An aluminum boat is rugged and versatile, ideal for anglers who navigate through the shallow, stump-strewn waters and float from remote or primitive landing. Small boats can be transported in a pick-up truck or on the roof rack of an automobile, while the larger ones are suited for big waters, equipped with various angling traits.
These boats are available in various sizes and styles, suiting almost any angle. Due to their rugged build, they are better for near-shore activities in shallow waters and reservoirs, where their impact with stumps and rocks can ruin a fiberglass boat. But in the case of aluminum boats, it merely leaves a dent or scratch, making them a great pick for amateur boaters as they don’t need to worry about the damage and focus more on riding it.
As aluminum is such a robust material, the boats constructed using it are maintenance-free and longer living. A majority of the government agencies deploy aluminum-hulled boats to cope with rocky coastal beaches and shallow inland waters. They are the best choice both as a workhorse and a pleasure boat.
Let’s learn about the advantages of building an aluminum boat in detail!
Types of Aluminum Boat Construction:
There are two types of aluminum boat construction: Riveted boats and Welded boats.
The building or using either type of aluminum boat carries distinct advantages. Still, a welded build is a better option because compared to riveted type, it is stiffer and naturally immune to leaks that are inherent with riveted seams. That’s the reason why adventure marine hulls are fully welded above and below the waterline.
Moreover, hull designs have more independence and latitude, altered to suit varying customer requirements, should something nonstandard be demanded. It is also easier to fix an industrial gate valve in these designs.
Robustness of Aluminum Hauls:
Aluminum is a sturdy material, much stiffer and reliable than fiberglass. It provides rigidity using less material, while fiberglass tends to bend caused by impacts. If you build an aluminum boat, it will be tough and malleable, allowing it to take a lot of beating without an impact caused on the plastic floating docks that can be fixed by welding.
Its high rigidity is a low modulus of elasticity that allows it to be disfigured without rupture. It has less weight, causing a cascading effect on the fuel economy. It utilizes less power to move the hull.
Performance of Aluminum Boats:
A bigger and higher horsepower engine is required to construct and run a fiberglass hulled boat. It helps get the extra weight up to the same speed as the aluminum version that is detrimental to your performance and wallet. Aluminum boats are cheaper, easier to operate, provide economy in fuel required, and manage in the long run.
Aluminum boats are 30-40% lighter than fiberglass boats of small size, enhancing their performance and economical construction. These boats require a smaller and lighter engine, are faster, and carry more weight.
By carrying out occasional maintenance of aluminum hulls, you can keep it running healthily for a long time. The maintenance work on aluminum boats requires a 7.4kw EV charger for your EV, should you be out of any item, and simple rinsing and scrubbing. At the same time, fiberglass needs waxing and polishing of the gel coat, requiring more money and a specialist.
Maintenance of Aluminum Boats:
It is a well-known fact that aluminum is resistant to corrosion, which allows a boat owner to navigate from saltwater to freshwater without thinking twice. Moreover, immunity to UV rays stretches the boat’s lifespan to 30 more years, bonding well for a higher trade-in value and less maintenance during its lifetime.
On the other hand, fiberglass hulls get brittle with time, and they are not immune to ultraviolet radiation, damaging their gel coating. They can be beached without any issue and easily relaunched when discussing aluminum boats. It is simpler and quicker to reseal and patch them up in any damage. Also, these boats are easier to clean up and show.
Final Words
As metal has high tensile strength and is easy to maintain, aluminum boats have a long life. We hope this article helps you in learning about these crafts. Although this metal is extracted from the earth, it is recyclable, and its manufacturing is environmentally and cost friendly compared to fiberglass. Boats made using aluminum are recyclable and use less fuel due to small engines, reducing their carbon footprint.
So, if you’re someone who loves the environment as much as a boat and strives to keep the waterways clean with minimal impact, building an aluminum boat is an ideal option for you.
