re: Help with a decision!

I have a 1982 model Lowe Roughneck 2060 riveted jon boat. Modified vee jon, or what passed for a modified vee in 1982. I have used in a BUNCH in saltwater. It will beat the hell out of you and is very wet....it will do the same thing in fresh water. Due to the salt in saltwater boats float a little higher...they are "lighter" in saltwater than they are in fresh water due to the density of the water. The difference, at least in mine, is noticeable on plane....a good gust will move the hull on saltwater more than it would on freshwater, especially when the boat is at speed. It also pounds more. A simliar style welded boat would be better but neither would compare to the added weight of a fiberglass hull similarly designed....lots of fiberglass skiffs built similarly to a jon boat and everyone of them rides better than an aluminum boat will.