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ALUMINUM AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR BOATS
Our boats are constructed from marine grade Aluminum ALMg4.5Mn. The tensile strength of this alloy approaches that of traditional steel products used in this industry, but the Specific Gravity of Aluminum is 2.75, whereas steel is 7.8.
The weight savings translate into boats with the same thickness of steel, but 66% savings in weight. This is why Aluminum lends itself extremely well for the construction of small and lightweight, but rugged boats.
Immediately upon exposure to atmospheric Oxygen, bare Aluminum and Oxygen react to form Aluminum Oxide, which forms a patina that acts as a protective layer for the underlying Aluminum, which is now preserved by this layer and further oxidation is stopped. For this reason other protective coatings are not necessary. Even in salt water the oxidation process is so slow that additional coatings are not necessary.
However, below the waterline, especially during long term exposure we advise anti fouling coatings. For esthetic reasons coatings are applied above the waterline.
One concern that must be addressed is the danger of creating a galvanic corrosion process where dissimilar metals and the water form an electro chemical cell. This cell causes erosion of the aluminum hull in the vicinity of for example bronze propellers. Traditional methods of cathodic protection should be considered to avoid pitting of the hull. This process is accelerated in salt water environments.
Because our boats are entirely constructed out of Aluminum and the only other metal we use is Stainless Steel for peripheral items such as fasteners, stays, hardware and the like, we do not foresee any issues with galvanic corrosion.
In most cases we conclude that Marine Grade Aluminum, due to its strength, low Specific Gravity and corrosion resistance is unsurpassed as a construction material for boats.
However the construction cost of an aluminum hull relative to polyester hulls is higher. The required skill level and labor intensity are higher than series production of Polyester hulls. On the other hand the aluminum hull is less susceptible to damage especially by point loads and possesses higher durability.
BOATS, BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY
Over the past decades the trend for elegance to be sacrificed becomes more is noticeable in our opinion. The design of many boats is largely dictated by the market demand for large interior space within a hull that should be designed for nautical requirements. These interiors must meet domestic requirements. As a result the boat designs become larger, contain more volumetric space and become taller than traditional designs.
This happens while boats uniquely qualify for sleek and beautiful expression of style. The hulls that glide through the water and cut through the waves have flowing lines below the water level and they continue above the waterline. It is almost by default that a design is created that is beautiful and harmonious.
We believe the spectrums of lines in a ship create the design formula of the hull and cabin. They are the top design priority. In addition a matching plan for the rigging and sails must complement the harmonious expression of the entire sailboat.
The double Enders of Iain Oughtred are an example of the magnificently elegant hulls combined with fitting sails, especially the “luggersails”.
Next to appearance we emphasize the functionality of boats. We strive to develop pretty, plainly and functionally geared but smoothly sailing boats. To us this means: everything that is not absolutely essential must be deleted and every other item must function to the maximum extent practicable. In order to reach this goal we make it our mission to test and sail our designs in all weather conditions and imaginable modes of use. This means sailing in light and rough weather, camping, road trips, lake sailing and canal sailing, but also receiving feedback from proud owners of our products. This allows us to discover improvements we can implement.
For example we believe we succeeded with “Het Visdiefje” in design and construction by mating simplicity and achievement in an optimal way.
“Het Visdiefje” is a small boat plainly equipped with a single luggersail, but behaves fantastic in all wind directions, but does not become shy in bad weather conditions with lots of breeze.
THE EXTERIOR OF ALUMINUM
Following the remarks about the ideal characteristics of Aluminum for boat building, it must be said that in untreated form aluminum displays a somewhat cold and dull appearance, especially when compared to wood. This is why we coat the exterior of our boats with a black epoxy coating, which shows a beautiful traditional appearance.
We blast the decks and interior with glass pearls which gives the surface a dullish grey look. The salient benefit of this blasting process is the texture of the surfaces which, even in wet conditions provide a non-slip surface. We manufacture the planks, sparring and tiller out of wood to in turn maximize their positive characteristics, such as insulation, impact resistance and beauty.
Finally we hope we have impressed you with our design philosophy regarding the durability, beauty plain functionality and excellent sailing characteristics of our production boats. They are meant to fill a niche for those sailors who like to sail in all weather conditions and who want to be sure to have long days of pleasure and reliability from their sail boat.