Fiberglass-Lined Aluminum

[Lt.]

Has anyone ever heard of aluminum lined sailing boats or even thought of them? now what i am talking about is an aluminum sailboat hull with a thin fiberglass hull covering the entire wetted surface area, i thought of this because i wanted a way to get rid of the danger electrolisis. so......... coments? ideas?

[neilpride]

1, Epoxys and polyester resins stick very bad to aluminium.
2, Weight,
3. Aluminium need to breathe in some way.
4. a colision or grounding can make a repair in the hull a nightmare.
5 you say you want to avoid electrolisis, i think you made the thing worse with a layer of fiberglass.
6 . What you smoke today for breakfast!!!!!!
Cheers.

[perchance]

And the point of this exercise would be?

[clockwork orange]

Originally Posted by neilpride

1, Epoxys and polyester resins stick very bad to aluminium.
2, Weight,
3. Aluminium need to breathe in some way.
4. a colision or grounding can make a repair in the hull a nightmare.
5 you say you want to avoid electrolisis, i think you made the thing worse with a layer of fiberglass.
6 . What you smoke today for breakfast!!!!!!
Cheers.

Actually,with proper prep, some epoxies can stick very well to aluminum, not saying this is a good application though.
Steve.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Lt.

[Marksman]

If any water does migrate between the Al and glass (very high probability) you have a very big problem with oxidation of the Al. Check out any painted Al mast that has had moisture get under the paint (like mine). You then need to remove the paint from the effected area, treat and repaint. With fiberglass..... well you get the picture.

[Cheechako]

most metals are better off with some "breathing". You could find a worse corrosion issue.

[David M]

Interlux 2000 which is an epoxy barrier coat has stuck very well to my aluminum hull now for 15 years. There has never been a problem.

This epoxy sticks very well to aluminum.

Aluminum either needs to be completely open to oxygen so the oxide can form or it needs to be completely sealed from oxygen with good coatings. The in between is when you get the problems.

I would be hesitant to buy an aluminum hull with a fiberglass/polyester layer because of the chance of delamination and then water getting inbetween the aluminum and fiberglass.

It is probably best to get advice from people who have had an aluminum boat for a long time. I have learned over time how to completely stop the corrosion.