Aluminium boats.

[Allan]

I have always thought of aluminium as a very good material for boats but have heard that there can be various problems. What are the worst of these and how easy are they to spot? Do they require any different type of treatment, anodes ect?
Allan

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I used to have one. There are problems as far as builders are concerned, which is why there are very few about...

They are expensive to mass produce. It requires skilled labour, and lots of it.

It's difficult to make compound curves or complex shapes, which plastic boats all have and buyers probably expect.

It's difficult to get a good surface finish to stay attached.


Problems for the owner may be...

Antifoul paint choice is limited, and those that are suitable are often not very effective.

Surface finish may not stay attached. This doesn't cause structural problems, just cosmetic.

There are very few about, so may be difficult to find one to buy or sell again.

Bare metal inside will attract condensation in winter

There are a few dos and don'ts to avoid corrosion - nothing too onerous, but must be done right...

Use the right antifoul
Avoid copper in the bilges - offcuts from wiring and coins
No mercury on board
Electrical installation must be done right to avoid electrolysis
Galvanic isolator required, and don't use the hull as earth
More anodes than non-metal boats which must be maintained


Advantages are a good strength to weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and tough as old boots.

 

[steve_l]

Depends on what you want to use it for. Many work boats and fishing boats over here are aluminium because they are really tough. But as already stated, cosmetic finishes don't stay put for very long so are mostly restricted to stick-on logos and stripes etc.
Also, welds tend to left "au naturel" and not ground down. Functional but not pretty.

Basically, if you want something to look "nice", don't go there unless you are prepared to pay a lot of beer tokens.

-steve-

 

[oldsaltoz]

Did a delivery of an alloy 30+ footer some years back.

Condensation is problem. Also getting a good sleep on board with any wave action at all, the constant noise will drive you nuts.

But they are light and strong. if you don't mind everything getting wet inside and can sleep with heavy ear plugs, go for it.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[wotayottie]

the more you look at the alternatives : steel / concrete / ally /wood / grp , the more you end up thinking that grp is the best choice. properly made osmosis isnt an issue these days, its almost infinitely repairable (bar fire), has good cosmetic capabilities, and is cheap to mass produce.

 

[Allan]

Many thanks for your help so far. The only boat I have found is a Sarum 28. As it has no shore power I think the problems with electrolesis should be minimum. From what I have seen of the hull, the inside surface seems fine. I'm not sure if the hull is isolated from the 12v systems.
Allan

 

[ferroboat]

DONT BE PUT OFF! We had a Sarum 28 for 5 years. They are a fabulous yacht designed by Robert Tucker, sail like a dream and are as tough as old boots. You will give up long before they do. We never had any condensation or noise problems. Yes you do have to take certain things into consideration, we bought a book Metal Corosion in Yachts, so as long as you follow the dos and donts you will be fine. A good etch primer will have the paint sticking to her very well. Again, its just a case of following the rules. We have had 4 boats, one teak on oak, one plywood (Debutant 22) also designed by Robert Tucker, Sarum 28 and now a ferro cement ketch. In our opinion all fabrics that you can build a boat from have something for them and something against them. By the by there is an excellent Sarum 28 Owners Association.
Regards
Jonathan & Avril Hall

 

[JimC]

I sail a Sarum 28, a twin-keeled version built in 1977 by Avon Brunel Marine for the British Aluminium Co. I have a high opinion of these boats - they are incredibly strong, as with the early fibreglass boats the builders erred on the side of over-building with an unfamiliar material. the skin plating is 5 mm with 8 mm in stressed areas. This is a heavier construction than the modern French Ovnis for example. The boats are roomy and sea-kindly and sail well, though they like a bit of wind. They're not a boat for ghosting along in light airs.

Sailing Today published a very complimentary test report in their April 2006 issue, you should be able to get a reprint. PM me if you want any more info' or to be put in touch with the owners' association.

Good Luck.

 

[Bandit]

I am not a yottie however, i have been involved in commercial fast ferries for many years, Aluminium is exceptionally strong and light and like any material has its advantages and drawbacks.

If you are thinking about an aluminium yacht the devil is in the detailing which needs to be spot on, the experts are the french, look at the following links .

Ovni now have an importer in the UK and a growing band of owners hence the owners club. The Ovni appear to be well found serious sailing boats which can dry as they have lifting keels.

You see many more aluminium boats in France and Europe than the UK also US, Australia and NZ.

I would advise to stay clear of low volume producers where the experience and detailing would not probably be as good.

http://www.alubat.fr/

http://www.ovniowners.co.uk/

http://www.allures.fr/index3.htm