Tinnies

[ffiill]

So why are they not popular in the UK other than some lobster pot men here and there.
To translate from Australian aluminium boats.
Both in Australia and NewZealand they seem to dominate the market from baby tenders ,through dinghys,day boats up to much larger usually outboard powered vessels.
The plentyfull supply of aluminium in Australia has led to their extensive use over there but not over here?

 

[Twister_Ken]

S
but not over here?

Presumably because you can't get clinker-built ones?

 

[Tranona]

Much bigger potential market (as in the USA and Canada) plus a bigger aluminium sheet industry. Material suits the climate and usage patterns. There have been many attempts over the years to try and sell aluminium boats here, both imported and locally manufactured but never really mad any impression.

 

[William_H]

Yes an interesting question of why not in UK. I love my 12ft ali dinghy as a tender. I had a 10f t GRP dinghy which was actually heavier than the 12ft ali one. So very light and very robust. being a proper dinghy shape it rows well. It can take an outborad engine but I am satisfied just rowing. It will take 5 people at a pinch. Yes you have to be careful when stepping from dinghy to boat as it can tip sideways but this is the price for a rowable shape.
Ali dinghies last for a long time you just have to avoid salt water sitting in the keel area where corrosion can occur.
I have mounted wheels on the transom so it can be rolled up side down very easily. I tow it with an electric mobility scooter from home fortunately not too far. Yes several builders of ali dinghies in Oz. Not to mention the guy just south of here churning out ali catamaran ferries to take 80 odd cars on the main deck. http://www.austal.com/en/Home.aspx olewill

 

[Seajet]

Corrosion & size.

A typical tender at my club is around 8-9', round bilge grp and expected to last forever, we're tight gits !

 

[ostell]

There is one that I know about that does a lot of ali builds: www.alloyboats.co.uk

(and their chandlery is quite good!)

 

[DownWest]

Corrosion & size.QUOTE]

Dunno about that. We have a 13ft one made by Crysler(!) It must be nearly 60yrs old and bought new for my BIL as a child. Used for many years on the Chesapeak and now here in a mix of salt and fresh water use. Rivitted construction with press formed panels that do look a bit clinker. Very light, I can put it on the roof rack of my Espace without help.

 

[DanTribe]

I've wondered why this should be.
Could the high level of scrap metal theft in UK have some effect?

 

[Esmerelda]

Crocodiles?

 

[ffiill]

The big ones are about here in the UK-our primarily commercial yard often gets them in.
Usually outboard or outdrive cats.
There are several to be seen around and about the Kyle of Lochalsh.
Coupled with this is the common use of outboards as the power source on the big ones.
To me it makes a lot of sense as if an outboard packs up you can remove it to work on and replace it with a spare important if you are a commercial operator.
Anyway I might pick up one of the little ones whilst I am over visiting family in Queensland this Christmas-they are very cheap over there second hand.
So long as your outboard is under 4 hp no need for it to be registered and insured.
There again a beach cat or just a plain windsurfer appeal-I fancy being a born again windsurfer after a thirty year absence!