material?

what is the best material used when looking for strength, durability and preferably on the cheaper side? is plywood with fiberglass over it practical?

 

Tell us what size boat, the intended use, who will build the boat, who will design the boat, kind of waterway in which it is to be used, cost restraints, intended propulsion method, and more. Then you will get good council about material choices.

 

There is no overall best material.

 

well really i don't know anymore. so here's a question to all of you. whats the best design for heavy weight, slow cruising on the ocean, i and a friend will be building the boat, room for 6, most likely powered by an inboard engine and I'm hoping to have more that one fuel source for propulsion, and id like it to be a dual haul because i have plans for something to be in between them that's detachable. fairly decent size too for long oceanic voyages but no bigger than needed for cost and time reasons. so something close to 40 feet to 50 feet. I'm not looking to go fast. any thoughts if possible or not please let me know

 

There isn't. It depends on what you want and what you can afford. Also, it depends on your skills. A welder may prefer metal, while a carpenter wood.

 

funny thing is i can do both. im a welder and im a carpenter. but im sure the metal would be outrageously expensive. i used to build houses with my dad till i was 17 and then moved to Missouri where i started my own here and there business. and while i was in high school i took welding two classes and then i welded while i was getting my auto body degree.

 

First you must have a design..then you determine the most effective material for that design.

straight to weight ratio, cost and workability are the considerations.

 

thanks thats very helpful. im just waiting on a few things with my laptop to begin my cad programing so i can start my design. i guess im shooting in the dark till then.

 

If you are contemplating a 40 to 50 footer, you are shooting yourself in the foot, at least in the foot and maybe in the head, if you intend to do your own design work.

Layout a well reasoned statement of requirements (SOR) and submit it to a professional designer. This is not to question your intelligence or ability with a cad program or math skills.

A boat the size that you suggest is not a design project for the inexperienced amateur. It is almost a sure thing that you will save money in the long run by paying a pro to do your design work. That is a real world, well and frequently proven fact, that is difficult for amateurs to wrap their heads around. Trust this advice. I have nothing to sell and I am not an NA. I am an experienced boatman who has been around for a long time. Nuff said.

 

i sent messaboat a message well i think i did im new here well here is my idea a 25 ft long aluminum boat 5 ft wide bottom 6 wide top 2 ft high it will be for the river not looking for speed 50 hp tops well i have a few questions 1 what is the best gauge to use 2 framing? tube or the angle stripes 3 where to buy this size aluminum i live in raleigh nc 4 i was thinking mig welding with spool gun if smarter and more exp ppl then me agree what style or size mig do i need