oceanfrank
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2016
- Messages
- 32
I am looking for a new boat that will be used in saltwater. I was under the impression that aluminum hulls were pretty much indestructible, but lately i've been reading stuff that makes me less sure.
Turns out people say that aluminum will corrode in salt water. Is this true? More importantly, is this something to worry about? Like, I'm much less worried about aluminum corroding in salt water if it takes 500 years and it needs to be in the water full time. and, I guess fiberglass will eventually break down in salt water, as well?
The other thing is, is this a realistic worry if I do even minor things like washing the boat down after use? I would trailer it and there is a water station at the marina, so if I just rinse it off after use, will the aluminum be fine?
I'll also say, I'll happily take any other thoughts about aluminum vs fiberglass. I thought I was pretty well versed on the subject, but if I overlooked this potential corrosion issue, what else did I overlook? I'm looking at a boat in the 22-25 foot range and my main concerns are first and foremost low-maintenance and secondly strength and thirdly weight. I was originally looking at aluminum because I'd happy trade off a more comfortable ride for a light boat that is low-maintenance and strong!
Turns out people say that aluminum will corrode in salt water. Is this true? More importantly, is this something to worry about? Like, I'm much less worried about aluminum corroding in salt water if it takes 500 years and it needs to be in the water full time. and, I guess fiberglass will eventually break down in salt water, as well?
The other thing is, is this a realistic worry if I do even minor things like washing the boat down after use? I would trailer it and there is a water station at the marina, so if I just rinse it off after use, will the aluminum be fine?
I'll also say, I'll happily take any other thoughts about aluminum vs fiberglass. I thought I was pretty well versed on the subject, but if I overlooked this potential corrosion issue, what else did I overlook? I'm looking at a boat in the 22-25 foot range and my main concerns are first and foremost low-maintenance and secondly strength and thirdly weight. I was originally looking at aluminum because I'd happy trade off a more comfortable ride for a light boat that is low-maintenance and strong!