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I make oil · #21 08-15-2014, 01:05 PM

Keakar, I'm sorry but I don't agree with the comment on just welding a crack on an aluminum boat. It dosen't work that way. To be honest that is the main reason I've moved away from custom boats. When an aluminum boat hull cracks it's usally at a rib. It does this for a few reason mainly because the rib was welded to the side or bottom and the heat caused that point to be more brittle than the area around it and it becomes a weak spot. Over time it will crack. You can't just weld these cracks if you do it will just crack again because of the heat. They usually put a patch over it. Look at older skiffs they are the worse. Many times you'll see patches over most of the ribs along the side. If the patches are on the bottom it messes with the performance of the boat. Most crawfishermen just keep a boat for a few years then sell it and have another one built. Recreational use isn't as hard on boats but it still is an issue.

Casey StRomain owns Sportsman's Fab in MC and built Parker 23's boat. His dad Ivy, owns Ivy's tackle box, runs charters and uses a fiberglass center console.

keakar · #22 08-15-2014, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I make oil

Keakar, I'm sorry but I don't agree with the comment on just welding a crack on an aluminum boat. It dosen't work that way. To be honest that is the main reason I've moved away from custom boats. When an aluminum boat hull cracks it's usally at a rib. It does this for a few reason mainly because the rib was welded to the side or bottom and the heat caused that point to be more brittle than the area around it and it becomes a weak spot. Over time it will crack. You can't just weld these cracks if you do it will just crack again because of the heat. They usually put a patch over it. Look at older skiffs they are the worse. Many times you'll see patches over most of the ribs along the side. If the patches are on the bottom it messes with the performance of the boat. Most crawfishermen just keep a boat for a few years then sell it and have another one built. Recreational use isn't as hard on boats but it still is an issue.

Casey StRomain owns Sportsman's Fab in MC and built Parker 23's boat. His dad Ivy, owns Ivy's tackle box, runs charters and uses a fiberglass center console.

fair enough but I was lead to believe a good welder can do permanent repairs where a sub par or not as experienced welder is the cause of cracks reappearing or needing to use cover patches.

they reweld aluminum propellers all the time adding metal and missing chunks of blades and they don't crack and they are under a lot more stress and constantly flex a lot more then a hull will.

I guess it comes down to who is welding it because im told an experienced welder doing the repair is going to restore the hull just as strong and permanent repair as new metal if not more. but as with any second hand info from the internet, that info could be wrong.

my personal opinion on custom build aluminum boats is they aren't worth it because as mentioned above, you can buy two sometimes 3 fiberglass boats for the price of one custom built aluminum boat so the cost savings along with the extra options and customizable options of fiberglass makes them the better choice. now if what you need is a boat for huge loads that's strong as a tank and built like one then custom built aluminum is a good choice but to each his own

Goooh · #23 08-15-2014, 03:30 PM

Good lord, I couldn't imagine keeping a boat more than 3 years much less till the aluminum rots out.

Go grab a higher end used fiberglass and get 10 years out if it no problem, and not have to worry about ugly carpet or scorched feet.

I make oil · #24 08-15-2014, 04:53 PM

Keakar they repair SS propellers. They can't repair Aluminum.

I'm with you Goooh I can't keep a boat that long. I'm looking for my next boat before I even get the numbers on a boat.

simplepeddler · #25 08-15-2014, 05:16 PM

I can't imagine 3/8 inch aluminum cracking..........

keakar · #26 08-15-2014, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I make oil

Keakar they repair SS propellers. They can't repair Aluminum.

any propeller shop does aluminum prop welding and repair as well as ss prop repair but its often costly so buying a new one is more logical but it isn't because it CANT be welded and fixed

lots of info on how to even do it yourself if you try a google search

http://www.boattest.com/resources/vi...px?newsid=4267

or you can even send your ALUMINUM prop to the manufacturer who made it to be welded trued and returned like new again

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplepeddler

I can't imagine 3/8 inch aluminum cracking..........

I believe they use 3/16 not 3/8, a boat made of 3/8 would weight a ton, literally lol

Montauk17 · #27 08-15-2014, 06:27 PM

I tend to like glass hulls better myself. If taken care of they hold up. My boat is almost 50 years old and still kicking.

simplepeddler · #28 08-15-2014, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montauk17

I tend to like glass hulls better myself. If taken care of they hold up. My boat is almost 50 years old and still kicking.

Good point for sure.......nothing is better for a boat than letting her sleep inside.

I make oil · #29 08-15-2014, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keakar

any propeller shop does aluminum prop welding and repair as well as ss prop repair but its often costly so buying a new one is more logical but it isn't because it CANT be welded and fixed

lots of info on how to even do it yourself if you try a google search

http://www.boattest.com/resources/vi...px?newsid=4267

or you can even send your ALUMINUM prop to the manufacturer who made it to be welded trued and returned like new again

I believe they use 3/16 not 3/8, a boat made of 3/8 would weight a ton, literally lol

Learn something new every day. Thanks

tboy · #30 08-16-2014, 03:18 PM

I believe they use 3/16 not 3/8, a boat made of 3/8 would weight a ton, literally lol[/QUOTE]

Know of several that are definitely made of 3\8. Heavy and heavy duty.