BajaNomad - welded aluminum boats in Baja?

welded aluminum boats in Baja?

latina - 6-14-2013 at 03:41 PM

I've never seen a welded aluminum fishing boat ( Kingfisher, Eaglecraft, Coastal Craft, etc..) in Baja... they are awesome and coveted in the Pacific Northwest and the North...but does anyone have such a boat in Baja? Why not?

Martyman - 6-14-2013 at 03:43 PM

I have a Bayrunner and I've see quite a few others in The Cortez.

mulegejim - 6-14-2013 at 04:05 PM

There is one in Mulege.....not sure of the make but the boat name is"Little Toot". Jim

DENNIS - 6-14-2013 at 04:36 PM

I think Gregors are welded. They're pretty common.

chuckie - 6-14-2013 at 04:52 PM

Gregors are short shelf life boats...they are pretty much junk after 6-10 years...Electrolysis has em for lunch. AND Puleez dont tell me they can be fixed or it can be avoided....I had a painted alum Starcraft here for a lot of years and it may have survived, on Clear Lake Cal....3 Gregors 3 Junkers, slow learner...Run a Triumph now....

DENNIS - 6-14-2013 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
AND Puleez dont tell me they can be fixed or it can be avoided....I

OK, Chuckie, thanks. I didn't say they were good. I just said they're welded.

chuckie - 6-14-2013 at 05:02 PM

Dennis, old pal, I wasnt taking you to task.....

msteve1014 - 6-14-2013 at 05:33 PM

The kind of boat they are asking about is nothing like a gregor, or most of the small aluminiun boats you are thinking about. There must be some down here, but because of the price , not many. The guy I bought my Blackman from sold it to buy a Pacific skiff to use in Idaho.

chuckie - 6-14-2013 at 05:43 PM

Huh? I had a 28 Blackman with a Volvo Diesel here for eons...I paid way north of 50K for the Blackman 25 years ago...You must be confused...

msteve1014 - 6-14-2013 at 05:48 PM

I'm not confused. I have a 1980, 20 foot blackman, and he has a brand new 23 foot pacific skiff.

msteve1014 - 6-14-2013 at 05:55 PM

Google ( Kingfisher, Eaglecraft, Coastal Craft, etc..) pacific skiff. Smart guy

chuckie - 6-14-2013 at 06:15 PM

I am a smart guy....You may be a smart ass....If I am wrong, it wouldnt be the first time....Your deal, I opt out...

msteve1014 - 6-14-2013 at 06:19 PM

Don't "opt out", do the research.

Pescador - 6-14-2013 at 06:27 PM

I have seen several "welded alum boats" of the type used in the northwest and they do fine here but the majority of the welded boats were Klamaths, Valco's, and Gregors. They were distinguished from Riveted boats which did not hold up at all with the pounding from the ocean usage.
Because of the high salinity in the Sea of Cortez, one still needs to take extra precaution against electrolisis, but several that have been here are still in use. For many years I had a Quintrex which is a 1/4 in plate aluminum boat that was built in Australia where they called them the aluminum Boston Whaler. That boat is still going strong with no problems and I see it on the water almost weekly. In fact the layout was better than my Triumph which was certainly not designed by a salt water fisherman.

woody with a view - 6-14-2013 at 09:38 PM

whistler, that foto gets me all gooey inside! visions of fishies dancing in my dreams....

latina - 6-14-2013 at 11:42 PM

Thank you for your input! The boat is 30'... if the boat is trailerable and so no worry about electrolysis, would you think there would be any reason why it wouldn't be a great fishing boat in Baja, as it is in the North?

acadist - 6-15-2013 at 04:24 AM

That boat would get awfully hot to the touch in the La Paz sun :light:

Barry A. - 6-15-2013 at 07:42 AM

I used two welded Alum. boats (tin boats) in Baja, both boats were over 40 years old when I sold them----both were Gregors---one a 14 footer, the other a 12 footer. They were in almost perfect shape all those years, tho we did break some support brackets by hitting huge waves at to high a speed occasionally, and did sorta cave-in the bottom of the 12 footer once, by hitting a big wave with an over-loaded boat. Had to land, beach tho boat, and jump up and down on the caved in part until it sprung back out. Then we jammed drift wood under one of the seats to hole the hull in place. Fun, fun.

I did rinse them down with fresh water when we got the chance.

I loved those boats-----we carried both (at different times) on top of our camper so they would not get beat up on the washboard roads. Trailers will tear up your boat on the washboards.

Barry

ncampion - 6-15-2013 at 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

Because of the high salinity in the Sea of Cortez, one still needs to take extra precaution against electrolisis, ...

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I've seen this mentioned a few times about the SOC, and not sure where this comes from. In fact the salinity of the SOC is between 3.50 and 3.58% (higher in the North) and the average salinity of the Pacific Ocean is 3.50%. The Red Sea is the "saltiest" ocean at 4.0%. The Salton Sea is 4.4%

Just saying.............

.

