Re: Starcraft welded
.100 is not thick...... , .125" is when the hull is getting to be a good thickness that compromises weight and strength...many guys getting aluminum boats made for them are having the bottom made with .187 and .250" thick plate...and the sides are made of .125"
my 2008 Lowe welded MOD V is made from .103" thick aluminum.....
that boat in the picture has a low transom but a MONSTER splashwell.....so it isnt taking water into the boat!!!!!!!!!
i aslo bet that the motor is HALF the cost of the rig!!!
I would also bet that it is way cheaper to cut material and weld up a boat than it would be to rivet them like the older starcrafts were!!!
think of the specialty rivet jigs and fixturing needed...plus several workers handling the parts...one man can weld up a new welded boat when it is fixtured and he can do it with a $8000 welder!
i wonder what all kinds of specialty rivets units would cost these days!
I think welded is easier and better....but for the home refurbisher....its a killer.....rivets are easier to deal with!! even if more time consuming.
i think you might need a huge die to stamp all the rivet holes in sheet aluminum for a riveted boat...but the welded boats are cut on a big cnc laser .
if I am not mistaken Lunds are still riveted...right? a 20 foot lund rigged like that starweld. about $50K!!!!!!!!!
bob
