Plans for aluminum layout boat?

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by camobob, Oct 18, 2010.

  1. camobob
    Joined: Feb 2006
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    camobob New Member

    I'm thinking about building an aluminum layout boat - have seen plans for wood/glass but nothing in AL. I like the light weight and durability but I'm hesitant to work off wood boat plans (http://www.marsh-monster.com/boatbuilding.htm)
    Anybody have any plans or suggestion?
     
  2. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Landlubber Senior Member

    ...personally, never heard of a layout boat before, but understand now that I have looked at the web site.

    ...there is absolutely no reason not to build in alloy, it is a simple boat construction and light weight, alloy would be a good material, but it will be cold in the winter of course.
     
  3. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Alloy will be noisier, with even ripples causing audible sounds, which might not suit your application.
     
  4. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    We call these types of boats duck boats. I'd agree the idea of a duck boat or blind is to remain relatively out of sight, out of mind for whatever you are hunting. Aluminum wouldn't lend itself well to this task, even though it would be a good material for construction.
     
  5. cthippo
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    cthippo Senior Member

    Why Aluminum?

    That design looks like it would be prefect for glass, though I would consider putting some foam around the perimeter for buoyancy in case you get swamped, which with an open cockpit and a freeboard measured in inches seems likely. I would also consider a spray skirt for actually using it.
     
  6. camobob
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    camobob New Member

    Why AL?
    For one, that's what I know - I've toyed with glass ever so briefly and it isn't my talent.
    Also, AL is light, strong, repairable and readily available. Cold and noise are trade off's to ease of construction and weight. I'm hearing that this is not a smart project, better to figure it out now than later.
     

  7. cthippo
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    cthippo Senior Member

    Not saying it's a bad idea, just making sure you understand the trade-offs. If you're comfortable working in aluminum then that's a strong argument for using it.

    If the noise and cold aren't issues, then it should work. I know a lot of duck boats are made in aluminum, though to a more conventional shape.
     
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