Glass: Cost, weight, prone to chipping
Aluminum: Expensive, have to be pretty careful about electrolysis and dissimilar metals, sturdy as hell (assuming a decent thickness is used.) Bracing has to be done right to get the best design (though that's not specific to aluminum.)
Hi can you expand on the electrolysis point please as sorry I dont understand. Also at the boat show they were claiming it was easier to have different configs with the aluminium boat. again comments welcome.
When you see all the white chalky powder on Ali it is corrosion, salt water eats most metals and Ali is no exception, as for altering deck layout you can do the same on both boats, what's been said above is correct, careful placement of bulkheads and good welding is important, my personal opinion would be GRP for a big boat and Ali for a small one
If Ali was better in the UK there would be more of them, they are popular in the USA (in some areas) and New Zealand where they are much more resistant to damage hurtling up shallow rivers with jet power. Nothing wrong with ali for UK waters but no need for it really.
Hayling Rescues RIB is in its 14th year and is all aluminium. Frank takes good care of it and it comes out the water once a year for a good scrub and anti foul. It lives on the water 24 /7 and is in very good condition, considering the harsh environment it functions in. It is a fabulous piece of kit and was built by Pepes Boatyard on Hayling Island, who specialise in aluminium boats. It has a Perkins 275 BHP turbo diesel and a Hamilton Jet. It is the perfect rescue boat, custom designed to suit Franks requirements.
For some reason the last post wouldn't let me attach this photo. Frank in action with the crew from an International 14. The helm had bust his collarbone during a high speed capsize.
....they are much more resistant to damage hurtling up shallow rivers with jet power.
Hurtling up shallow rivers with jet power, mmmmm...!!! Aluminium is simply too beaucoup dollar compared to a fibreglass hull. I've been up many a creek in my rib and have never felt the need for an aluminium hull. Mind you, they may be useful for this kind of thing:
