On Mon, 19 May 2008 11:34:18 -0700, "Bob La Londe"
wrote:

I have been looking at aluminum boats for the last couple years now with an
eye towards how they are built. I have noticed a lot of them will have 'V's
folded or stamped into the hull along the length for strength. I don't see
anyway that a backyard builder could do this practically. Would a home
built aluminum just be built with a structural frame with pieces going in
both directions like a wood boat?



They may allso be there to help longnitudnal stability or for spray
control. You can get the strenghth by rivetting or welding on
stringers made from aluminum angle.on the inside or bend some flat
stock 3 times to make a V shaped piece. that could go on the inside or
outside of the hull.

"Drew Dalgleish" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 19 May 2008 11:34:18 -0700, "Bob La Londe"
wrote:

I have been looking at aluminum boats for the last couple years now with
an
eye towards how they are built. I have noticed a lot of them will have
'V's
folded or stamped into the hull along the length for strength. I don't
see
anyway that a backyard builder could do this practically. Would a home
built aluminum just be built with a structural frame with pieces going in
both directions like a wood boat?



They may allso be there to help longnitudnal stability or for spray
control.

A V mounted above the water line sweeping with the lines of the hull is
almost always there for spray control. I think they even call it a spray
rail.

You can get the strenghth by rivetting or welding on
stringers made from aluminum angle.on the inside or bend some flat
stock 3 times to make a V shaped piece. that could go on the inside or
outside of the hull.

Yeah, that's basically what I figured

Bob La Londe
www.yumabassman.com

All those integral shapes provide rigidity in very light sheet material.
These boats are typically riveted, or welded in extremely controlled
environments.

For a homebuilt, you will probably weld, using much thicker material; I
understand that most welders can do good work in 3/16 plate, the talented in
1/8, and only very very expert can weld material lighter than that with much
success.

These thicker plates require less framing or complex bending than the thin
material.

For a full discussion, take a look at Pollard's Boatbuilding with Aluminum:
http://www.amazon.com/Boatbuilding-A.../dp/0070504261

Have fun!
Sal's Dad



I have noticed a lot of them will have 'V's
folded or stamped into the hull along the length for strength. I don't
see
anyway that a backyard builder could do this practically. Would a home
built aluminum just be built with a structural frame with pieces going in
both directions like a wood boat?



They may allso be there to help longnitudnal stability or for spray
control.

A V mounted above the water line sweeping with the lines of the hull is
almost always there for spray control. I think they even call it a spray
rail.

You can get the strenghth by rivetting or welding on
stringers made from aluminum angle.on the inside or bend some flat
stock 3 times to make a V shaped piece. that could go on the inside or
outside of the hull.

Sal's Dad wrote:
All those integral shapes provide rigidity in very light sheet material.
These boats are typically riveted, or welded in extremely controlled
environments.

For a homebuilt, you will probably weld, using much thicker material; I
understand that most welders can do good work in 3/16 plate, the talented in
1/8, and only very very expert can weld material lighter than that with much
success.

Bull****. I am a mediocre welder, and I can weld .062 all day with no
issues. A good welder can do thinner than that.

THere is no mystery in welding aluminum. It just takes practice and a
decent welder.

These thicker plates require less framing or complex bending than the thin
material.

For a full discussion, take a look at Pollard's Boatbuilding with Aluminum:
http://www.amazon.com/Boatbuilding-A.../dp/0070504261

Have fun!
Sal's Dad




I have noticed a lot of them will have 'V's
folded or stamped into the hull along the length for strength. I don't
see
anyway that a backyard builder could do this practically. Would a home
built aluminum just be built with a structural frame with pieces going in
both directions like a wood boat?




They may allso be there to help longnitudnal stability or for spray
control.

A V mounted above the water line sweeping with the lines of the hull is
almost always there for spray control. I think they even call it a spray
rail.


You can get the strenghth by rivetting or welding on
stringers made from aluminum angle.on the inside or bend some flat
stock 3 times to make a V shaped piece. that could go on the inside or
outside of the hull.





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America: Ironically, the safest place to be anti-American.
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