When the Avalanche settled down at our test-site dock, it waste subject of much intrigue. A host of people tapped the hull and peered into the hatches, trying to find any sign of fiberglass. Look at the pictures. You can see why we found it hard to believe that the only glass on the entire boat is in the helm station. Everything else is brawny .125-gauge aluminum, all of it stretch-formed and welded. So, you get the dashing appearance of fiberglass bass boat and the durability and light weight of an aluminum hull.Tracker has gone to great lengths to make the Avalanche standout among aluminum or fiberglass boats. Take the five-step painting process. Each Avalanche gets an acid bath to eliminate impurities. Then it’s etched and given a vinyl undercoat before the paint is baked on -- the same process car companies use. A clear-coat isadded to that.The interior is different, too, with high gunwales in the cockpit. The depth provides a secure ride at 60 mph, but it doesn't impose on casting. That’s because the 96-inchbeam (as opposed to the typical 89-inch beam) allows monstrous bow and stern casting platforms -- among the biggest in the 18-footclass. It also allows for a divided livewell aft. The livewell recirculates with a switch on the dash, and the water is automatically replaced every three to four minutes. Mostly garage kept always covered. 55 hours on 135 OPTIMAX. Great gas mileage. 24 volt Motor guide trolling motor. 3 brand new Interstate batteries. Motor just serviced at Bradford marine. New Lowrance Hook5 on front and a Hummingbird DI at helm. Lots of extras and upgrades.