This is an old question that is full of half-truths, so in this article we are going to go over the facts about aluminum versus aluminum helmets. fiberglass.

Let’s start by addressing the weight issue. Aluminum hulls are typically twenty percent lighter than fiberglass and that also translates to savings on fuel costs and that also means better performance. One of the myths is that a heavier hull will ride smoother, but that is not true. It depends on the angle of attack of the bow and how it divides the waves. Just look at a Coast Guard patrol boat and they are all metal and yet have a very smooth ride compared to most composite boats. This again comes from a sharp bow that splits the waves and the weight doesn’t really have much of an influence. The bow works like a knife! If it’s sharp, it’ll split just about anything, but if it’s dull, good luck splitting a cold stick of butter!

Another common myth about aluminum hulls is that they are boxy and unattractive. Again, this can be easily disproved by looking at all the mega yachts that have beautiful lines and are mostly built of metal. The shape is determined by the designer and the skill of the craftsmen who build the ship. Another example is just look at most cars and they are made of metal and very stylish. A ship is only as attractive as the designer intends it to be. One of the reasons aluminum boats are square is that many are built by welders who have no design experience.

If you’ve heard that aluminum is maintenance-free, that’s false, too. Fiberglass is actually easier to maintain than metal boats. There is a problem called galvinetic corrosion that occurs with metals and occurs when two dissimilar metals come into contact with each other. On aluminum boats this often happens when stainless steel hardware is used and what happens is that these two metals have a different electrical charge which literally makes them act like a battery and causes the metals to break down. Most boat owners are familiar with this concept because of the sacrificial diode mounted on the motor that breaks down over time.

Aluminum is superior when it comes to paint that flakes off due to activities like going to the beach and hitting unforeseen objects. Fiberglass has something called a gel coat that makes it shine, but it’s also very delicate and can splinter without much effort. On the plus side of composites, they can be easily repaired and polished to shine again.

In the end, any type of boat is a good option, but if you plan on hitting the boat and getting hard on it, a metal boat may be a better option.