Just want to know for any boat builders out there. I have been told by my local paddling store that there are no aluminum kayaks. Why couldn't i build one? it cant be weight, I would build the frame from 1/2 inch square aluminum tubing and the body out of 1/32 high grade sheeting. So why does something like this not exist?
Aluminum kayaks have been built. Few amateur builders know how to weld much less weld aluminum. Ideally you would need female molds and a press. Stretch forming can harden the aluminum and eliminate the need for a frame. If you make male molds, you could force form deck and hull parts and then join them. Read about amateur airplane builders. The big concern with an aluminum kayak is its tendency to stick to river rocks. Every whitewater run has devoured scores of aluminum canoes. Steel is possible.
This Site Might Help You. RE: Why couldn't an aluminum kayak work? Just want to know for any boat builders out there. I have been told by my local paddling store that there are no aluminum kayaks. Why couldn't i build one? it cant be weight, I would build the frame from 1/2 inch square aluminum tubing and the body out of 1/32 high grade sheeting. So why does...
The soft metal argument is silly. Use thicker aluminum or alloy for the bottom if you are concerned. Corrosion is even more ludicrous, I have a 60 year old aluminum boat. Aluminum does not corrode in salt water unless it is in contact with rusty iron for a long time. You do not have to weld, sealed rivets would work just as good. These are attempts to answer your question why can it not be done? Nobody can tell you because the truth is there is no reason there are no aluminum kayaks, so you aren t going to get a real reason why you shouldn t build one. The only good argument against an aluminum kayak is for use in white water, but we all know plastic is the only suitable material for that. An aluminum kayak would be amazingly light and much more scratch resistant than plastic or fiberglass.
