Aluminum Sailboats

Many serious bluewater cruisers are made from aluminum and the reason is a very low density of this material. Low density means the hull will in most cases bend in, not crack or break as fiberglass. Aluminum hulls are strong and almost eternal. On average, aluminum hulls last 20% longer than fiberglass ones. If you need a boat to last, aluminum is the choice for you.

The most obvious downside of the material is that it is not as good looking as fiberglass, which is covered by a shiny and sleek gelcoat. Aluminum sailboats look less elegant, but more brutal than boats from GRP. Happily, tastes differ, and some people actually like the appearance of aluminum hulls. 

A more serious but less obvious disadvantage of aluminum boats is the lack of stability in comparison with more heavy composite boats. Also, aluminum hulls are generally less comfortable than fiberglass ones. They heat up quickly in the sun and are noisy at full speed.

On the other hand you don’t have to worry about such an unpleasant thing as osmosis. During the construction of a fiberglass hull small bubbles of air sometimes stay inside the material. Over time these bubbles are filled with water. Water gradually expands the micro cavities and as a result the material loses its strength. 

There is a good selection of new and used aluminum sailboats on itBoat.com. If you are interested in purchasing one of these vessels,request a callback using the form on the boat page. Our specialist will consult you. 

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How are aluminum sailboats built? 

Unlike composite yachts, which are cast in the same molds, aluminum yachts are built on individual frames which gives more freedom for customization and individual approach to layout and deck spacing.

Aluminum for yachts comes in huge sheet rolls which are cut to lengths for the particular boat. Then a CNC router cuts out parts of the boat according to cutting files. The parts go through the machine press. These parts are then all stacked together in order and sent to the welder. The finished hull is painted and fitted out with floors, doors, hatches, helm station consoles, storage spaces etc.