DaliDali - 6-15-2013 at 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by latina
Thank you for your input! The boat is 30'... if the boat is trailerable and so no worry about electrolysis, would you think there would be any reason why it wouldn't be a great fishing boat in Baja, as it is in the North?

Yes of course it would a serviceable boat most anyplace.

But be forewarned about placing that boat on a trailer and thinking it will avoid any corrosion, as a result of being on a trailer.

The minute aluminum meets saltwater, the corrosion starts......albeit very slowly in most cases.

As a precautionary tool in helping to avoid, or slow down the corrosion, look into obtaining some "Salt Away" solution that helps with a more complete removal of dried on salt....over and above what only fresh water will provide.

The quality of aluminum and the alloys it contains will determine the rate of corrosion.

On edit.....the SaltAway will also help cut the salt residue from your motor(s) cooling system more so than fresh water alone.

[Edited on 6-15-2013 by DaliDali]

[Edited on 6-15-2013 by DaliDali]

Timo1 - 6-15-2013 at 08:37 AM

Kingfisher boats are made right here in town

Better have one big wallet to afford one

I looked at a used one...Only $189k

durrelllrobert - 6-15-2013 at 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaliDali

As a precautionary tool in helping to avoid, or slow down the corrosion, look into obtaining some "Salt Away" solution that helps with a more complete removal of dried on salt....over and above what only fresh water will provide.

On edit.....the SaltAway will also help cut the salt residue from your motor(s) cooling system more so than fresh water alone.

[Edited on 6-15-2013 by DaliDali]

[Edited on 6-15-2013 by DaliDali]

Anyone try this stuff on aluminum framed windows and screens?
The salt air is eating mine up.

DaliDali - 6-15-2013 at 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Anyone try this stuff on aluminum framed windows and screens?
The salt air is eating mine up.

It won't "undo" the previous damage caused by salt air corrosion, but will assist in cutting any "saltish" residue deposited by air borne salt.
One thing is for certain.....it won't hurt to use it.

I use SaltAway on nearly anything.....from the boat trailer, engine cooling system and rods and reels.
It comes out of an attachment you screw onto a hose end with a "soapy" like, bubbling, foamy consistency.

Reputed to be 100% bio-degradable and non-toxic to plants or animals or humans.

A few years ago I bought a brand new Yamaha 4 stroke outboard engine. Naturally I was concerned about flushing.
The dealer told me in a manner so "matter of factly" (hype who knows) that the motor would last (less corrosion) years longer vs. only fresh water.
I said "bag it up" and have used it every time after motor use since then.

I am sure there are detractors who would say "hogwash" to using anything other than fresh water.

I use a non-metallic, fabric screen material to avoid what you just said.

[Edited on 6-15-2013 by DaliDali]

weebray - 6-15-2013 at 11:06 AM

I have never seen a Mexican fisherman in an aluminum boat. That must tell you something.

willardguy - 6-15-2013 at 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ncampion

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador

Because of the high salinity in the Sea of Cortez, one still needs to take extra precaution against electrolisis, ...

thanks for debunking the high salinity myth, imagine this, the north end of the great salt lake, a whopping 28%!

monoloco - 6-15-2013 at 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by weebray
I have never seen a Mexican fisherman in an aluminum boat. That must tell you something.

It tells me that an aluminum boat suited for commercial fishing is pretty expensive and hard to come by in Mexico.

weebray - 6-15-2013 at 11:45 AM

It tells me that the pangeros know that pangas are safer, last longer and are purpose built for the Baja. How many times can you run a metal boat up on the beach at full throttle before it implodes. Pangeros don't have the luxury of daintily exiting the water at Costa Lota.

Pescador - 6-15-2013 at 12:30 PM

Quote:

Absolutely, it would make a great fishing boat. Make sure the Zinc sacrificials are changed every couple of years. One on the motor which is also a trim tab, and usually one that is grounded and is on the bottom of the motor mounts on an outboard. Inboards usually do the same thing and have zincs mounted several places and includes the prop shaft. You will still get electrolysis just driving the boat in the water.
A lot of Aluminum boats of that quality and caliber were painted with an epoxy paint that held up really well to the conditions. After many years of owning a Quintrex, I have heard all the stories about heat in the summer, and all the other problems, but somehow I managed to put 4500 hours on that boat before selling it and it now is moored in the water and looks like it may well go another 4500 hrs.
Another thing that is a real plus on an aluminum boat is the fuel mileage. Anytime you have a lighter boat, it is more economical to push through the water, unless poor design adds un-needed friction.

monoloco - 6-15-2013 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by weebray
It tells me that the pangeros know that pangas are safer, last longer and are purpose built for the Baja. How many times can you run a metal boat up on the beach at full throttle before it implodes. Pangeros don't have the luxury of daintily exiting the water at Costa Lota.

