No one should be allowed to comment on the pros/cons of aluminum or steel unless they have built it, sailed it, repaired it and
refit it......
I had 8 large FG boats over a 30 year period- cored
deck repairs, gel coat and glass
repairs,
keel bolt problems,
chain plate issues...... And
singlehanding at night in a FG boat is like sailing blind with respect to floating objects....
Finally bought an aluminum boat against everyones
advice, and would not sail anything else!!!!
Yes, you need to keep good zincs on it.
Yes, keep a stock of delrin and nylon washers on hand.
Yes, Tef-Gel and Boat life caulk become new best friends.
Better keep that
diesel fuel clean, as
water in the
fuel will eat right through those aluminum fuel
tanks.
Pay attention to those coatings!!!! We have a painted boat and it required sand blasting and recoating during
refit. It was 12 years old at the time of refit, and needed a few areas of plate replaced. Cut it out, weld in new piece, grind and fair, then
paint. The
fiberglass guys in the yard were jealous..... quick, easy, cheaper and less painful than FG
work.
Also has a large watertight compartment foward... no longer wonder what is floating ahead on a dark night....
Keel is integral to the hull- never wonder how those keel boats are corroding.
Chain plates are welded to the ribs of the hull- never have a rig failure below deck due to corroded chain plates....
Not to mention that the
hull to deck joint is welded..... no
leaks there.
Sail her in a blow (60 knots) and she is as quiet as a church down below- no creaking, working or
leaks in this
hull and rig.
Got a great deal on her, because everyone is afraid of aluminum.....
"There be dragons in those aluminum bilges"..... mine only have provisions and the occasional cobweb....