• Re: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? - Woodpecker 18:32:16 11/17/03 (2)
  In Reply to: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? posted by Bow on November 17, 2003 at 08:53:42:

  The use of small, air-cooled inboard motors for non-planing boats used to be pretty common. Cooling isn't really a problem, but you have to leave the motor pretty much uncovered, which is noisy.

  For slow speeds, the 12 hp you mention should be plenty to drive a hull in the size range you mention. But you'll have to figure a gearing and propeller size to fit the hull that you find.

  As far as the hull goes, I would look for something relatively long and narrow. Also, the bottom could be somewhat rockered, showing curvature longitudinally. These features are best for efficient slow-speed travel. That won't be a very common animal in aluminum.

  Have you considered building a hull yourself, either of aluminum or out of plywood? You said you wanted a project!
  
  
  

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  • Re: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? - Bow 04:35:23 11/18/03 (1)
    In Reply to: Re: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? posted by Woodpecker on November 17, 2003 at 18:32:16:

    well... maybe not that much of a starter project! LOL

    I am a little leary of using Plywood because I plan on using the boat in Saltwater. I have concerns about plywood and saltwater. Aluminium is of interest because I think it is fairly easy to work with and it is light. As far as hull size, I figured something with a beam about 7.5' would be good and about 20' long...

    I understand what you mean abouty aircooling requirements and noise...
    I would bet it gets old sounding like you are mowing your lawn all day long while on vacation! LOL

    Thanks for the comments Woodpecker

    
    
    Bow
    
    

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    • Re: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? - Woodpecker 12:05:25 11/19/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: Aluminium Boat Hulls, Small Inboards.... advice? posted by Bow on November 18, 2003 at 04:35:23:

      Bow, lots of plywood boats go out on the ocean every day. Most are sheathed with fiberglass for durability, but even that is not a neccessity. Saltwater is actually more of a factor when dealing with metal boats, where the conducting and corrosive effects of saltwater can really wreak havoc.

      Don't dismiss the idea of a wooden boat for your purposes. In many ways, I think it is the ideal method for a comfortable, handsome cruiser.

      That said, aluminum is excellent, especially if you have the special tools and expertise for working with it. If you find an aluminum hull already made that suits you, that would seem to be a natural choice. Just realize that there are some complications in building a cabin on an aluminum hull, including the need to insulate the walls, because of course, aluminum sweats.
      
      

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