I wanted to expand the topic to say for riveted boat but couldn't.
I know that the aluminum would last forever and the plywood has a lifespan, but other than that...
I bought a riveted boat. This is my first aluminum boat so this is my first time.
I am trying to contain the cost of my mods so that my inexpensive boat doesn't wind up being an expensive boat. That being said, it looks like the plywood deck would be less expensive. But, by the time you apply the various coatings for rot and skid prevention, how close to the cost of aluminum plating will you get? I am still trying to figure out how best to treat the plywood. I don't think I want carpet, so it would be plywood with a nonskid surface applied.
Then there is the feel. When done right, would the plywood deck have as good of a feel as the aluminum? I really like the look of those aluminum decks, but maybe a well done wood deck would be as nice.
If I went the aluminum route, welding would be out of the question. I have never welded and dont have a tig welding machine. The tig welder would cost as much as several boats. I was looking at several aluminum brazing products online. They look interesting, but the demos show people working on small pieces. I don't know how well this would work when attaching aluminum angles to the hull or attaching aluminum decking to the ribs. Screwing or riveting might be a viable option. The riveting tools are inexpensive. Since the hull is riveted, I don't know if there is any reason why the decking and supports shouldn't also be riveted.
There is also a middle ground. Could rivet an aluminum frame and the screw a wood deck to it. Plywood would be easier to cut.
I would like some advice from the more experienced boat builders on this site. I don't want a sentimental family keepsake as much as an affordable functional fishing boat. I will use this in shallow inshore saltwater flats and marshes, and will put a mudmotor on it.
Thank you!
I know that the aluminum would last forever and the plywood has a lifespan, but other than that...
I bought a riveted boat. This is my first aluminum boat so this is my first time.
I am trying to contain the cost of my mods so that my inexpensive boat doesn't wind up being an expensive boat. That being said, it looks like the plywood deck would be less expensive. But, by the time you apply the various coatings for rot and skid prevention, how close to the cost of aluminum plating will you get? I am still trying to figure out how best to treat the plywood. I don't think I want carpet, so it would be plywood with a nonskid surface applied.
Then there is the feel. When done right, would the plywood deck have as good of a feel as the aluminum? I really like the look of those aluminum decks, but maybe a well done wood deck would be as nice.
If I went the aluminum route, welding would be out of the question. I have never welded and dont have a tig welding machine. The tig welder would cost as much as several boats. I was looking at several aluminum brazing products online. They look interesting, but the demos show people working on small pieces. I don't know how well this would work when attaching aluminum angles to the hull or attaching aluminum decking to the ribs. Screwing or riveting might be a viable option. The riveting tools are inexpensive. Since the hull is riveted, I don't know if there is any reason why the decking and supports shouldn't also be riveted.
There is also a middle ground. Could rivet an aluminum frame and the screw a wood deck to it. Plywood would be easier to cut.
I would like some advice from the more experienced boat builders on this site. I don't want a sentimental family keepsake as much as an affordable functional fishing boat. I will use this in shallow inshore saltwater flats and marshes, and will put a mudmotor on it.
Thank you!