Having custom Oil Pans made. Last set was made of Stainless, Outrageously exspensive.

Considering Aluminum but was told they crack easy. Never had one. Also have used Canton and Dooley steel pans in freshwater boats.

Your experiences/opinions?

how about titanium?

Stainless or steel. If capacity is going to be over 8 qts go with a fairly heavy gauge steel.

Do not use aluminum pan it will crack!

Chrome plated steel is decent. I have seen some Moroso make and they look like a good bill of goods.

what to coat with besides chrome? Powdercoat?

If not painting, even if it is painted, the steel should be coated/plated to prevent corrosion. A plating process would be better because the chemicals will penetrate into surface cracks, seams, etc and seal the surface. Painting or powder coating can miss and cover these areas allowing corrosion to form beneth.
I used know which Mil. Spec. process would be correct for use on steel. Any plating shop can tell you.
CAD plating comes to mind. That's the yellow/gold color on bolts, oil pans, etc.

If you can find it, unobtainium.

Look on the Stef's Performance site. Quality oil pans.

I've used numerous 10 quart steel Canton pans that are plated with a gold color material. I've left them naked and they would tarnish and oxidize some. I've painted over my latest and after three seasons and they still look good.