Heavy Metal: Part II
Last month, we dealt with the basics of custom boatbuilding in metal, a sensible alternative to the industrialized creation of production-type boats which are, undeniably, getting more and more expensive these days. Modern techniques make metal boats simpler than ever to build, whether in aluminum or steel, and the completed vessels tend to be tough, abrasion-resistant and easily repaired. Moreover, both metals—whether we’re talking steel or aluminum—have their comparative advantages.
Steel, for example, is much cheaper to buy, but aluminum is easier to handle, easier to cut and faster to weld, so the added cost can be offset by
