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Yes Jannick, fiberglass, steel, and aluminum I think are the most common... Then there is wood (which isn't really so popular now a days from what I see), and more modern composite materials (carbon fiber, and a whole host of other varieties that I know nothing about)...
All three of the major materials can be used on trans-atlantic cruisers, although fiberglass is practical only to certain lengths (at some point the weight and difficulty in molding makes it impractical).
Steel and aluminum are generally used in bigger builds, and also in some smaller trawlers/expedition styles. I'm note wholly versed in the pros/cons of each, but I have heard from one builder of aluminum boats that Steel hulls last less in the water due to corrosion and are heavier... I heard from another builder that aluminum can be very much affected by corrosion, and that its lightweight can make for unstable vessels... difficult to see the balance between the obviously biased opinions.
Another popular flavor is Steel hull + Alum superstrct...
And finally, like the Calixas, fiberglass can be a good material up to certain lengths (afaik this isnt cast in stone, but is more the opinion of several builders...) I'm interested in hearing the details of the calixas hull, whether it is cored or only the structure, and if so what the benefits are.
On another issue, if someone can answer about the wheelhouse equipt on calixas I'm still very much interested... I think i'm gonna get a nobeltec system up for testing, but wanted to see what other systems are in use.
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