aluminum vs fiberglass

[KCook]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Aluminum boats have also been known to have wood core transoms. The more "older" you go, the more you need to learn the survey game.

Kelly

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

well i really want to get an aluminum boat because of my fear of hidden rot on a glass boat and all i really need to worry about on aluminum is the transom and the floor right? are all aluminum boats stringers aluminum ?

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

if i find an aluminum boat with a bad transom is that a difficult fix i know a couple of people that have done it but i never have

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Nothig is impossible and a transom on an aluminum boat is easier (my opinion) than any other transom. If you purchase one that needs repairs we will guide you through it in the Restoration Section of this forum.

I just replaced one on my 14' aluminum. The original one from 1963 was completely rotted.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

The '65 18' Starcraft I/O that I completely restored had sat half submerged in a marina for many years. I found that the transom was damaged.

It was a simple matter of removing a few rivets and some thru bolts and out with the old and in with the new....while the engine was out of the boat.

The biggest problem was finding (and paying for) 3/4" marine plywood. (Used 2 layers for those interested and loaded it up with linseed oil).

You can do a quick test with your knife. Usually on alum they are exposed and a gentle stabbing here and there will quickly tell you if the wood is good or bad.

Other thing is that the transom is out in the air and usually off the bottom so you don't have the same type of problem with transoms you have with stringers.

And no, I know of no aluminum boats ever produced with wood stringers.

Mark

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

thanks everyone im kinda getting excited to get a boat , all i gotta do now is save some money...lol