Tired of bouncing off waves! Aluminum boats?

high'n'dry

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
156
Re: Tired of bouncing off waves! Aluminum boats?

A glass center console boat in the 19 foot range will weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds, it seems most of the aluminum "Deep Vee" types are around 1,500 pounds.

Most glass boats meant for rough water as well as having aft center line standing stations also have a sharp bow entry to allow them to cut through chop when the tabs are put full down. It looks to me like most of the aluminum boats in addition to forcing you to sit off center and way forward (the worst place you can be for getting pounded to pulp) have a broad upward curving bow. That alone can account for some good pounding.

Of course, glass or tin, small boats on big water can quickly run into their wave/chop/comfort limit.

No matter where I go I hear, "you should have been here last week, it was smooth as a mirror" and I then look out and see three foot sharp chop, every time, so I am just prepared for it and expect it. I cannot give up the weight and ride of a good glass boat so I can get pounded.
 

Mike Robinson

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Messages
752
Re: Tired of bouncing off waves! Aluminum boats?

Yup, rule # 1 about a boat, everything is a compromise and you have to find the mix you can live with.

How true! I have a welded aluminum boat that is heavily built for commercial use so I have the best of both worlds. It also has Bennett trim tabs which help alot.
 

gene8084

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 29, 2007
Messages
187
Re: Tired of bouncing off waves! Aluminum boats?

Less fuel consumption, less maintenance, much lighter when trailering, docking or working on boat. Tinnies require less HP compared to fiberglass so the cost of buying a bigger outboard is saved vs. fiberglass which saves fuel as well.

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.​
 

windsors03cobra

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
1,191
Re: Tired of bouncing off waves! Aluminum boats?

I would like to bounce this aluminum Safe Boat off a few lake Michigan waves.
500 outboard horsepower, Yum. :cool:
IMG_1528.jpg
 
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