Aluminum hull

[ATX]

Guys--

Im looking to purchase my first aluminum boat. Should I be worried about a couple of dents in the hull?

Thnaks!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Aluminum hull

Not the ones in the picture, as long as it doesn't leak and the are no signs if ribs separating from the hull.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Aluminum hull

nope not those. Leave them "B"

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Aluminum hull

As long as the metal inside is still flat on the plate, no problem.

Those long shallow depressions are typical of coming at a trailer or dock too fast in high winds. Person never tried to reverse. Just tried to " get lucky".

 

[dave11]

Re: Aluminum hull

Those dents are just fine. They add charachter to the boat. You will add your own. Enjoy!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Aluminum hull

Im recognize those "dents."

I'd put money on that being a Spectrum or Fisher welded hull.

Mine was totally rippled, worse than that, in about 5 years.

Never hit anything but waves with it.

The little ridges are from the internal support structure.

And yes, the hull is made from some mighty thin sheets of aluminum.

I figured a hull should not ripple from hitting water.

The rippling, and the poor turning of that hull, are the major reasons I sold it.

That and the fact that I could own 3 use specific boats for what I had tied up in that one.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Aluminum hull

What brand is that boat ?

Want to steer clear of it.
It does look very flat in the bow. My 15" transom 16' Lowe is similar in the wind when docking. If I put battery & fuel tanks in the bow, the boat the sits bow down without me in it. Rainwater FILLS the boat then.
Battery in stern. Spare fuel tank in the very bow.

 

[ATX]

Re: Aluminum hull

The boat is a Fisher Hawk 160 WT. I think the previous two post have persuaded me not to buy....

 

[sschefer]

Re: Aluminum hull

The Fisher Hawk 160 WT is a well built boat. It's in between a heavy gauge Al boat and a light gauge like the Lowe's, Crestliners, Starcrafts, etc. All aluminum warps, even 3/16 and it looks to me like that's all you have is a little warpage. It's not a speed boat so worring about a few hull depressions is not necessary. I say buy it if the price is right.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Aluminum hull

My Lowes does not warp buckle or dent. 32 years old. All rivited. Does not leak.
I am 74. I DO HIT the floating docks 10 % of the time.

Most welded plates will warp. Perfectly normal in thin material that flat .


The Lowes has a lot of curve & rivited ribs every 14" to 16" . I run it over rocks to reach ponds. I think the boat wants to attend my funeral.

 

[ATX]

Re: Aluminum hull

The purchase price would be $11,500-- It has a 75hp Optimax with 38 hours--- the inside is in very good shape.

Model year is 2007

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum hull

Where are you located? That would be a really high price in my area for that boat.

 

[ATX]

Re: Aluminum hull

I am located in Austin, TX--

I have checked around, and this appears to be a decent price for this boat.. But I may be wrong..

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Aluminum hull

I DID A WEB SEARCH OF THAT BOAT. 2 months ago in Austin same size & model boat was asking 12,900.

If you can find a few more thousand you could buy a fully upholstered 18' bow rider with a 130 HP eng. Full I / O setup.

No noise, gas tanks around. Very well padded seats. Tons of storage for skis, rods, fenders, built in coolers with full covers.

If you are NOT dead set on a O B .............Go to some boat shows. Big companies are doing Great boats for nothing compared to 4 years ago. ALL are down sizing like most Americans.
Boat shows. Then test ride at a dealer. Spend some time. save a bundle. See what grabs you.

Some dealers are sitting on 2 year old boats. Caution...They will try to get a full price for the 2 year old / new boats. battery is toast now.

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Aluminum hull

Do yourself a favor and at least look at a Lund. Top dollar aluminum boat, you won't regret it. No aluminum warpage, and no gunwale flexing when hitting the big waves.

 

[ATX]

Re: Aluminum hull

Unfortunately I would not be doing my wallet a favor by looking at the Lund -- Cyclops-- Im sure you found the exact boat I am looking at, I have been watching it for a couple of months

 

[sschefer]

Re: Aluminum hull

The purchase price would be $11,500-- It has a 75hp Optimax with 38 hours--- the inside is in very good shape.

Model year is 2007

That may change things a bit. If the opti was original and the boat was used regularly then the powerhead has been replaced. The 06-07 Opti's were troublesome to say the least. A new powerhead doesn't mean the problems are gone. If you find yourself needing yet another motor replacement then it's not worth the asking price. If you could get it for 6000.00 then maybe.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Aluminum hull

I live in NJ. The dealers have boats in off site fenced in areas next to 24 hour places like motels . Boats everywhere.

Keep looking.

Thanks sschefer, for the OPITIMA backround.