Hail Hirt Aluminum Boat: A Durable And Reliable Choice

Aluminum boats are a great choice for fishing, skiing, and cruising. They are durable, dependable, and versatile. However, they are also susceptible to hail damage, which can be a huge headache for boat owners. Wind and hail damage are the second most common causes of boat insurance claims, and the impact of hail can range from minor dents and cracks to extreme damage or even a total loss. To protect your investment, it is important to remember to check your boat for hail damage after a storm and to submit any insurance claims within the limited time frame specified by your policy.

The pros and cons of owning an aluminium boat

Aluminium boats have gained popularity among boating enthusiasts for a variety of reasons. They offer a range of benefits that make them a versatile choice for many different activities, from fishing and hunting to leisure cruising and watersports. However, as with any material, there are also some downsides to consider before making a purchase. Here are the pros and cons of owning an aluminium boat to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Durability and Strength: Aluminium is known for its strength and resilience, making it ideal for rough waters and challenging conditions. It can withstand significant impacts without cracking or breaking.
• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide coating, especially in freshwater environments, which helps resist corrosion and reduces maintenance needs.
• Easy Handling: Aluminium boats are lightweight, making them easier to tow, launch, and retrieve. This is advantageous for solo boaters or those with smaller vehicles.
• Fuel Efficiency: Due to their lightweight construction, aluminium boats require less power to move, resulting in better fuel efficiency and potential cost savings over time.
• Customizability: Aluminium is a flexible material that can be easily modified to add extra storage, seating, or specialized equipment to meet specific needs.
• Variety of Uses: Aluminium boats are suitable for a wide range of environments, including lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, making them versatile for various activities.
• Simple Upkeep: These boats require relatively low maintenance compared to other materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections are usually sufficient.
• Repairability: Aluminium boats are generally easier and cheaper to repair than boats made from other materials. Small dents and punctures can often be fixed without professional assistance.

Cons:

• Loud Operation: The metal hull of aluminium boats can amplify the sound of water slapping against it, which may be bothersome for some boaters. Insulation can help mitigate this issue.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Aluminium boats often have a more industrial and less polished appearance compared to fiberglass boats. They can be painted or wrapped in vinyl to achieve a more traditional yacht-like look.
• Heat and Temperature Sensitivity: Aluminium can get very hot in the sun, making the deck uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Appropriate decking materials or treatments can help address this issue.
• Higher Upfront Investment: While aluminium boats offer long-term savings due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, the initial purchase price is typically higher compared to boats made from other materials.

Ultimately, the decision to choose an aluminium boat depends on your specific needs, preferences, and boating environment. By weighing the pros and cons, you can determine if aluminium is the right material for your aquatic adventures.

How to maintain an aluminium boat

Aluminium boats are a great choice for anglers due to their durability, reliability, and ease of maintenance. However, regular maintenance is required to keep them in good condition, especially after exposure to saltwater. Here are some essential tips for maintaining an aluminium boat:

Keep Your Boat Dry

After each use, it is important to wash your aluminium boat with fresh water, especially if it has been exposed to saltwater, polluted water, brackish water, or salty roads. Use a pressure washer to remove any salt build-ups and prevent galvanic corrosion. Ensure that you drain the water completely from the vessel. Keep the outboard attached and hold the vessel at an angle to facilitate proper drainage. Debris, sand, and other particles can obstruct drainage, so make sure to inspect and remove any obstacles during the drainage process.

Clean Your Boat Thoroughly

Drying your boat is crucial, but it is equally important to keep your aluminium boat and its components clean. Regularly clean the exterior of your boat using a mild boat soap or a mixture of water and vinegar. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the boat's finish. There are specific aluminium hull cleaners available, such as Captain Phab Aluminum Hull Cleaner, which can brighten, polish, and provide long-term protection to aluminium parts.

Take Care of Fuel Tanks

Aluminium fuel tanks are safe and reliable, but leaks can occur due to corrosion. To maintain the longevity of your aluminium fuel tanks, properly apply paint and regularly check for and remove any moisture under the paint. Use stainless steel washers or adapters in the boat fuel system fittings to prevent moisture and galvanic corrosion. When you take your vessel out of the water, drain water from all sides of the tank and keep it above the boat hull for proper air circulation. Use materials like neoprene, Teflon, or high-density plastic for the tank's support system.

Outboard and Trailer Maintenance

Don't forget to maintain your boat trailer and outboard components, such as brakes, springs, and hubs. After each use, flush the boat motor with fresh water to remove salt buildup and prevent corrosion. Regularly inspect and repair the outboard as per the boat manufacturer's recommendations.

Protect Against Corrosion

Aluminium is susceptible to corrosion, which can lead to staining and other issues. To prevent this, rinse your boat with fresh water and wipe away any visible scum or waterline around the hull with a wet rag after each use. For more intensive cleaning, use aluminium cleaners or mild detergents with warm water to clean painted and unpainted hull surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleansers or solvents that could damage the finish. Apply wax and sealant to painted hull surfaces to preserve the original finish.

The cost of an aluminium boat

Aluminium boats are a great choice for fishing, skiing, and cruising. They are easy to maintain and operate, and can be an inexpensive purchase. The cost of an aluminium boat varies depending on several factors, including the size, features, and brand.

