Small aluminium boats
 

What kind of popularity do aluminium boats enjoy over there?

In Finland it looks like aluminium boats (usually ranging from 4 meters
to 7 meters) are gaining wild popularity. I would attribute this mostly
to durability and easy maintenance. The two most popular boat brands
are reported to be Buster (only aluminium hulls) and Silver (mostly
aluminium hull boats with glassfiber deck/superstructure).

Silver just introduced a rather unusual boat, the Moreno which is a 21
feet day cruiser. (Or at least they claim so - I'm not sure if it has
berths!) Looks sort of weird...
http://www.silverboats.fi/index.php?lang=eng

In the US I know there are some models which have aluminium hulls and
jet propulsion. It's a bit funny that such a boat type is unknown in
Finland, given our notorious, shallow waters with lace-like patterns of
little islands, submerged ridges, rocks and stones. Our largest lake
system has an average depth of 0.5 meters (2 feet)! I suppose jet type
propulsion is not just too efficient for our typical power ranges, even
though it would be a safe bet for our waters. (Our aluminium boats are
usually powered by outboards between 20 and 150 HP.)

Is there some good literature available on aluminium boats? I know
there is the metal boat book by Bruce Roberts and some books on
aluminium boatbuilding... But what is lacking could be maintenance
guides for aluminium boats and literature concentrating on small
aluminium boats. Perhaps they are just a local peculiarity in Finland?

Risto

Small aluminium boats
 

"Varis" wrote in message
oups.com...
What kind of popularity do aluminium boats enjoy over there?

In Finland it looks like aluminium boats (usually ranging from 4 meters
to 7 meters) are gaining wild popularity. I would attribute this mostly
to durability and easy maintenance. The two most popular boat brands
are reported to be Buster (only aluminium hulls) and Silver (mostly
aluminium hull boats with glassfiber deck/superstructure).

Silver just introduced a rather unusual boat, the Moreno which is a 21
feet day cruiser. (Or at least they claim so - I'm not sure if it has
berths!) Looks sort of weird...
http://www.silverboats.fi/index.php?lang=eng

In the US I know there are some models which have aluminium hulls and
jet propulsion. It's a bit funny that such a boat type is unknown in
Finland, given our notorious, shallow waters with lace-like patterns of
little islands, submerged ridges, rocks and stones. Our largest lake
system has an average depth of 0.5 meters (2 feet)! I suppose jet type
propulsion is not just too efficient for our typical power ranges, even
though it would be a safe bet for our waters. (Our aluminium boats are
usually powered by outboards between 20 and 150 HP.)

Is there some good literature available on aluminium boats? I know
there is the metal boat book by Bruce Roberts and some books on
aluminium boatbuilding... But what is lacking could be maintenance
guides for aluminium boats and literature concentrating on small
aluminium boats. Perhaps they are just a local peculiarity in Finland?

Risto

Also in Minnesota USA. Crestliner, Lund, Alumacraft

Small aluminium boats
 

"Del Cecchi" wrote in message
...

"Varis" wrote in message
oups.com...
What kind of popularity do aluminium boats enjoy over there?

In Finland it looks like aluminium boats (usually ranging from 4 meters
to 7 meters) are gaining wild popularity. I would attribute this mostly
to durability and easy maintenance. The two most popular boat brands
are reported to be Buster (only aluminium hulls) and Silver (mostly
aluminium hull boats with glassfiber deck/superstructure).

Silver just introduced a rather unusual boat, the Moreno which is a 21
feet day cruiser. (Or at least they claim so - I'm not sure if it has
berths!) Looks sort of weird...
http://www.silverboats.fi/index.php?lang=eng

In the US I know there are some models which have aluminium hulls and
jet propulsion. It's a bit funny that such a boat type is unknown in
Finland, given our notorious, shallow waters with lace-like patterns of
little islands, submerged ridges, rocks and stones. Our largest lake
system has an average depth of 0.5 meters (2 feet)! I suppose jet type
propulsion is not just too efficient for our typical power ranges, even
though it would be a safe bet for our waters. (Our aluminium boats are
usually powered by outboards between 20 and 150 HP.)

Is there some good literature available on aluminium boats? I know
there is the metal boat book by Bruce Roberts and some books on
aluminium boatbuilding... But what is lacking could be maintenance
guides for aluminium boats and literature concentrating on small
aluminium boats. Perhaps they are just a local peculiarity in Finland?

Risto

Also in Minnesota USA. Crestliner, Lund, Alumacraft

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it. Put
it away. Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.

Small aluminium boats
 

Varis wrote:
What kind of popularity do aluminium boats enjoy over there?

In Finland it looks like aluminium boats (usually ranging from 4 meters
to 7 meters) are gaining wild popularity. I would attribute this mostly
to durability and easy maintenance. The two most popular boat brands
are reported to be Buster (only aluminium hulls) and Silver (mostly
aluminium hull boats with glassfiber deck/superstructure).

