aluminum floor in aluminum boat

[Kansas Jayhawker]

I have a 78 18ft Lund and the floor is completly gone. I have been reading many of the threads on boat floors. All very good. My question is what are the down sides to using aluminum sheet for the flooring? Is it cost and weight?

 

[Case450]

Re: aluminum floor in aluminum boat

I am not experienced or at all claiming to be an expert at boat rebuilding but i would think that an aluminum floor would be better then wood.
I dont think aluminum can span the same distances without damage like wood can but it would last much much longer.
If cost were no object i would go aluminum.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: aluminum floor in aluminum boat

No problem with aluminum floor in my Islander. Doesn't get too hot because the aluminum conducts heat in the water.

Checkplate is ok with bare feet and not slippery. Gonna come down to cost.
If the existing framework is ok good to go. Welding it in place will stiffen the boat up as well. Gonna need 3/16 5000 series alloy.

Talk to a welder.

http://www.stanleyboats.ca/islander.html

 

[wilkboater]

Re: aluminum floor in aluminum boat

I see a lot of aluminum floors around here, but most are perforated sheets of aluminum. The holes give it a little grip for walking, and the holes let the water and dirt out when you wash it and, to a certain extent, keep the glare down. Most that I have seen have some sort of vinyl edging on the edges of the floor sheets to keep them from vibrating against the hull.

 

[Kansas Jayhawker]

Re: aluminum floor in aluminum boat

Thanks for all of the responses. I appreciate it.