General Information on Boat Kits.

Please note that our drawings now contain a reference dimension, this is because there is much confusion about the way that boats are measured. We measure from the top of the transom, (at the extreme rear), to the front of the "V" of the boat, not the front of the bow sprit. If you are comparing designs of other manufacturers, and we recommend that you do, confirm the exact size or length of the boat, as many may designate size differently.

About Boat Kits ... but first, about Aluminium or "Plate Alloy".

The first thing we need to talk about is the material that we use in our boats. All our boats and kits are all made from 5083 Structural Marine Aluminium. Many boat builders and boat manufacturers refer to their boats being "Plate Alloy". For those who do not know this, many boats referred to as "Plate Alloy" boats have rolled or ribbed sides, these are made from a much softer grade of aluminium. In fact, these softer alloys are able to be easily formed, rolled and pressed to form the hull sides and bottom, similarly to the traditional "tinnie" on a larger scale. So what you say, .. well 5083 Structural Grade Marine Plate has a tensile strength of 290 Mpa, just for comparison, Mild Steel has a tensile strength of 250Mpa. The softer alloys used by many boat manufacturers may have a tensile strength as low as 90 Mpa. If you are unsure of the difference, get a piece or 4mm or 5mm 5083 Stuctural plate and bash it with a sledge hammer, and see what happens..not much I can tell you, it is really tough material. It is piece of mind, and the reason that most commercial fisherman, charter operators and commercial divers have "Plate Alloy" boats, made from 5083 Structural Grade Aluminium.

All our boats are made from 5083 or similar, Structural Grade Aluminium. We also use a heavier gauge of plate on the floors and cabins of our boats. Typically many builders use 3mm for the floor, cabins and topside. In most designs, we use 4mm on the floor, 4mm for the cabins, and 5mm for the bottom plates, stringers and transoms.

When comparing prices, remember to compare the material used in the boat. The extra thickness means more aluminium and more money.

All of our boat kits are normally pre-jigged unless "Flat Packed". What this means is that the bottom plates, frames, stringers, transom and sides are formed into the shape of a boat.
We spend a lot of time, (and money), using the most advanced Naval Design software, and then use the best cutting systems available including CNC Routing machines to produce the finest possible product that we can, it's as simple as that.

We are able to supply kits in the following configurations:

1: Flat Packed - This option has the advantage to be easiest for transport. Ideal for aluminium boat builders or persons who have built aluminium boats before, or those who feel they are able to undertake a project like a full build. Supplied are all the parts for the hull only, including cut and marked plates, extrusions and instructions for assembly.

2: Pre Jigged Hull - This option is ideal for those who may not have the experience of building a plate boat before. We use our jigging system to fit the bottom plates, frames and stringers, with the bottom plates pulled up and the sides tacked in place. This has the advantage that the boat is fair and accurately assembled. This option is ideal for the first time builder, and we can also supply for delivery on a trailer, with the bottom fully assembled.

2: Fully Welded Hull - For those who may not have the time to build the hull themselves, but would like to undertake the fit-out of the boat. This option can also be supplied on a trailer ready for fit-out.


About our Naval Architects.

We work with some of Australia's finest Naval architects, or we think so anyway. If you are a Naval Architect and would like to talk to us about any particular projects, including cutting and building boats for your customers, please feel free to call us on (+613) 9555 6399, or send us an email.