Aluminum or Fiberglass Hull?
NewsAugust 17, 2017
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When customers are looking for a new AB Inflatables, one of the usual questions is: should it have an Aluminum or Fiberglass Hull? There’s no right or wrong answer, it depends on the needs, circumstances, use and tastes of each customer. Here some key facts of each, which could help answer this question:
Aluminum Hull Facts
– Toughness: The aluminum hulls are more resistant to impacts in certain conditions. (Rocky shores and shallow waters). In case of an impact, the hull might suffer a scratch or bend, but will not fracture.
– Weight: Their low weight demands less power, which results in fuel economy. It is important also to remark that users can lift larger tenders with their davits.
– Handling: These are easier to carry and dock.
– Customization: A consumer can design further details and different layouts with the boat builder, due to the fact that molds are not used in its construction process.
-Maintenance: Aluminum requires very little maintenance other than keeping the salt off to protect the hull from corrosion.
– Global Care: The recyclable property of the aluminum and the nature of its manufacturing process, make it more environmentally friendly.
– Safety: An aluminum hull has a higher melting point than other type of boat building structures. Therefore, it make slower the fire expansion and becomes safer under a fire situation.
Fiberglass Hull Facts
– Aesthetics: A fiberglass hull tender has a molded and sleeker finish.
– Repairs: Fiberglass hulls are easier and cheaper to repair when minor accidents occur. It is also easier to find fiberglass technicians almost everywhere.
– Under Deck Ample Space: Fiberglass console ribs have more under deck space on the smaller sizes (Up to 15ft). These can offer a higher under deck fuel tank capacity and/or more ample space for storage, among other benefits.
– Quite ride: These boats produce less noise under operation.
Choose your boat:
