Aluminum Fishing Boats: Tips and Ideal Configurations

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Fishing in Quebec. Lakes, rivers, bays. An aluminum boat, and the experience takes shape. Solid. Lightweight. Easy to launch. You prepare, you load, you go. The rest? Organization, a well-chosen engine, practical accessories.

Why Choose Aluminum

Aluminum takes a beating. Rocks, shorelines, improvised launches. Marks disappear quickly. No cracks like fiberglass. No rot like wood.

Its weight also plays a role. Two people can lift it, pull it onto the beach, put it back on the trailer. Simple.

Maintenance is minimal. A rinse. A check. And you’re off again.

Finally, the cost. Cheaper than a specialized boat. Yet, with the right adjustments, you get the same efficiency. Over ten years, your aluminum boat remains reliable, cost-effective, and solid.

Storage: Close at Hand, Clear | Aluminum Boats

In a boat, every item counts. Misplaced, it gets in the way. Well-thought-out, it simplifies.

Travel light

Too many boxes weigh you down. Too many lures confuse. You choose the essentials.

• Walleye: a few jigs, two colors.
• Bass: soft plastics, one topwater.
• Pike: spoons, spinnerbait.
• Trout: small spoons, light minnow.

Fewer choices, more focus.

Practical containers

• 5-gallon bucket: rope, gloves, bait. Also serves as a seat.
• Dry bags: categorized by theme. Safety, food, clothing.
• Storage nets: under benches, on the sides. Pliers, lights, thin boxes.
• Modular boxes: stacked, labeled.

Fishing rod

Never on the floor. Risk of breakage. Risk of tangling.

• Clamp-on, removable rod holders.
• PVC rails on the gunwale.
• Bungee cords for transport.

Distribute the weight

Heavy items in the center. Battery on the floor. Cooler between the benches. Nothing concentrated at the stern. The boat remains stable, level.

Livewell: Keeping Fish Alive | Aluminum Boats

A livewell is simple. Fresh water, oxygen, circulation. Fish stay vigorous.

Converted cooler

Sturdy cooler. 12 V pump. Hose, thru-hull fitting, overflow. You fill it in cycles of a few minutes. You oxygenate. You rinse after use. Efficient, economical.

Portable livewell

Ready-made model in store. Aerated bucket or equipped cooler. More expensive, but quick. You set it up, plug it in, you fish.

Tips

Choose the right volume. Too small, stressed fish. Too large, unnecessary clutter. Adapt to your boat’s size.

Motorization: Adapted and Reliable | Aluminum Boats

The engine must match. Not too weak. Not too heavy.

Recommended capacities

• 12-foot boat: 6 HP.
• 14-foot boat: 9.9 HP.
• 16-foot boat: 15 HP.

Short shaft

La plupart des modèles Commère utilisent le pied court (15 pouces). Hélice bien immergée. Pas trop haut, pas trop bas.

Advantage of 9.9 HP

Powerful enough. No mandatory registration. Economical. Ideal for a 14-foot boat.

Perfect duo

• 4-stroke outboard: reliable, quiet, fuel-efficient.
• Electric: precise, discreet, useful for trolling.

Stability: Hull Shape and Width | Aluminum Boats

A stable boat inspires confidence.

Flat bottom

Solid platform when stationary. Ideal for calm rivers. But uncomfortable in waves.

V-hull

It cuts through chop. Safe on large bodies of water. But rolls when stationary.

Modified V

Compromise. Flat stern, V-bow. Stability and comfort. Versatility guaranteed.

Width

Wider, more stable. Commère offers a 36-inch bottom. Enough for two standing fishermen.

Good practices

Don’t stand up together. Don’t all lean to the same side. Use a long landing net.

Accessories: the Essentials | Aluminum Boats

Simple tools. Comfort, safety, efficiency.

• Swivel seats: long-lasting comfort.
• Rod holders: storage and trolling.
• Fishfinder/GPS: locate structures and depths.
• Bow-mount electric motor: precision, silence.
• Appropriate anchor: stay in place.
• Mandatory safety gear: vests, floating rope, bailer, light, whistle.
• Cooler or livewell: depending on use.
• Long landing net: secure your catch.
• Tools: pliers, line cutter, sharpener, ruler.

Conclusion | Aluminum Boats

An aluminum boat. Well-organized. Well-motorized. Well-equipped. That’s the key. No need for a big boat. A solid, practical, secure base is enough. Add your livewell, organize your gear, attach your electric motor. And you’ll fish like a pro. Quebec offers you the lakes, the rivers. It’s up to you to experience them.

FAQ | Aluminum Boats

1. Can a livewell be installed on a 12-foot boat?
Yes, with a modified cooler and a 12 V pump.

2. What engine is suitable for a 14-foot boat?
A 9.9 HP short shaft.

3. Is it safe to fish standing up?
Yes, if the boat is wide and stable.

4. Is an electric motor essential?
No, but it greatly improves precision.

5. What accessories are essential?
Swivel seats, rod holders, fishfinder, anchor, landing net.

Thank you for taking the time to read 🙌
For any questions: commere@admetalartisanal.com
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– The Commère Boat Team