Comparatively lighter hulls mean more manoeuvrability, easy launching and retrieving, and greater access to shallower waters. They can also carry immense weight compared to fibreglass hulls. up to 35 000psi before deforming, compared to steel which cracks or breaks at 45 000psi), durable, low maintenance and rust free, and similar to motor vehicles, they can be “panel beat” and re-welded if involved in accidents. Aluminium too is non-sparking, so fire risk with petrol etc is vastly reduced. My investigations highlighted a few negatives with aluminium boat construction worth noting. Some cheaper manufacturing processes use pop-rivets and glue instead of welds in the main manufacturing process and this can lead to hulls developing leaks and even “coming apart” under stress. Even on welded craft, some internal non-structural components - such as the floor - may be rivetted in place. Aliboats weld their hulls, using high quality stainless steel pop-rivets (or weld the floor if designed as a wet-deck). Aluminium skin thickness is another big factor, and this will vary from company to company and has noticeable impacts on prices, as does the use by some of non marine-grade aluminium. It is generally accepted that 5mm aluminium plate is better and more long lasting than the 3mm plate sometimes used in hull construction. While there are deep vee hull designs (better suited to rough water), many aluminium hulls follow a more flat-bottomed profile, and while incredibly stable, can be uncomfortable in the rough. Aluminium also tends to amplify noise (of the hull moving through the water, or internal noise being transmitted to the water) unless carpeted. Some designs have exposed structural ribs or braces (usually smaller craft) which can make them uncomfortable - stubbing toes, catching on skin and clothing in rough water etc. While the aluminium boats offer no advantage in the hull purchase price, they have plenty of pluses once purchased. In most cases, fibreglass and aluminium will work out about the same, with possibly the aluminium being more expensive, but that is where the savings start. Aluminium boats of the same dimensions as a fibreglass boat will require up to 40% less horsepower to attain the same performance (this is subjected to how you load each, but is a guide). There are many prime waters throughout southern Africa which have horsepower limits for boats, usually governed by conservation issues, and where aluminium really comes into its own. Simply, the complete aluminium rig on a trailer may cost out cheaper than a fibreglass boat. Ultimately, this can equate to less fuel and oil usages and lower engine maintenance costs. The comparatively lighter hulls mean more manoeuvrability, easy launch and retrieve, and greater access to shallower waters. Because of their initial lightweight too, they can carry immense weight compared to fibreglass hulls. Used by many safari operators, aluminium boats are often left in the water for years at a time - something which cannot easily be done with fibreglass due to osmosis - the process of absorbing water through the
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fibreglass. Floatation is normally provided by (under floor) polystyrene or sealed bottles depending on applicable regulations in the country of use. In the longer term - due to their longevity - aluminium boats retain a much higher re-sale value compared to fibreglass. Probably one of the biggest advantages to the aluminium option, is that you almost get to design your own interior. There are certain structural braces which need to be incorporated (in smaller boats, these will take the form of bench seats etc), but so long as you can work around that, and depending on how much you want to spend... the sky is the limit. Now that really appeals to me. Fuel tanks, live well, storage hatches, consols... you name it, it can all be designed to meet your specific needs. Van Louverdis, sales manager of Aliboats confirms this saying “The interior of our boats can be tailor-made to the client’s specifications from our list of accessories - there are very few restrictions as to what we can do to fulfil the customers needs.” Interestingly, their hull designs originate from a naval architect based in the USA, and are computer formed at the factory in Botswana. Reputable companies like Aliboats in Maun will also back this durable material up with some serious guarantees. Says Van “Our boats last a lifetime and come with a 10 year ‘hull’ guarantee against any factory defects.” They have a large selection of hulls to choose from, both for salt and fresh water applications. Van explains “Some of the boats we manufacture include rugged ‘working boats’, such as our hugely successful Swamp Cruiser, Outback and numerous Patrol Boats, Landing Craft and Ferries, ‘recreational’ boats such as small Jon boats for the individual local net fisherman, bass boats, pontoons/ houseboats and game viewing/sundowner cruisers.” There is a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of products used by boaters and especially those in the safari industry. Aluminium, as can be seen by the fact sheet adjacent