Going from fiberglass to aluminum

[tspeed]

I recently sold my Hunter with the thought of going to a aluminum hull. My future plans include some travels to artic areas with ice is the reason for the switch so I not looking for a debate about fiberglass versus aluminum. Just looking for some input on Alubat, Allures and Futuna brands. Having trouble looking up any reviews or unbias info on them. Anyone out there have any info or know of any other aluminum hulled boats I am not aware of? Any input would be appreciated.

[stevewrye]

Bienvenue chez Boreal

Made to go anywhere your heart desires.

[S/V Alchemy]

Jimmy Cornell's certainly been a great endorsement for the OVNI brand of alu go-anywhere cruisers.

Just learn all you can about alu and electrical systems, isolation, etc. I recommend this book: Metal Corrosion In Boats: Amazon.ca: Nigel Warren: Books

[tspeed]

ty, I will pick up a copy.

[Stumble]

I am not sure what your budget is, but if I could find and afford an aluminium Deerfoot, it would probably be on my very short list. I know there were a few made, but they don't come up for sale very often, and when they do go quickly.

[neilpride]

Put a Garcia Pasoa in your list.

[noelex 77]

There are a quite a few " one off aluminium yachts constructed" like ours. Aluminimum yachts are popular and common in Europe, particarly France and a number of professional yards will construct yachts to reflect the owners wishes.
Some of these boats have been constructed with travel to artic areas in mind with reinforced bows etc. A yacht like this would be ideal.
Even if you cannot find a yacht that has been designed for artic conditions specifically. There are many yachts that would be more suitable than most. My own yacht for example has very strong construction very thick insulation, watertight collision bulkheads front and rear, seacocks that are mounted above the waterline, a Samson post and heavy duty cleats etc etc.

[typhoon]

Take a look at the Kanter's as well , built in Canada. I have sailed a few , great boats and workmanship. For cold weather, make sure it has spray in place insulation regardless of builder

Regards

[stevewrye]

All the aluminum boats mentioned above are excellent well built boats and you can't go wrong in having any one of them.

The great thing about all these boat builders is that the companies are semi custom and will help you with your needs. As Noelex said, things like sea cocks mounted above waterline, lots of insulation good for high lats and tropical paradises, Water tight bulkeads bow and stern are the norm. The Sampson post is a great idea and Boreal is putting one on our new boat. Boreal is also designing more dorades for us for better air movement. They are also working on designing a nav station below to complement the dog house station by taking out the aft head which we do not need, one head is enough for us.

I have yet to talk with a sailor not happy with their Ovni, Garcia, or Kanter. I have sailed the Boreal 44 and I'm very excited about what it can do for us. I have never heard of corrosion problems on any of the mentioned above. The companies have been building long enough to know their stuff. But you must be aware of at all times that problems can happen. I'm looking forward to buying "corrosion in Metal Boats" Sounds more informative than any book out there. Like many we have much to learn about aluminum cruising boats and we are looking forward taking the time to learn.

[barnakiel]

I think you can also get a VK now - they will be willing to custom things for you.

The Boreal looks very good indeed for ice adventures - you will likely want a proper doghouse with good visibility, heating and AP controls.

Bestevaer, if you can afford one, then Koopmans, Zaal, VDSD...

Plenty of lovely alloy boats around ... the Netherlands, France ... Canada.

Cheers,
b.

[Stumble]

Lol if you have the funds, I would love to work with someone interested in building a titanium boat. Think all the lightness of aluminium, all the strength of steel. I haven't run the numbers, or even close, but other than the welding costs I doubt it would be terribly more expensive than an aluminium hull.

The up side is that the hull would last forever. Corrosion would be limited to the prop, and we could likely make one up pretty easily.

[Doodles]

These are supposed to be very nice.

Atlantic Aluminium zeiljachten | home | Atlantic Yachts

[Doodles]

And another that looks perfect for the high latitudes.

Integral 43 - Integral 12.50 - voilier de grande croisire

[sailnautilus]

Tyspeed:
We have owned a 52' Kanter for 6 years; we just finished a 2 year refit and we know more about aluminum boats than we would like!!!!

I see you are in Daytona; we are in Stuart and would be happy to show you the boat and discuss pro and cons.... I would never go back to glass.

There is an interesting Lavranos on Yacht World right now....
1991 Lavranos 43 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

This is a bargain for an aluminum boat of this size. I am trying to convince my friends to purchase this as they are setting off on a circumnavigation, but they are afraid of aluminum.

It is very interesting to encounter all of the misconceptions surrounding aluminum boats, and to see the different fabrication techniques used by different manufacturers. Every boat requires maintenance, whether it is glass or aluminum, and all boats have pros and cons.

PM me if you are interested in seeing the boat and would be in the area.

Fair Winds,
Michele

[JJ77]

You might wanna have a look at Concord;
Alumarine Aluminium Boatbuilding

designed for long journeys.

Also;
Alliage, chantier naval aluminium : construction de voilier en alu, et bateau à moteur avec coque alu

and another one on the Ovni theme;
Allures Yachting

Alubat is also working on an entirely new boat,the Ovni 52 evolution.

Cheers,
JJ