For serious anglers, few decisions are as important as choosing the right fishing boat. Your boat serves as your home base on the water, and having the right model can make all the difference on a long day out fishing.
Two of the most well-known and respected names in fishing boats are Lund and Alumacraft. These Minnesota-based companies have been crafting durable aluminum boats since the 1940s, earning generations of loyal fans.
But how exactly do Lund and Alumacraft boats compare? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze the key differences between these two industry leaders to help you determine which might be the better choice for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Lund | Alumacraft |
| Best For | Bass boats, walleye fishing | Multi-species fishing, budget buyers |
| Hull Construction | Primarily welded | More riveted construction |
| Boat Types | Specialized bass and walleye models | Wide range from jons to bass boats |
| Cost | 20-30% higher prices | Very cost competitive, lower prices |
| Resale Value | Excellent, boats hold value | Depreciates more over time |
| Performance | Responsive, stable handling | Dependable performance |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on hull | 5 years on hull, 3 years components |
| Customer Service | Knowledgeable staff, loyal owners | Responsive support, some delays currently |
A Brief History of Lund and Alumacraft
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the origins of these two classic boat brands.
- The Lund Story
Lund boats was founded in 1948 by Howard Lund in New York Mills, Minnesota. The Lund brothers were avid anglers and realized that aluminum boats would be lighter, faster, and more durable than the wood boats popular at the time.
Their first boats were simple yet rugged 12-14 foot models powered by outboard motors. Lund pioneered welded aluminum construction and their boats soon gained a reputation for strength and reliability.
Through the 1950s-70s, Lund focused on the fishing market, turning out well-designed models like the Alaskan, Pro-V, and Mr. Pike. Today Lund remains family-owned and continues to be a leader in aluminum fishing boats.
- Alumacraft History
Alumacraft was founded in 1874 as the Northland Boat Company in St. Peter, Minnesota. In 1960, Dick and Bob Tennant purchased Northland and renamed it Alumacraft. Like Lund, Alumacraft embraced welded aluminum construction early on.
Their boats mirrored Lund’s fishing focus, with models like the Delta and Navigator becoming very popular among anglers. Alumacraft is now owned by the Brunswick Boat Group, but maintains its own factory in St. Peter. They are still considered one of the top aluminum fishing boat brands.
So both companies emerged from Minnesota right around the mid 20th century and played key roles in making welded aluminum boats the norm for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. But how do their current boat models actually compare? Let’s dig in…
Also Read: Differences Between Thule Hullavator And Hullavator Pro Canoe Carriers.
Key Differences Between Lund Alumacraft Fishing Boat
While Lund and Alumacraft have similar origins, their modern fishing boats differ in some important ways. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing between these two brands:
Types of Fishing Boats
Both companies offer a range of fishing boat types, but there are some differences in their focus:
- Bass boats– Lund is renowned for their advanced bass boats like the Tyee, PT Pro, and Impact series. Alumacraft also has capable bass models, but is better known for multi-species designs.
- Walleye boats– For walleye fishing, Lund’s Pro-V line dominates. Alumacraft’s walleye-oriented designs include the Troy McClure line.
- Multi-species boats– Alumacraft has an edge in multi-species designs like the Escape and Trophy series optimized for general fishing. Lund’s Crossover XS and 1875 models compete here as well.
- Panfish and small boats– Both companies offer jon boats, canoes, and smaller boats for river fishing and ponds. Lund’s Spirit and Alumacraft’s Competitor are examples.
So Lund leans more specialized for bass fishermen while Alumacraft has great all-around designs. But you can find solid fishing boats for most species from either brand.
Durability and Construction
As far as toughness goes, Lund and Alumacraft boats are both excellent. Here are some construction notes:
- Hull thickness– Their hulls range from 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick 5052 aluminum. Alumacraft uses thicker .190″ aluminum on larger models.
- Riveted vs welded– Lund uses more welded seam construction. Alumacraft relies more heavily on rivets.
- Transoms– A few years of Lund boats had transom issues. They’ve fixed the problems in current models.
- Foam flotation– Both brands use closed-cell foam flotation for safety and stability.
Customization and Features
While their construction techniques differ, both Alumacraft and Lund boats can be highly customized with fishing features:
- Livewells– Everything from pro-grade livewells to small bait buckets are available. Lund’s big Tyee hulls can hold massive livewells.
- Rod storage– You’ll find rod storage racks and boxes on models from both brands. Alumacraft has rod storage on the gunwales of some designs.
- Trolling systems– Integrated trolling motor mounts with wiring channels simplify installation. Some higher-end Lunds have “Troll-Master” tunnels.
- Electronic packages– You can often upgrade to higher-end fish finders, GPS units, and gauges from vendors like Humminbird and Mercury.
- Seating– Alumacraft has some unique seating options like removable “flip-seats”. Both offer fold-down casting platforms.
- Storage– Rod boxes, lockable storage, and other compartments help keep gear secure and organized.
So when it comes to decking out your boat for fishing, you’ll have tons of choices with either brand.
Performance and Handling
Performance and handling are where you really notice the differences between individual boat models, rather than the brands themselves. However, here are some general notes on how Lund and Alumacraft boats perform on the water:
- Planing– Their hull designs allow quick planing onto a step and smooth acceleration. Shallow V hulls provide a dryer ride than flat-bottoms.
