Apples to Oranges
Aluminum is nothing like fiberglass. Fiberglass is a multi-layered material that’ s easily drilled, holds hardware well and prevents vibration. Aluminum is the opposite. once holes have been drilled into aluminum and hardware installed, the holes can easily become“ bored out,” resulting in loose, rattling hardware and insecure mounts. to safeguard against problems, everything mounted to an aluminum boat should be secured with stainless bolts and matching locknuts and washers. some manufacturers now offer reinforced decking beneath trolling motor mounts for more secure fastening, but you should still include multiple large fender washers and nylon locknuts when mounting equipment. be sure not to tighten bolts too quickly with screw guns, as the nylon in the locknuts can melt and bind.
hardware
Mounting Electronics
In addition to the challenges presented by rigging methods, choosing feasible rigging locations for some equipment can also be tricky. Many aluminum boats feature much smaller consoles than today’ s big glass rigs, so flush-mounting large depth finders isn’ t an option, and operators must rely on aftermarket mounts such as those from rAM. on my ranger rt178, I added a rubber-coated metal strap( the kind often used for securing hoses and pipes) around my rAM mount’ s vertical post and secured it to the gunwale console strap
to snug up my console unit. the strap keeps the mount from shifting and potentially wearing out the mounting holes in the aluminum, and the rubber provides a little cushion and shock absorption.
Transom Challenges
Another major difference between aluminum and glass is immediately evident when comparing transoms.
Hardware must be situated between the knee braces on the transom.
Aluminum boats require manufacturers to install large knee braces stretching from transom to hull. the braces clutter the rear of the boat and make it difficult to mount some accessory equipment. specifically, such braces present mounting challenges for two popular bass boat accessories: on-board chargers and shallow-water anchors.
This charger is mounted to a metal plate stretched across the knee braces.
traditionally, chargers are mounted behind the batteries in a rear mechanical compartment. In some cases, aluminum boat manufacturers add a flat plate across transom braces to allow for this, as in the case of my rt178. however, as anglers try to include as many batteries as possible in limited space, sometimes the charger must be moved. Cox, affectionately known as“ tin Man” on tour for his six-figure wins out of aluminum rigs, accomplishes this by placing his Minn Kota MK460 charger in an overhead tray in the rear compartment of his Crestliner pt 20. numerous considerations must be made prior to mounting shallowwater anchors on aluminum boats. some aluminum manufacturers don’ t allow the option on their rigs, and void warranties if consumers add the equipment themselves, so be sure to start with a clear discussion on the subject with your boat dealer.
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