Aluminum
Posted by: mr_canoehead
on Oct-22-12 4:11 PM (EST)
I wouldn't buy a new one any more, as they aren't great at anything.
I would jump on a 17' Grumman for $400 or so, though. They last forever, can be fixed, can be treated very roughly, and are the lowest-maintenance boats on the market. They tend to be stable and predictable.
I agree with GBG in that used poly just isn't worth it unless it is very cheap and you really really need to hit a bunch of rocks.
Used Royalex and Kevlar usually is a good deal, but starting with aluminum and then finding what you like makes sense (and a Minnesota2 is a very different boat than an Esquif Canyon)