Brian, My Tiara is 31 years old, and is as solid as the day it was manufactured. Not all boats are prone to rot, and stringer damage. Stay away from the Bayliner, and other manufactures that make boats for a price. If you are solely going to fish the great lakes, go with a glass boat. If you want a multi purpose boat, go with aluminum. Starcraft, and Chrestliner make some very nice Aluminum boats, that are multi purpose.