Should You Use Aluminum Or Steel For a Yacht?

Should You Use Aluminum Or Steel For a Yacht?

The decision whether to use aluminum or steel for a yacht depends very much on what the boat will be used for and in which circumstances.aluminum for a yacht For example, a racer built for speed makes aluminium the perfect choice as it allows the hull to be designed and built to be very light and stiff. An explorer yacht, on the other hand, will need to be extremely durable and that's where steel's abrasive resistance shines.

There are many reasons why people choose to build their own boats instead of buying a pre-made one from a manufacturer.aluminum for a yacht One of the main reasons is that they can customise the boat to their own personal wishes. Aluminium allows this to be done easily and gives the builders a great deal of flexibility.

In addition to being flexible, aluminum is also very economical when it comes to fabrication and construction.aluminum for a yacht The metal can be cut with standard carpentry tools and welded a lot faster than steel, which results in labour savings for the shipyards.

The material is also very good for the environment as it can be recycled time and again without losing its properties.aluminum for a yacht That's something that many people will appreciate if they are planning on keeping their yacht for the long term.

Another big benefit is that aluminium is a lot stronger than GRP and therefore more resistant to impact damage.aluminum for a yacht This is especially important if you plan on using the boat for recreational activities such as diving or water skiing. The material is also better at absorbing shocks than steel and can thus take a much harder blow before it starts to deform.

Lastly, aluminium has a higher puncture and abrasion resistance than GRP, making it the preferred material for ocean going yachts that will be subject to a lot of rough weather.aluminum for a yacht This is why you often see aluminium hulls on expedition yachts.

On the other hand, if you will only be sailing in calm waters then GRP may still be the better option as it has a lower weight and is less prone to dents and scratches.

If you're planning on keeping your boat for a very long time then the durability of the hull is definitely a concern to consider. As with all metals, corrosion is a risk that you will need to take into account. However, marine-grade aluminum is very well protected against rust and corrosion because it has been treated with zinc.

It also has a protective layer of aluminium oxide that shields the underlying metal from reacting with oxygen in the air. This prevents the rust that would otherwise occur on a steel-based vessel. The hulls of aluminum vessels above the waterline do not need to be painted either because they quickly react with the air and form a protective coating of aluminium oxide that keeps the hull looking shiny and new. This is an advantage that not only saves you maintenance work but also increases the resale value of your yacht because it looks as good as new for longer.