Mark Sastre wrote:
I'm at a standstill. I have the option of buying a 51' fiberglass
boat OR a 37' aluminum boat.

That's a HUGE difference in size. Also (presumably)a large difference in
cost of upkeep.

There is no reason to buy the larger boat if the smaller one will do the
job... OK there is one reason: showing off


... This is for going offshore in the Gulf,
diving and fishing. Should I go for the bigger boat in Fiberglass or
sacrifice size for Aluminum? Also.....I found a 37' Bluewater boat.
Owner claims it has a 36" draft. You think that's enough for offshore
on such a big boat? Thanks.

Define "enough." My personal opinion (which some would regard as heresy)
is that there is no correlation between draft & seaworthiness.

However shoal draft would come in really handy around the Gulf coast.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King