The price of a new aluminium boat can range from around $9,995 to $20,000 or more. For example, the StealthCraft Superfly, a 16-foot drift boat with multiple seating arrangements, costs $9,995, while the Legend 15 AllSport, a fishing boat with a full windshield and tall canvas Bimini, has a list price of around $20,000.

When considering the cost of an aluminium boat, it is important to factor in additional expenses such as shipping, building, and maintenance. Building costs can vary depending on the builder and the complexity of the design. Maintenance costs should also be considered, as regular upkeep is necessary to keep the boat in good condition.

It is worth noting that aluminium boats can be customised to suit specific needs, which may impact the overall cost. Some boats offer optional features such as console and tiller control options, which can increase the price. Additionally, accessories like fishing rod holders, shell holders, or cup holders may be available at an extra cost.

For those looking for a more affordable option, used aluminium boats can be a great choice. These boats may require some repairs or upgrades, but they can offer significant savings compared to purchasing a new boat.

In summary, the cost of an aluminium boat can vary widely depending on the size, features, brand, and customisation options. It is important to consider not only the initial purchase price but also the additional costs of shipping, building, and maintenance to get a full picture of the overall expense.

The best type of aluminium boat for fishing

Aluminium fishing boats have a lot of advantages over their fibreglass competitors, especially when it comes to smaller models. They are lighter, require smaller power plants, are easier to tow and handle, and are also easier to maintain. They are also usually cheaper, sometimes significantly so.

If you're looking for a boat that's not much over 20 feet in length, an aluminium rig is likely to be a top choice. Aluminium boats are ideal for anglers who want to fish in shallow waters, as they can get into the thick stuff and manoeuvre around easily. They are also easier to tow, which is ideal if you want to travel to different locations.

Some of the best aluminium fishing boats include:

• Lowe Fish & Ski 1800: This is a great option for family anglers with kids, as it has a bowrider-style layout with a tall wraparound windshield for protection from the elements. It also has a long list of standard features, including a locking rod locker, a 24-gallon livewell, and five seat bases for swivelling fishing seats.
• Lund 1400 Fury: This is a small aluminium fishing boat with basic amenities like a livewell, rod boxes, a raised front deck, and two swivel seats. It's a great option for those on a budget, as it can be purchased new for under $15,000.
• Tracker Grizzly 2072 CC: This boat offers a lot of space for a relatively low price point. It's 21'5" long and 8'3" wide, with a 115-150 horsepower and comes packaged with a trailer. It also has integrated fishing features like two livewells and a rotomoulded centre console with vertical rod holders.
• Crestliner XFC 189: Designed specifically for panfish anglers, it has 23-gallon livewells with removable bait buckets and locking rod storage. It also has a "supermount" accessory mounting system and can accommodate crappie fishing spider rigs.
• G3 20 GX: This boat is ideal for saltwater angling, with elevated fore and aft casting decks, a centre console, and an electric trolling motor on the bow. The entire interior is ruggedized with a Tuff Coat spray-in liner, and it comes standard with a Bear aluminium trailer.
• Starcraft CX Fish 21 FD: Anglers who enjoy the pontoon boat lifestyle will appreciate this aluminium pontoon boat, which comes equipped with fishing features like an aerated livewell, a locking rod box, pedestal-mount swivelling fishing seats, and a fishing station in the stern. It also has all the comforts of a pontoon boat, including comfy seating, a Bimini top, and a Bluetooth stereo system.

When choosing an aluminium fishing boat, it's important to consider your budget, the type of fishing you plan to do, and the features that are most important to you. It's also a good idea to rent different boats to get a feel for how they perform and handle before making a purchase.

How to repair an aluminium boat

Repairing an aluminium boat can be a simple process, but it's important to identify the cause of the damage to prevent it from happening again. In the case of an aluminium boat, leaks can be caused by electrolysis, which is when the metal of the boat comes into contact with an electrolyte, such as saltwater, and undergoes a chemical reaction that creates small holes in the metal. This can be prevented by adding a sacrificial zinc anode to the boat's transom, which will attract the electrolytes and corrode instead of the boat's metal.

If you have a leak in your aluminium boat, the first step is to identify the location and size of the hole. In the case of the boat owner in the story, they found two pinhole leaks and one larger leak about 1/3 inch in diameter. The next step is to decide on a repair method. One option is to have an aluminium welder spot weld the holes shut, but this can be costly and may not be a safe option if the hole is located near the fuel tank or floatation material.

Another option is to use a marine epoxy to fill the holes. This method is much cheaper and safer, but it may not be a permanent fix. The boat owner in the story attempted to use epoxy to repair their leaks, but the epoxy they purchased was old and did not harden properly. However, they eventually found a product called JB Water Weld that successfully patched the leaks.

To repair the leaks, the boat owner first cleaned the surfaces with acetone and sandpaper, then applied the epoxy with a putty knife. They let the epoxy dry for 24 hours, and the next day, the patch was hard as rock. As an added measure of protection, the owner also applied a layer of Flex Paste over the epoxy patch, which set in a hard rubber form by the next day.

With these simple steps, you can easily and inexpensively fix leaks in your aluminium boat and get back out on the water.

Frequently asked questions