Aluminium & Steel Boats Australia

Aluminium & Steel Boats (ASB) custom build:

to any international classification and survey
to ABS standards for racing yachts
to any length

The success of high profile racers such as 1991 BOC place winners Innkeeper and Buttercup and more recently Bobsled, Frantic, Hammer of Queensland and Animal Farm have gained ASB a reputation for the highest standards, building fast, strong, safe boats able to withstand the toughest conditions.

ASB are recognised for their expertise in aluminium fabrication which leads to a very seaworthy vessel with an extremely fair hull.

Australia leads the world in aluminium fusion technology.

Construction materials:

ALUMINUM

is a low density, light but strong material that can be used in all types of vessels - even very light displacement vessels.
is very easy to shape which gives the designer much more scope to create a work of art - flowing lines and radius’s
extrusions come in all shapes, profiles and sizes which can save money in the construction and add strength to the structural members.
does not require painting.
is very corrosion resistant and only requires antifouling.
does not require sandblasting, is recyclable and environmently friendly.
is far superior to GRP, traditional wood hull or cold moulded vessels when it comes to impact and abrasion damage control.

STEEL

The contemporary steel boat is a very different proposition to those in past times. Modern technology produces:

hulls with rounded bilges, soft shapes, NACA section keels and performance underbodies protected by low maintenance marine coatings
weight reduction by building deck and cabin structures from aluminium, fibreglass or composite materials.
polished stainless steel deck fittings.

There are many challenges to face in ocean sailing. When the hazards of floating debris, half submerged containers and weather patterns that defy prediction are considered, the advantages of building a very tough steel boat are obvious.

The hull, deck and keel are all one integrated structure. This entirely eliminates leaks and adds strength.

Because of the added strength, bulkheads are reduced which gives greater scope for the interior design and fit out.

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ALUMINIUM AND STEEL

The combination of a steel hull and aluminium superstructure provides strength and toughness below water as well as light weight strength above. Special techniques for joining the aluminium deck to the steel hull, normally associated with Naval vessels, are required.
The technique is referred to as a structural transition joint (STJ). It's cross section consists of an explosion bonded composite of seawater resistant aluminum alloy and C-steel and is usually applied in the form of strips or pads when welding together steel and aluminium structures.
	This picture shows 'Fascination's' steel hull (already primed) joined to the aluminium superstructure

ASB is noted for their ability to interpret and implement naval architects and engineers requirements. We enjoy a close relationship with the designers; the combined efforts of ASB and the designer ensure an outstanding finished product.

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