Build Your Own Boat - Four Advantages of Using Aluminum to Build a Boat

Four Advantages of Using Aluminum to Build a Boat

There are many different types of materials used to build boats in the modern age. Throughout history the vast majority of boats were built with wood. In the modern age though technology has allowed us to use more sophisticated materials for boat construction. The focus of this article is on the four advantages of using aluminum in boat building which are weight, speed, repair, and manufacturing durability.


Weight - When building a boat one of the important factors to consider is weight as weight affects the bouyancy of the vessel. Aluminum is lighter than steel but still provides the necessary strength to build a solid boat hull. Aluminum also allows a boat to carry heavier cargo than a boat made with a steel hull. A lighter hull also means less fuel consumption which can make an aluminum hull more economical.

Speed - Since aluminum is a lighter material it allows the boat to travel more quickly when it is driven by a sail, motor, or anything else for that matter.

Repair - Repairing an aluminum boat is a lot easier than one would think. For example, you can easily repair a dented aluminum hull with a hammer. If the dent is for some reason unable to be repaired with a hammer then one can easily cut the dented area with a saw and replace it with another piece. This type of repair is not possible with a fiberglass boat.

Manufacturing Durability -  Since aluminum is a soft metal and can be welded to any design or shape an aluminum hull is relatively easy to manufacture. The manufacture of an aluminum boat isn't as time intensive as steel or fiberglass boats which require a mold for production. Aluminum boats are also incredibly durable as opposed to fiberglass boats which are brittle and easily broken even from the slightest impact. Aluminum hulls are robust and able to stand up to any weather condition. One of aluminum's best features is its ability to withstand saltwater corrosion in salt water which is a feature that steel hulls do not possess.