Houseboat manufacturing materials
Choosing the right materials for the Houseboat manufacturing depends on many factors — not only the construction method, but also the intended use and, of course, the budget. Decide on the appropriate materials before you use your Buy a houseboat.
steel
In the area of Houseboat manufacturing The use of so-called shipbuilding steel is the most common type of construction. It has higher elongation values than conventional structural steel, is more tensile, easier to weld and does not corrode further. Although steel is relatively heavy compared to materials, it ensures high stability and strength on water — which is why it is suitable for mobile houseboats and preferred for pontoon construction.
Attention: Due to the heavy weight, a higher drive power is usually required. In the long term, some maintenance is to be expected — the following applies here: The suitability of shipbuilding steel for”sports boats“is not controlled. The owner simply undertakes to bring the steel float to a shipyard every ten years in order to have it subjected to an ultrasonic test in a shipyard. Once a certain size is reached, steel can no longer be craned.
concrete
concrete pontoons usually consist of water-permeable concrete. The penetration depth is max. 5 millimeters and is supported by a steel structure with a wall thickness of at least 15 centimeters, depending on the size. A one-piece construction is recommended. With the appropriate size, internal reinforcement is not necessary.
Attention: — In some cases, concrete pontoons can only be towed — they are difficult to move and can no longer be craned after a certain size. The center of gravity is very low due to the weight.
wood
Wood is the classic building material — even on water when making houseboats.
The benefits: ecological, renewable raw material, low weight, low costs, good stability, good indoor climate. Wood also qualifies as a good material for construction and can be treated in such a way (protective paint, glass-reinforced top layer) that ensures waterproofness. Individual wishes are easy to implement.
A downside consists in the lower resistance to environmental influences compared to other materials.
aluminum
aluminum It's very easy. This saves a lot of weight while still ensuring strength.
Attention: Processing is more difficult than steel, resulting in significantly higher material costs.
Thermoplastic polyethylene (PE)
There are currently two different uses synthetics in the Houseboat manufacturing: polyethylene and glass-reinforced plastic.
Thermoplastic polyethylene (PE) has the following advantages:
chemically resistant, very lightweight, well suited for mobile houseboats, also possible for multihulls.
A downside is the limitation of the size, otherwise the strength is no longer guaranteed. PE is produced in rotational molding and is highly flammable.
fibreglass reinforced (GRP)
plastic: Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) is a combination of duroplastic or thermoplastic and glass fibers. This combination of resins and fibers provides very good strengths, but can significantly increase costs when choosing epoxy resins in combination with complex fabrics, for example.
The benefits Are a very resistant surface, scalability for specific applications with specific strength, lightest float.
Get in touch now
We advise you on the entire process of buying or renting a houseboat.
Houseboot Kompass
Borsigstraße 29
10115 Berlin
Phone: 0176/63625208
email: tim.krenke@hausboot-kompass.de
