then pick between them.
He, he, he... The correct answer is, of course, wood. Plywood sheets are good, but absolutely not OSB, nor pressure treated either. Modern paints make fiberglass unnecessary.
Not plastic
It's not the boat that catches fish, it's the fisherman's brain.
Isn't there enough PLASTIC in the water already???? 100 lbs of junk Try to get rid of one good luck