Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Anyone on here had experience with both aluminum and wood decks and what are the advantage and disadvantages?

Hit the link to PDB and ask the question if you don't get an answer here, I know Seadog has one for sure
http://www.pontoon.net/fusetalk/forum/i ... ?forumid=3

From what I have read, aluminum decks will last much longer but some have reported pops from expansion in the sun... I have never had this happen in my boat... Wood decks are definately going to have a lifespan where they will begin to deteriorate and will need to be replaced... I would imagine they might be a bit quieter of a boat too?? Maybe?

Mike do you know what your complete rig weighs? Also including trailer?

No, but I plan on finding out soon so I will post it up when I do...

I have an aluminum deck on mine. I enjoy the thought of NEVER to have to replace it. I have never heard poping noises from it.

I have heard that aluminum is hotter but then again the argument is that aluminum transfers the heat to the toons and then the water better then wood but I personally never stepped out on mine in the middle of the day and thought "HOT!"

One thing I did ask and I think it was an honest answer from the dealer,(imagine that, saying a dealer was honest!!!) was

"are wood decks more quiet?"

He said "what does quiet mean on a boat that will have the radio playing and the waves splashing and kids screaming???"

I have rode on both and I actually cant tell much of a difference except that when a wave hits the bottom instead of a "splunk!" I hear a "splink" or the sound of water hitting metal but it doesnt bother me. If one had a wood deck underskined then it would probably sound metalic anyhow.

I dont know this for sure, but I think aluminum decking MIGHT offer less flexing and more rigidity, but dont quote that, it might just be me overthinking it again

I found a website review of my exact same boat with a 135 outboard that said it weighted 1900lbs without the trailer!

I dont think I would want a boat that had wood decking, aluminum is going to last a long, long time!!