Alex wrote:
Wayne.B wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jul 2015 19:45:21 -0400, Alex wrote:

Rocks and coral reefs are problematic because of the sharp edges that
can slice open aluminum but usually with less overall damage than
fiberglass, and much easier to repair.

Aluminum welds are not very forgiving so the repairs will never be as
good as the original.
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I'm having trouble understanding your assertion about aluminum welds.
Aluminum boats are welded at the factory during their original
construction and are very strong and durable. A properly performed
repair weld will be just as good as the originals.

Were you referring to the skill level required to do a proper weld?

Aluminum welded products will fail at the weld under stress. Welded
aluminum is about 50% weaker than unwelded aluminum. Skill has a lot to
do with it and my info is from a highly skilled welder specializing in aluminum.

I figure the welds are closer to 75-80%+ not 50%. Look at
roguejetboats.com or precisionweldboats.com he they may have build
pictures. Look for Bentz boats. They build most of the CG certified jet
tour boats in the US. Lots of bracing inside the hull. The boats I know
with huge damage, some that sunk, did not sink from broken welds. Ripped
open on sharp rocks or a strike in the intake or edge of transom area
ripping large leaks in the bottom.