I guarantee that these boat are as tough or tougher and just as safe as any panga.
http://www.pacificskiffs.com/index.php

msteve1014 - 6-15-2013 at 01:53 PM

Pangas were, and are built to be cheap, sturdy, easy to repair, everyday work boats. There are a lot of better boats for sportfishing, and they all cost more than a panga.

willardguy - 6-15-2013 at 02:09 PM

no question the hot surfaces on these boats can be a real problem but nothing that cant be remedied with some indoor/outdoor carpeting and anti fatigue matting.
im hearing the term electrolysis being flung around willynilly, what youre talking about here is galvanic corrosion (caused by dissimilar metals in an electrolyte) and not electrolytic corrosion (caused by an external current).
and with ANY kind of coating you WILL experience crevice corrosion. the unsightly oxidation you see on aluminum is there to protect it. take a look at any piece of aluminum thats been painted.
I'd buy it, sounds like a b-tchin boat!

woody with a view - 6-15-2013 at 03:10 PM

what does fiberglass/resin cost versus aluminum? THAT'S why pangas are not made of aluminum.....

Barry A. - 6-15-2013 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Also,you can "splash" a fiberglass hull but you can't "splash' an aluminum hull.

?????????? please explain "splash".

Barry

805gregg - 6-15-2013 at 07:37 PM

Pure BS Steve Dashew has been traveling around the world, for like 40 years in bare aluminum boats, now he has shifted from sail to power, he designed his power boat, now called FPB (Fast Power Boat) and has cruised the world including Baja, without galvanic problems, aluminum is a fine boat building material

msteve1014 - 6-15-2013 at 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Also,you can "splash" a fiberglass hull but you can't "splash' an aluminum hull.

?????????? please explain "splash".

Barry

mold, mass produce. Each aluminium hull is "hand made"

mulegemichael - 6-16-2013 at 08:06 AM

we've got two gregors; one in mulege, one in sequim washington...the oldest one, in mulege, shows no sign of degredation and it's 14 yrs old now....EVERYTIME it is used, however, it is completely flushed and washed down with saltaway, including all rods/reels/trailer/winch/ etc...looks like it came off the showroom floor...same with the one up north..saltaway is the answer in saltwater environments.

comitan - 6-16-2013 at 08:52 AM

HOW ABOUT THIS!

http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/boa/3787092746.html

willardguy - 6-16-2013 at 10:09 AM

saltaway= cheap detergent and vinegar, mix it in a sprayer and if you can, use hot water. buy pacifico's with the dough you saved and have a happy fathers day :yes:

latina - 6-17-2013 at 08:08 AM

Thanks for your replies to my question. We have the boat (Kingfisher) in B.C. It's perfect here, but having trouble convincing my better half that it could be good in Baja too...we'll see...

msteve1014 - 6-17-2013 at 03:30 PM

That is a long ways to pull a 30 foot boat. Are you thinking of leaving it in La Paz, or pulling both ways? That would be a deal breaker for me.

Pacifico - 6-19-2013 at 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by msteve1014
That is a long ways to pull a 30 foot boat. Are you thinking of leaving it in La Paz, or pulling both ways? That would be a deal breaker for me.

I agree.... More importantly, what is the beam of this 30' boat?

I just pulled a boat down with an 8'6" beam and had several close calls with some of the oncoming trucks. I can't imagine pulling anything down that road wider than 8'6"!

latina - 6-19-2013 at 07:18 AM

The jury is out on whether it will happen, but it can be done....years ago we hired a transporter to bring our Grady White Marlin to La Paz. It was pretty beamy. Because of that, he drove to Los Mochis on the mainland and brought it over on the ferry. No problem.

Pacifico - 6-19-2013 at 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by latina
The jury is out on whether it will happen, but it can be done....years ago we hired a transporter to bring our Grady White Marlin to La Paz. It was pretty beamy. Because of that, he drove to Los Mochis on the mainland and brought it over on the ferry. No problem.

That's a great idea going down the mainland and then crossing!

mcfez - 6-19-2013 at 09:55 AM

All this talk about tin boat negatives :-(

There were several guys .....many......many ......years ago that spent months in their little ol' tin boat. Fished and fished up and down both sides of the Cortez. Say......didn't they write a book about their adventure?

The Baja Catch by Neil Kelly and Gene Kira

Now...... I duplicated their boat (several posts here in the archives) and have been using it for years. Great shape.

[Edited on 6-19-2013 by mcfez]

Barry A. - 6-19-2013 at 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
All this talk about tin boat negatives :-(

There were several guys .....many......many ......years ago that spent months in their little ol' tin boat. Fished and fished up and down both sides of the Cortez. Say......didn't they write a book about their adventure?

The Baja Catch by Neil Kelly and Gene Kira

Now...... I duplicated their boat (several posts here in the archives) and have been using it for years. Great shape.

[Edited on 6-19-2013 by mcfez]

Yes, that book is what got me to stay with my "tin boat" in Baja, Fez------never regretted it, and loved every min....for many years (30 + yrs). The only difference is that I carried my boat on top of my truck, to avoid the pounding of the washboard and rocky roads to the best remote beaches.

Barry

willardguy - 6-19-2013 at 11:07 AM

kind of makes you wonder how one nomad could only squeeze 6-10 years out em,don't it :?: