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Metal Boat Showdown: Aluminum vs. Steel
by Roger McAfee
I`m considering purchasing a metal boat. My buddy says aluminum is stronger than steel. I say it`s not. Who`s right?
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That depends on what you mean by "stronger," but it is generally accepted that steel is stronger. Steel has a tensile strength of 60,000 to 70,000 pounds, whereas aluminum measures between 23,000 and 47,000. The yield strength of steel is generally between 36,000 and 42,000 psi, and aluminum is between about 18,000 and 40,000 psi. Metal strength varies depending on the additives used in the production process. Structurally, an aluminum boat can be designed to be as strong as a steel boat.
Some metal boat salespeople use the word "strong" when what they really mean is "tough," however, and that can create confusion. The aluminum used in pleasureboat building is softer than steel used for the same purpose. Therefore, it will wear quicker than steel if the boat is subject to grounding regularly or is used in ice. It will also dent easier during a hard docking or when run aground at speed. In other words, a choice of boat-building material must take into account the vessel`s planned use.
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This article first appeared in the July 1, 2010 issue of Sea Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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