Careless boat builders will do whatever it takes to save money, even if it means sacrificing the quality of the vessel being built. One of the most common ways this is done is by improperly installing aluminum fuel tanks. The Problem Although aluminum is actually a self-protecting material, so long as it’s able to getContinue Reading >>
The Element of Boat Quality: Plywood Structurals Painted with Gel Coat
A lot of boat builders today are all about cutting costs, even if it means the quality of the vessel is compromised in the process. One of the most common ways this is done today is by painting boat frames, stringers, and other plywood structures with a thick layer of gel coat rather than properlyContinue Reading >>
The Element of Boat Quality: Low Quality Plywood Used for Hull Structural Members
Once a hull is rotted out, the cost of repair is so astronomical there’s really not much you can do except kiss your investment goodbye. However, you can’t stop boat builders from using low quality plywood and other materials for hull structure members, and you can’t stop the structures from absorbing water, so what canContinue Reading >>
The Element of Boat Quality: Structural Bulkheads
In order to ensure your vessel is strong and durable, not only should your ship have bulkheads in the first place, they must also be up to par – otherwise you’re going to have some major issues later on. What Are Structural Bulkheads? Bulkheads actually serve two specific functions: to act as transverse frames andContinue Reading >>
The Element of Boat Quality: Sealed Off Hull Compartments
If you find a boat with sealed off hull compartments you should always ask yourself, what is the boat builder hiding? The Main Problems This Causes Not being able to see into or access your hull compartments at all can be a big problem. There’s no way to know what’s going on down there, orContinue Reading >>
The Element of Boat Quality: The Hull-to-Deck Joint
Boat builders have all sorts of ways of cutting costs at the expense of the boater, and poorly attached decks is one of the worst. Common Problems That Result Having inferior deck joints can cause a surplus of problems for a boater even within just a few short years of purchase. Stress cracking, water leaksContinue Reading >>