- Speed– Top speeds in the 40-60 MPH range are common with 150+ HP outboards. Lighter models can hit 70 MPH with enough power.
- Stability– These boats feel stable and solid overall. Wider deep-V bass boats like the Pro-V provide a smooth, stable platform for casting.
- Shallow operation– The smaller jon boats can operate in very shallow water. But most models need 2+ feet when running. Tunnel hulls add shallow water versatility.
- Rough water– While not ideal for large lakes, bigger Lunds and Alumacrafts can handle moderate chop. Bow designs mitigate slamming in rough conditions.
So performance depends more on the exact model. But in general, you can expect responsive handling and good stability from both brands.
Also Read: Comparison of Bass Tracker Classic XL And Pro 170 Fishing Boats.
Pricing and Value Comparison
When looking at Lund vs Alumacraft, pricing and value are where some definite differences emerge:
Base Pricing
Looking at base models without engines, Lund boats are generally 20-30% more expensive than comparable Alumacraft models. For example:
- Alumacraft Competitor 165 (16 foot jon): $8,995
- Lund Rebel XL (16 foot jon): $10,750
- Alumacraft Escape 165 (16.5′ multi-species): $18,562
- Lund 1875 Crossover XS (17 foot multi-species): $23,800
- Alumacraft Voyager 175 (17 foot bass): $23,512
- Lund Impact XS (17 foot bass): $29,600
Of course, pricing can vary widely depending on accessories, motors, and extras. But the base Alumacraft hulls clearly have an advantage on pricing.
Resale Value
For many owners, resale value is a big part of the equation. Lund boats are renowned for retaining their resale value very well over the years. Some almost appreciate in value if well maintained.
Alumacraft models depreciate more like most boats, losing 50% or more of their value over 5-10 years. So Lund boats have a clear resale value advantage.
Warranties
Both Lund and Alumacraft offer strong warranties:
- Alumacraft: 5 year limited warranty on hull. 3 years on other components.
- Lund: Limited lifetime hull warranty. 3 years on components.
So in terms of factory warranties, Lund again has a small edge for long term ownership.
Customer Service and Reviews
Owners of both boat brands report positive experiences overall with customer service:
- Staff knowledge– Longtime employees know the boats inside and out. Dealers are knowledgeable as well.
- Responsiveness– Any issues are typically addressed promptly once reported.
- Reliability-repeat buyers cite solid reliability and low maintenance as reasons to stick with their brand.
- Community– Online forums for both Alumacraft and Lund feature helpful discussions and advice among owners.
While both have their detractors, most reviews indicate good customer service and support from these companies. Potential Lund buyers do cite delivery delays, as production lead times run 6-9 months currently.
So Which Is Better – Lund Or Alumacraft?
With their long histories and reputations for durability, you can’t go wrong with either brand. But here are a few key factors to consider when choosing between Lund vs Alumacraft:
- Fishing style– Think about your fishing needs. Lund excels at serious bass boats, while Alumacraft is better for multi-species utility.
- Budget– Alumacraft offers similar designs at significantly lower prices. But Lund commands higher resale values.
- Customization– You can extensively outfit and upgrade boats from either company.
- Performance– Expect responsive handling and a good ride from both, depending on the model.
- Service– Each has knowledgeable staff and responsive customer support.
For anglers chasing trophies in tournaments, Lund’s specialized bass boats may be worth the premium price.
Multi-species fishermen on a budget will appreciate Alumacraft’s lower cost and versatility. Either brand is a solid choice that will provide years of great fishing adventures.
Also Read: Comparison of Tracker Pro Team 175 TF And TXW Fishing Boats.
Lund Or Alumacraft Fishing Boats – FAQ
Still trying to decide between Lund and Alumacraft? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions anglers have about these two top fishing boat brands:
What boat is comparable to a Lund?
For their bass boats, the closest comparison to Lund is probably Ranger. But for more general fishing designs, Alumacraft makes very comparable boats to Lund at lower prices. The Alumacraft Escape and Trophy series are most similar to Lund’s Crossover and Pro-V models.
Are Alumacraft boats any good?
Yes, Alumacraft makes excellent fishing boats that are known for their durability and performance. They construct their boats from the same thick aluminum as Lund and have been perfecting their designs since 1946. Most owners feel they provide great value for the money.
What makes Lund boats so expensive?
A few factors contribute to Lund’s higher prices: their reputation, specialized bass boat designs, higher-end standard features, and extensive quality control during construction. The use of hand-welded seams versus rivets is part of the cost. But mostly it comes down to their premium brand reputation in the market.
What years did Lund have transom issues?
Some Lund boat models produced between 1998-2002 occasionally developed cracks around the transom over time. This was traced to a design change in the transom joint. Lund identified the issue and corrected it in models after 2002, and will repair affected transoms for a small fee. It was not a structural defect and only appeared on certain models after years of use.
Final Thoughts
We hope this detailed comparison breakdown helps explain the key similarities and differences between classic boat brands Lund and Alumacraft. Both companies make durable, well-designed fishing machines appreciated by generations of anglers.
Keep your fishing needs and budget in mind, and you’re sure to be happy whichever brand you end up choosing for your next aluminum fishing boat.
