Hello, I am replacing the flooring in my jon boat with aluminum. My goal is to build the lightest boat I can. The boat has a outboard jet, and I am going to be running and fishing SKINNY water. I am trying to count the build in ounces and not pounds...
The ribs are approx. 1.5" wide and 12.5" on center, the gap is just under 12 inches. I plan on placing pink building foam under the deck for less noise and added floatation just in case. The foam should sit flush with the ribs.
What is the thinnest aluminum I can get away with? I will probably cover with marine vinyl naugahyde-type material. I have some left over from a previous boat.
I don't care about sagging, just as long as it doesn't shear, or crack. How thin could I go? .04" maybe .03" or even smaller?
I was thinking about using perforated aluminum 3/16" dia holes on 3/8" staggered ctrs.
Would I be able to use the same thickness aluminum and save a little more weight? approx. 23%.
Thank you for your help, and your opinions.
The ribs are approx. 1.5" wide and 12.5" on center, the gap is just under 12 inches. I plan on placing pink building foam under the deck for less noise and added floatation just in case. The foam should sit flush with the ribs.
What is the thinnest aluminum I can get away with? I will probably cover with marine vinyl naugahyde-type material. I have some left over from a previous boat.
I don't care about sagging, just as long as it doesn't shear, or crack. How thin could I go? .04" maybe .03" or even smaller?
I was thinking about using perforated aluminum 3/16" dia holes on 3/8" staggered ctrs.
Would I be able to use the same thickness aluminum and save a little more weight? approx. 23%.
Thank you for your help, and your opinions.