Aluminum boat hull flexing/twisting

DaleH said:

Simple ... while OK, whereas you already have bolt holes holding the seats, some 1" wide by 1/8" thick aluminum (most hardware stores carry such stock) would make nice brackets. Bend 1" flat on an end and determine how much 'span' you need to get up near the gunnel and then bend a 1" flat on that end too.

A simple carboard model would help you size them correctly. You'd be done in 1 beer-time +/-.

If using SS hardware, use nylon washers underneath SS bolt head and SS washers, or tape the 1" flat end with duct tape ... anything to insulate the aluminum from the SS hardware. These simple brackets would add strength and rigidity back into your hull, if crossing a lot of boat wakes or in any chop and they are actually copied from other tin hulls! Many open skiffs use similar brackets.

With some creativity, one can also mount oar, paddle or rod holders to them, etc. Have fun!View attachment 113098

Click to expand...

DaleH said:

Simple ... while OK, whereas you already have bolt holes holding the seats, some 1" wide by 1/8" thick aluminum (most hardware stores carry such stock) would make nice brackets. Bend 1" flat on an end and determine how much 'span' you need to get up near the gunnel and then bend a 1" flat on that end too.

A simple carboard model would help you size them correctly. You'd be done in 1 beer-time +/-.

If using SS hardware, use nylon washers underneath SS bolt head and SS washers, or tape the 1" flat end with duct tape ... anything to insulate the aluminum from the SS hardware. These simple brackets would add strength and rigidity back into your hull, if crossing a lot of boat wakes or in any chop and they are actually copied from other tin hulls! Many open skiffs use similar brackets.

With some creativity, one can also mount oar, paddle or rod holders to them, etc. Have fun!View attachment 113098

Click to expand...

airshot said:

Your boat doesnt have the substructure where flotation is normally held. That structure adds rigidity to the sides. If that boat has no flotation, I wouldn't use it!! Fabricate some alum sheet to create some stiffeners for under thosebench seats...just look at pics of other boats and you will see.

Click to expand...

LDUBS said:

A lot of older boats did not have floors/floor structures. Many of that style/era had floatation in the bench seat boxes. Those 2x benches look pretty robust. Im not sure stiffeners are needed, but adding some floatation boxes wouldn't be a bad idea.

Click to expand...