Welding Aluminum Boats

Hardware · 03-03-2004, 04:03 PM

Anyone build their own aluminum boats? We are getting set up to make a couple for our buds and I have some questions for someone that HAS ACTUAL EXPERIENCE. We just have a couple questions to have answered and then it's time to order aluminum.

jetsled1 · 03-03-2004, 04:27 PM

I have never built a boat but I manage a fabrication shop that specializes in aluminum fabrication maybe I can help.

Hardware · 03-03-2004, 04:49 PM

Thanks, but right now my main questions are about the actual boat construction (jigs, framing, etc.)... I guess I do have one question, what is the going rate on press brake work right now if everything is marked up clearly and already cut? Is there some sort of rule of thumb?

Thanks!

sunshinefisherman · 03-03-2004, 04:55 PM

Don't do it. that is my advice.
If you must, practice, practice, practice.
I have been welding for years and I'm pretty good but aluminum is a B**ch!
Best of luck and keep us posted.

jetsled1 · 03-03-2004, 04:57 PM

Most shops like ours would charge by the hour, our shop rate is 65.00 per hr. but depending on how much and what size material, you may be able to get a good deal. You can form a lot of material in an hour if it is already laid out properly. Shear time and lay out is the biggest use of time. As long as all the material is the same thickness and the bends are 90 degree or 45 degree, set up does not take much time, but if you have many differant odd angles then set up of the press can be a little time consuming.

[ 03-03-2004, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: jetsled1 ]

Hardware · 03-03-2004, 05:05 PM

Thanks Jetsled1, where is your shop?? Might as well get a free advertisement out of the deal!

snit · 03-03-2004, 07:17 PM

The Coeur'da Lane (C'da) Company in Spokane supplies the majority of the sheet aluminum and formed/cut pieces for the jet boat builders in Lewiston Idaho, as well as a couple of famous Oregon boat builders. I buy steel from them, but I don't know anything about building a boat. I hope this helps.

hookumhi · 03-03-2004, 07:41 PM

do any of you guys make rocket launch towers from aluminum? I have a 20ft sled I was thinking of putting one on.

FreetoFish · 03-03-2004, 08:16 PM

:whazzup: Go down to Motion Marine in west linn
and look at thier boats. They design an excellent boat and the owner is also a fisherman. I don't know what you know about design, but there are alot of boats out there that don't handle rough water like the Motion Marine. I know I own one...... hope this helps, it's a big job. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

snit · 03-03-2004, 08:36 PM

I just saw a rocket launcher on ebay....look under "alumaweld".

Lund · 03-04-2004, 06:21 AM

Anything you want to know about a first time homemade sled. It was 18.5 feet long with 102" beam, built in gas tank. rod lockers, fish box etc..

the process is quite easy if you take a lottle time to lay it out. My buddy welded it and I cut it out. It took us about 125hours of working time b4 it hit the water with motors and all.

I'll post a few pics of the final product too. Many Ifishers have fished in it and really like it. Scott Amerman wanted us to build two more fro him. We don't have the time.

[ 03-04-2004, 07:30 AM: Message edited by: lund ]

Ragnar · 03-04-2004, 06:22 AM

Hardware,
I build aluminum boats for a living. I've fabricated and welded aluminum for close to 11yrs. now.
We can talk jig and fixtures anytime.
Where to buy aluminum, where to have things formed for you.... All that stuff. I work in Vancouver, WA
Send me a P.M. and we can talk
Ragnar

love2fish · 03-04-2004, 06:29 AM

Ragnar builds nice fish cleaning boxes too :grin: . Hopefully soon I'll see my new aluminum fish box

.

love2fish

Hardware · 03-04-2004, 06:49 AM

Alright, that's a sharp boat! Thanks Ragnar for the input, oh and now the phone call! Hopefully, at some point I will get some information that makes me change my mind. But for now, the more research I do, the more feasible it sounds. There's just something fun about using your own spinners, poles, boats, etc.. I think it makes the fish taste better too!

Ragnar · 03-04-2004, 06:54 AM

Hey Lovestofish...
TOO SUBTLE!
You'll like it I'm sure.
Now, I just have to build it.

We'll get'er done don't worry.

Ragnar

hookumhi · 03-04-2004, 09:54 AM

hey Ragnar I sent you a PM

Hardware · 03-04-2004, 12:05 PM

Redneck,
I have a nice lavro drift boat that I am going to sell, and replace with a drift boat we build first as a trial. Then, if we still feel like it, we are going to follow suit with our river boats. (Me and a couple of handy fishermen buddies)

I would like to get some more info about the plans you ordered, I will send you a pm.

Thanks!

5.0Fishmaster · 03-04-2004, 12:16 PM

L&J MARINE IN PORTLAND IS A BOAT BUILDER/FABRICATORS THEY HAVE BUILT SEVERAL THINGS FOR ME . GRAET PRICES AND JUST ALL AROUND GOOD GUYS IF YOU NEED ANYTHING BOAT RELATED.THEY HELPED ME SOLVE MY SPORTJET REVERSE PROBLEMS!! JUST MY WAY TO SAY THANKS TO THEN BY PASSING THEM OFF TO ALL OTHER IFISH MEMBERS .

Fish Hawg · 03-04-2004, 12:22 PM

L&J

My dad Is Planing on having a boat built buy Jeff. That guy can Weld.

He built a fuel tank for our boat and a off road diesel fuel tank and two water tanks for a couple of work trucks.

.....Ross

[ 03-04-2004, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: Fish Hawg ]

Pickles · 03-04-2004, 01:46 PM

Redneck:
I have heard tales of your Driftboat building experience from a longtime Friend Tillamook Tim as I like to call him! He told me that when you finished building it, he went on a drift with you on the Sandy! From what he says you did an excellent job putting it together.

[ 03-04-2004, 03:55 PM: Message edited by: fish-addict ]

Redneck · 03-04-2004, 11:54 PM

i built my own aluminum driftboat last year(s). i got some plans from a boat designer on the internet. here's the basics: step 1: build wooden jig, step 2: build boat exterior, step 3: build boat interior, step 4: paint, carpet, and add accessories. doesn't seem like much work but it really is.

i built it at work in our big fab shop. only problem was i had to drag it in and out of there whenever i worked on it. if you have the room & equipment to do it at home, by all means do it there! i guarantee it will be much more enjoyable. by the way are you building a sled or a driftboat?
redneck