Anyone put a new aluminium bottom on their boat?

[dnej]

Thinking of putting a 4mm plate bottom on my Stessl, to replace the pressed aluminium bottom on it at present. I intend to keep the boat.

Apparently to do the job, they old bottom is cut out, to within 1 cm of the chine, and the new plate welded to the section that is left.

They use the original bottom as a pattern.
Anyone had it done or know of any pitfalls?
Is the plate left, as a smooth suface, or are ribs, placed somehow?
How would a cuddy cabin be turned over, to access the bottom?
Regards David

[dugong]

whats wrong with the existing bottom??

[markpeta]

There has been a few done at work. 4mm plate will be smooth we weld plaining straits on the bottom. If the boat is painted a lot of prep work is done as all of the old paint has to come off or will not weld properly. The boats are turned over but everything has to come off motor/ fuel etc. The only thing to consider is that the boat will weigh a bit more and wont be as fast as before.

Mark

[dfox]

Dave- had a mate do it to his boat and it came up great. As mark said its done quite a bit. Usually theres a few straits welded on, but its probably not critical to do so, but id put a few short ones on towards the rear of the hull anyway.
Good luck...

[dnej]

Thanks fellars. Dugong, nothing, apart from a ding the guy before me had repaired, but its an old boat, and this would be a refurbish,and bring some extra strength to the boat, and a lot cheaper, than going to a new one.
Great old girl.
David

[dugong]

hope it all goes well for you.
some pic's of her before and after would be good, and any probs,costs ect as some other members may also consider this option.
cheers