How Do We Get Treadmaster To Stick To Aluminum?

by John January 1, 2005

Question: We are having trouble getting our Treadmaster deck covering to stay stuck to our bare aluminum deck. What can you tell me about getting epoxy to stick to aluminum reliably?

What Should I Look For When Buying An Older Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: What advice and cautions would you have regarding buying older aluminum boats? I have been told to pay particular attention to the area under the heads and engine and around the through-hulls. Is there anything else you might be wary about in an older aluminum boat?

Which Antifouling Paint Should I Use On An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: I bought an aluminum 40ft Roberts from the original owner and am in the process of many changes. One area which seems very gray these days is what bottom paint to use. An epoxy barrier coat is there but I do not want any copper impregnated paint anywhere near my boat. Could you please [...]

Why Is Morgan’s Cloud’s Hull Painted?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: You call painting an aluminum hull a mug’s game yet you painted your hull?

Can I Use Bronze Sea Cocks In An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: Do you have bronze sea cocks in your aluminum hull and if so what level of corrosive activity have you seen?

Can We Install A Bronze Transducer In Our Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: We want to replace the current inoperable depth sounder on our aluminum boat with a forward looking type (EchoPilot or Interphase), but we have run into the dilemma that the transducers suitable for our hull have bronze stems.We have been advised that bronze stems can be installed in aluminum hulls if the stem is [...]

Should I Apply Antifouling Paint To An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2007

Question: I’m thinking of leaving the bottom of my aluminum boat unpainted since I’m afraid of electrolysis caused, or at least made worse, by antifouling paint, particularly if the bottom is scratched. The boat is in fresh water, so she will not foul much.

Should I Use Coppercoat Antifouling Paint On An Aluminum Boat?

by John January 1, 2007

Question: We are considering applying Coppercoat to our aluminum boat and would be interested in your thoughts. I have attached some correspondence that I had with the makers of Coppercoat that may help:

Is An Aluminum Catamaran Suitable For The High Latitudes?

by John May 1, 2007

Question: I would like to do some cruising in the high latitudes and am in the process of planning a boat to take me there. You and others, like Jimmy Cornell, are very partial to alloy boats and I agree it seems to be the way to go. But I also like catamarans. I can [...]

Turning The Dream Into Reality

by Colin October 1, 2007

Ever since I was a small child I have had a fascination with building things, or making them better—boats, cars and motorcycles have all come and gone in this manner. Some started as good basic raw material, others as well formed objects that simply needed fine tuning and affection.

Choosing A Suitable Boat, New Versus Old

by Colin November 1, 2007
An OVNI 435 aluminum sailboat being framed.

There is a strong argument for buying a used boat for long distance cruising. The purchase price is initially more affordable, the boat often comes with a fairly full inventory, and may be well sorted out and ready to go.

A Boat Built To Travel

by Colin December 1, 2007
The OVNI 435 aluminum sailboat has a well-protected rudder and prop.

For us the choice of boat was dictated by our need for a traveling base camp for our wildlife photography interests, as much as for recreation. As the places we wish to visit are generally remote from civilization, we need a craft that can go virtually anywhere, for extended periods, and be as self-sufficient as [...]

Making The Most Of Aluminum

by Colin January 1, 2008
The OVNI 435 aluminum sailboat deck showing deck fittings welded on rather than screwed on.

Aluminum has many obvious attributes as a construction material—high strength to weight, durability, lack of maintenance—but there are other, subtler benefits that aluminum can offer, especially if starting from scratch. Careful thought at the planning stage to take advantage of that potential is time well spent.

What Should I Paint On My New Aluminum Boat?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: You say you would not paint aluminum. Ok, it is hideously expensive (I have been quoted £10,000 just for materials), it is difficult to key, and we have been advised to sand blast and paint the same day (tricky!). So, if you were to start all over again with a newly built boat, what [...]

What Problems Do You Have With Painting Aluminum?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: Where do your main problems with the paint on Morgan’s Cloud lie: with the paint becoming chipped from wear and tear, or from inadequate preparation, or from salt water working under the paint edge?

What Do You Think About Spray Foam Insulation For A New Aluminum Boat?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: We are planning to insulate the interior of our new aluminum boat with spray foam, any comments? Is your hull foamed? Was it primed with paint before or sprayed directly onto the metal?

How Did You Install Treadmaster On Your Aluminum Boat?

by John February 1, 2008

Question: When you were installing your Treadmaster, did you grind back to clean metal and glue it down, or did you, as I was advised, paint with epoxy first?

Self-Defence In Harbour

by Colin February 1, 2008
The OVNI 435 aluminum sailboat anchor locker and bow.

Those of us with aspirations to cruise in higher latitudes tend to focus on obviously important kit—sails, ground tackle, engine—but sometimes at the expense of simpler and less apparent elements. For example, some of our time will still be spent in port, but that almost certainly won’t be the sort of haven we’re used to [...]

Why White?

by Phyllis February 18, 2008

Question: Why did you paint Morgan’s Cloud white? I thought she looked better painted dark blue.

A Practical Interior At Sea Or In Harbour

by Colin March 1, 2008
The OVNI 435 aluminum sailboat interior layout showing woodwork.

A boat designed for extended offshore cruising has very different priorities from one designed for the occasional weekend aboard or a two week annual holiday.

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