Aluminum vee hull

[Fishsail]

We’re looking for a new dinghy for our new to us motor yacht. We have a 15’ beam and I’m thinking about a 12’ aluminum vee hull, tired of the deflatables and Don’t want to spend 10k on a fiberglass dinghy. Anyone else use one of these little boats? I had a 16’ for years that was awesome but not sure about a 12 footer?

 

[Mako]

Are you referring to a John boat? My riveted 10 footer was tough and with good seamanship took big waves. But the freeboard was low. I like AL dinghies because you can run them up on the beach, on rocks, on the concrete boat ramp. Not a care in the world.

Yes a larger one with good freeboard would be a great work boat.

 

[Fishsail]

Not so much a Jon boat? I refer a Jon boat to a square front end low freeboard type lake boat? I’m looking more for a higher sided bee bow aluminum boat! Yes I like the idea of a tougher hull material, we cruise full time and are on beaches all the time. Shells are not good for inflatable boats

 

[mvweebles]

Here's an interesting looking 12-foot utility skiff that looks like it has enough freeboard for a bit of surf-landing. Unfortunately these are just plans so would need to find a fabricator.

12 Foot (3.6m) Utility Skiff Kit - MetalBoatKits

YouTube video showing construction.

Peter

 

[CharlieO.]

Marlon

https://www.marlonproducts.com/products/boats/welded-utility/