Silver just introduced a rather unusual boat, the Moreno which is a 21
feet day cruiser. (Or at least they claim so - I'm not sure if it has
berths!) Looks sort of weird...
http://www.silverboats.fi/index.php?lang=eng

In the US I know there are some models which have aluminium hulls and
jet propulsion. It's a bit funny that such a boat type is unknown in
Finland, given our notorious, shallow waters with lace-like patterns of
little islands, submerged ridges, rocks and stones. Our largest lake
system has an average depth of 0.5 meters (2 feet)! I suppose jet type
propulsion is not just too efficient for our typical power ranges, even
though it would be a safe bet for our waters. (Our aluminium boats are
usually powered by outboards between 20 and 150 HP.)

Is there some good literature available on aluminium boats? I know
there is the metal boat book by Bruce Roberts and some books on
aluminium boatbuilding... But what is lacking could be maintenance
guides for aluminium boats and literature concentrating on small
aluminium boats. Perhaps they are just a local peculiarity in Finland?

Risto


Here (in Canada) small open aluminum boats are almost as popular as a canoe.
Relatively cheap, light & durable they are perfect for fishing on small
lakes.... with maybe a 9.9 hp outboard.

Small aluminium boats
 

"Varis" wrote in message
oups.com...
What kind of popularity do aluminium boats enjoy over there?

In Finland it looks like aluminium boats (usually ranging from 4 meters
to 7 meters) are gaining wild popularity. I would attribute this mostly
to durability and easy maintenance. The two most popular boat brands
are reported to be Buster (only aluminium hulls) and Silver (mostly
aluminium hull boats with glassfiber deck/superstructure).

Silver just introduced a rather unusual boat, the Moreno which is a 21
feet day cruiser. (Or at least they claim so - I'm not sure if it has
berths!) Looks sort of weird...
http://www.silverboats.fi/index.php?lang=eng

In the US I know there are some models which have aluminium hulls and
jet propulsion. It's a bit funny that such a boat type is unknown in
Finland, given our notorious, shallow waters with lace-like patterns of
little islands, submerged ridges, rocks and stones. Our largest lake
system has an average depth of 0.5 meters (2 feet)! I suppose jet type
propulsion is not just too efficient for our typical power ranges, even
though it would be a safe bet for our waters. (Our aluminium boats are
usually powered by outboards between 20 and 150 HP.)

Is there some good literature available on aluminium boats? I know
there is the metal boat book by Bruce Roberts and some books on
aluminium boatbuilding... But what is lacking could be maintenance
guides for aluminium boats and literature concentrating on small
aluminium boats. Perhaps they are just a local peculiarity in Finland?

Risto


Small aluminum's are very popular. Lund's, Smoker Craft, Klamath. As to
the jet boats, different sizes for different waters. Check out
www.riverjetmagazine.com for jetboat info. The Alaskan group use a lot of
outboard jets and smaller, lighter Sportjet powered craft as they run small,
skilly streams. The Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California boats are bigger
as the rivers are bigger and deeper.

Small aluminium boats
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it. Put
it away.

How about the sticky stuff - maybe from the previous owner. Barnacle
removal: you could probably apply tougher methods than on fiberglass
boats?

Then bottom painting. Do you have to get everything out from the
surface (mine seems to have a green-brownish pigment from removed
algae) before bottom painting? What kind of paints are best etc...

How about repairs? Do you have ruptured welds? Sanding out deep
scratches. I suppose a maintained aluminium hull could go for 40 years,
or more (some fiberglass boats have already survived that long). Would
major repairs on an old boat be cost-effective? Over here second hand,
20 year old aluminium boats can have surprisingly high asking prices.

Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.

Nitty gritty details like these. Maintaining accessories like
handrails, boweyes, aux engine mounts, etc. Rubrails. Too brand
specific perhaps?

Perhaps an aluminium boat wiki could do the job? :-)

Risto

Small aluminium boats
 

"Varis" wrote in message
ups.com...

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it.
Put
it away.

How about the sticky stuff - maybe from the previous owner. Barnacle
removal: you could probably apply tougher methods than on fiberglass
boats?

Then bottom painting. Do you have to get everything out from the
surface (mine seems to have a green-brownish pigment from removed
algae) before bottom painting? What kind of paints are best etc...

How about repairs? Do you have ruptured welds? Sanding out deep
scratches. I suppose a maintained aluminium hull could go for 40 years,
or more (some fiberglass boats have already survived that long). Would
major repairs on an old boat be cost-effective? Over here second hand,
20 year old aluminium boats can have surprisingly high asking prices.

Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.

Nitty gritty details like these. Maintaining accessories like
handrails, boweyes, aux engine mounts, etc. Rubrails. Too brand
specific perhaps?

Perhaps an aluminium boat wiki could do the job? :-)

Risto


My boat's hull is not painted under the waterline. And, I use it in fresh
water. As grungy as some of that water may be, the boat stays clean for
reasons that don't matter to me.

