8ft boat: aluminium or steel?

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by prime, Jun 13, 2009.

  1. prime
    Joined: Jun 2009
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: australia

    prime New Member

    I am wondering what the costs of material would be to build a small 8ft boat if I were to use steel or aluminium, and which would be the best material for a boat this size.
     
    prime, Jun 13, 2009
    #1
  2. mydauphin
    Joined: Apr 2007
    Posts: 2,161
    Likes: 53, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 575
    Location: Florida

    mydauphin Senior Member

    Aluminium definitely.
    Advantages of AL .. Weight, Corrosion resistance, maintenance
    Did I say weight, on a small boat that requires a small motor, weight is almost the most important thing.
     
    mydauphin, Jun 13, 2009
    #2
  3. kerosene
    Joined: Jul 2006
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    Location: finland

    kerosene Senior Member

    8ft boat - why does it have to be metal?

    What kind of boat?
     
    kerosene, Jun 14, 2009
    #3
  4. Rangerspeedboat
    Joined: Apr 2009
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    Location: Texas

    Rangerspeedboat Senior Member

    Fibreglass :)

    If you really want metal, go with aluminum.
    Forget that, go with steel, it will teach you to never build a small boat from steel again.
     
    Rangerspeedboat, Jun 14, 2009
    #4

  6. mydauphin
    Joined: Apr 2007
    Posts: 2,161
    Likes: 53, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 575
    Location: Florida

    mydauphin Senior Member

    Frankly, don't build a boat unless you really want to. It is far cheaper to buy a used boat, then spend a little money making it better. And I have build a few...
     
    mydauphin, Jun 14, 2009
    #5
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