| From 1960 onwards, aluminium boats began to | | | | well under the pounding of waves or when scraping |
| appear on the market. The first of these were the | | | | on rocks. |
| shells of yachts. A way to avoid the degrading of | | | | 5. |
| aluminium by sea water had recently been | | | | Being lighter, a gallon of gas goes further, either in |
| discovered. This was to add magnesium and silicon to | | | | the vehicle transporting it to the water or in the |
| the manufacturing process of aluminium. It was an | | | | motor of the boat itself. |
| important discovery, because it opened the way for | | | | 6. |
| aluminium boats to compete in the world market. | | | | Aluminium is an abundant metal in the earth's crust. |
| They have much to offer. | | | | Unlike the diminishing reserves of oil and natural gas, |
| | | | | new deposits of aluminium are continually being |
| 1. | | | | formed, providing an almost inexhaustible supply. In |
| They are lightweight. You can subtract about a third | | | | this sense, one doesn't need to be worried about |
| off the weight of steel boats of similar size, making | | | | saving the planet! |
| them so much easier to carry to or from water. This | | | | |
| is an obvious advantage if they are transported by | | | | Boat manufacturers using aluminium are found in |
| trailer. | | | | mainland China, Australia, USA, Canada and elsewhere. |
| 2. | | | | Generally, these boats are up to 22' in length and |
| Aluminium is long-lasting. The main structure of the | | | | insuring them is less expensive. This may be because |
| boat is longer lasting, providing the owner with a solid | | | | the metal does not react to sparks. Commercial |
| investment. Should it be re-sold, it has a better | | | | pontoon boats may be a bit bigger. |
| re-sale value when compared to boats made of | | | | |
| other materials. | | | | Just in case anyone is interested. The spelling of the |
| 3. | | | | word aluminium may also be aluminum. Both are |
| Although people do paint aluminium boats, it is not | | | | correct, although in the USA and Canada aluminum is |
| necessary to paint the inside of the boat. There is | | | | the spelling, with its slightly different pronunciation, |
| evidence to suggest that painting the outside | | | | which is preferred. The word actually began as |
| protects the metal from atmospheric moisture. The | | | | alumium! |
| boat can be left unpainted and generally its upkeep is | | | | |
| easier to deal with. | | | | Wavesport Diesel 60, 70 and 80 is a kayak which has |
| 4. | | | | an aluminium base plate. NRS cataraft has an |
| The metal is stronger than steel, able to withstand a | | | | aluminium floor and Ocean has a dinghy using some |
| greater force before it buckles or distorts. It wears | | | | aluminium in its build. |