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Aluminum hull & composite superstructure?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by DDD, Jul 1, 2010.

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  1. DDD

    DDD New Member

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    I have seen steel hull and alloy superstructure and I have seen steel hull and GRP superstructure. Has anyone ever done an alloy hull and GRP (cored) superstructure? What are the pro and cons of this?
  2. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    I think Oceanfast built several yachts like this already in the 1980:s.

    http://www.oceanfast.com.au/go/history
  3. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    I seem to recall the Delta-built 161’ Gallant Lady had an aluminum hull and composite superstructure...?
  4. DDD

    DDD New Member

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    I am very impressed. This is the only yacht I found with this combination. What are the advantages and disadvantages.
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The advantages mostly would be a lack of maintanence on the superstructure in regards to paintwork and paint blisters. Better sound deadening (GRP) does not transmit as much noise. Possible weight savings. I worked on that Delta for a short period of time. You don't have to deal with the dissimilar metal issue in regards to having stainless bow rails and such with SS screws into aluminum.
  6. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    aluminum and Composite construction

    One issue is two totally different rates of expansion and contraction between the two, most major fastenings today through Alu. are sleeved and through bolted, with mylar separation between teak etc and alu. The beauty of welded alu. is it don't leak !!!!!
    construction methods are critical with alu. to minimize oxidization at construction and during it's lifetime, continous welding is critical rather than spot.
  7. SandEngXp

    SandEngXp New Member

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    Composite Superstructure on Metal Hulls

    This has been done since the early 80's. Yachts and Ferries. It started as a way to take advantage of composites by traditional metal builders to mitigate risk. Today it is mostly used on very large vessels and some ferries.

    Fexas and P-J's did one of the early ones - 80 ish feet as I recall. SSM and Bay Island transport just launch a new hybrid ferry.
  8. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    For many years, the U.S. Navy, and at least a couple of U.S. boatbuilders, used DetaClad, a DuPont product, to join the Al superstructure to the steel decks.
    No way for leaks to occur and no mechanical fastenings which reduced labor costs.
  9. Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Used? It's still used a lot! Ask Derecktor much they used last year. We used a lot on a local project recently.