Small aluminium boats
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Varis" wrote in message
ups.com...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it.
Put
it away.
How about the sticky stuff - maybe from the previous owner. Barnacle
removal: you could probably apply tougher methods than on fiberglass
boats?

Then bottom painting. Do you have to get everything out from the
surface (mine seems to have a green-brownish pigment from removed
algae) before bottom painting? What kind of paints are best etc...

How about repairs? Do you have ruptured welds? Sanding out deep
scratches. I suppose a maintained aluminium hull could go for 40 years,
or more (some fiberglass boats have already survived that long). Would
major repairs on an old boat be cost-effective? Over here second hand,
20 year old aluminium boats can have surprisingly high asking prices.

Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.
Nitty gritty details like these. Maintaining accessories like
handrails, boweyes, aux engine mounts, etc. Rubrails. Too brand
specific perhaps?

Perhaps an aluminium boat wiki could do the job? :-)

Risto


My boat's hull is not painted under the waterline. And, I use it in fresh
water. As grungy as some of that water may be, the boat stays clean for
reasons that don't matter to me.


Doug,

I would assume you don't keep the boat in the water for long periods of
time? If you keep it in the water all summer long and you don't have a
major build up of algae someone must be pumping bleach or chemicals into
the water. ; ) If the water is really clean and you are not getting
algae build up, you are in the minority of fresh water boaters.

I keep my boat in the water, and at our lake there is major problem with
blisters. I am told this has to do with the water temp. So most boats
that are kept in the water have epoxy paint and bottom paint applied.

Small aluminium boats
 

"Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Varis" wrote in message
ups.com...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it.
Put
it away.
How about the sticky stuff - maybe from the previous owner. Barnacle
removal: you could probably apply tougher methods than on fiberglass
boats?

Then bottom painting. Do you have to get everything out from the
surface (mine seems to have a green-brownish pigment from removed
algae) before bottom painting? What kind of paints are best etc...

How about repairs? Do you have ruptured welds? Sanding out deep
scratches. I suppose a maintained aluminium hull could go for 40 years,
or more (some fiberglass boats have already survived that long). Would
major repairs on an old boat be cost-effective? Over here second hand,
20 year old aluminium boats can have surprisingly high asking prices.

Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.
Nitty gritty details like these. Maintaining accessories like
handrails, boweyes, aux engine mounts, etc. Rubrails. Too brand
specific perhaps?

Perhaps an aluminium boat wiki could do the job? :-)

Risto


My boat's hull is not painted under the waterline. And, I use it in fresh
water. As grungy as some of that water may be, the boat stays clean for
reasons that don't matter to me.
Doug,

I would assume you don't keep the boat in the water for long periods of
time? If you keep it in the water all summer long and you don't have a
major build up of algae someone must be pumping bleach or chemicals into
the water. ; ) If the water is really clean and you are not getting
algae build up, you are in the minority of fresh water boaters.

I keep my boat in the water, and at our lake there is major problem with
blisters. I am told this has to do with the water temp. So most boats
that are kept in the water have epoxy paint and bottom paint applied.

Blisters? In the paint?

Small aluminium boats
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Varis" wrote in message
ups.com...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

I own a Lund, so I feel qualified to ask "What maintenance???" Wash it.
Put
it away.
How about the sticky stuff - maybe from the previous owner. Barnacle
removal: you could probably apply tougher methods than on fiberglass
boats?

Then bottom painting. Do you have to get everything out from the
surface (mine seems to have a green-brownish pigment from removed
algae) before bottom painting? What kind of paints are best etc...

How about repairs? Do you have ruptured welds? Sanding out deep
scratches. I suppose a maintained aluminium hull could go for 40 years,
or more (some fiberglass boats have already survived that long). Would
major repairs on an old boat be cost-effective? Over here second hand,
20 year old aluminium boats can have surprisingly high asking prices.

Every now and then, I tighten the screws that hold the wooden seat
tops onto the aluminum boxes.
Nitty gritty details like these. Maintaining accessories like
handrails, boweyes, aux engine mounts, etc. Rubrails. Too brand
specific perhaps?

Perhaps an aluminium boat wiki could do the job? :-)

Risto

My boat's hull is not painted under the waterline. And, I use it in fresh
water. As grungy as some of that water may be, the boat stays clean for
reasons that don't matter to me.
Doug,

I would assume you don't keep the boat in the water for long periods of
time? If you keep it in the water all summer long and you don't have a
major build up of algae someone must be pumping bleach or chemicals into
the water. ; ) If the water is really clean and you are not getting
algae build up, you are in the minority of fresh water boaters.

I keep my boat in the water, and at our lake there is major problem with
blisters. I am told this has to do with the water temp. So most boats
that are kept in the water have epoxy paint and bottom paint applied.

Blisters? In the paint?



No, fiberglass blisters. They apply 3 or 4 coats of epoxy, then apply
the bottom paint over the epoxy barrier.