Finding the right boat: fiberglass, wood or metal?
Let’s start with the caveat that there is no perfect material from which to build a boat: fiberglass blisters, wood rots and metals corrode. All things considered, fiberglass is probably the best all-around hull material for most pleasure boats: it’s strong, economical, and doesn’t react with water. Fiberglass boats can suffer from osmotic blistering, but it’s extremely rare for blisters to affect the structural integrity of the vessel, whereas extensive rot or corrosion materially affects the seaworthiness of the wood or metal vessel, potentially rendering it unsafe. However, wood and aluminum have their advantages as well, and a well-found boat made of almost any material should represent a sound investment. It’s just very important to have a knowledgeable surveyor carefully check out the boat prior to accepting.
