The perfect Passagemaker? II (building material)

interesting

 

proven

 

I voted for Aluminium, but really wanted to vote for a al/steel composite, with the hull being steel, and the bridge in aluminium. To me this gives the best of both worlds, while retaining the lightest weight possible (aloft in particular). I might also consider steel/fiberglass asuming only above water components were glass, and it could be shown to be lighter than the Al.

 

I voted and will always vote for Aluminum. Only exception is for Artic explorers. Aluminum only bad side is cost of both materials and labor. Anti-Corrosion is also a challenge but once accomplish you can expect it to outlast steel. Aluminum if sized properly is just as strong as steel and will be more flexible in a hit hence more survivable. Aluminum lets you but weight were you need it to be.

 

My amateurs/novice vote was for aluminium. Light, strong, long lasting and no rust. My dream boat is made of Aluminium.

 

Interesting result by so far, and not what I expected.
But that was the reason for opening the thread, to find out what the boating world really wants.

Thanks Stumble to point towards the steel/alu question!

Of course whenyou vote for steel, you most probably assume there is a Alu superstructure executed. State of the art since over 50 years now.
And as I mentioned above (Triclad) a well proven concept.
GRP structures on steel hulls are by far less reliable to build.

Please bear in mind,

We are talking seagoing long range motoryachts! So named Passagemakers.
And your choice should be according to that application only.

Regards
Richard

 

In spite of my nostalgic vote for the wooden arts, it looks like steel wins, for very good reasons.

 

I dont understand the need for expensive tri0clad. Just bolt the Aluminium structure to the hull deck and beams. Isolate the aluminum with stainless nuts, bolts and washers and keep them painted.

 

for me will be steel all around, deck included.
for safety reason, and the maintenance is low providing work are done in time and before the problem get out of hand. like corrosion. always walk the deck with a can of paint and a brush.

 

Well, that method is twice the cost and 500 times the maintenance.
And from a metallurgical point of view it is a burning fuse. SS and Al don´t like each other too much, and both fail suddenly when you mount them in a oxygen free environment.

No no, Triclad is the way, and the entire megayacht industry uses it exclusively.

Richard

 

Fully concur.
Those are just some of the benefits of choosing ally...there are more.

 

yEAH, GUESS YOUR RIGHT. fAILURE ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN YOU MIX MATERIALS

 

An aluminum boat being lighter will perform better, and you can sleep better at night knowing it is tougher than fiberglass. It will corrode less than steel if proper precautions taken. But a fine boat can be built in any material

 

Well, lets hear about them, please.

 

Lower center of gravity. Individual components lights so easier to assemble. More fire resistant than fiberglass. Built in faraday cage for reduction of lightening problems and em radiation.