Material
Advantages
Disadvantages
Reinforced Plastic ( GRP - glass reinforced plastic; fiberglass)
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Reduction of maintenance.
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No caulking, no leaks. Hulls are one continuous piece.
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No plank shrinkage when laid up.
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Rot proof and resistant to borers.
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Corrosion and electrolysis reduced. GRP is inert; it will not corrode.
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Simpler construction. Once a mold is made, identical copies of a hull can be made many times over and in a shorter time.
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Susceptible to the effects of sunlight and the marine environment; can "bubble," peel, or crack.
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Second most expensive.
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Lightweight, long lasting.
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Generally suited for smaller boats.
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Most expensive.
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Aluminum alloys prone to corrosion if untreated or damaged.
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Riveted boats can leak.
Wood (Marine grade plywood, cedar, mahogany, spruce, teak)
Wooden boats are not eligible. Do not submit these risks.
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Strong, light and flexible.
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Offers good flotation.
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Requires more regular maintenance.
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Moisture content in wood can allow the growth of fungal spores, which leads to rotting and decay.
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Subject to attack by marine borers, which eat the wood fibers.
Steel boats are not eligible except for Houseboats 15 model years old and newer.
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More rugged than aluminum.
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Least expensive.
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High strength in relation to the plate thickness.
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Heavy, requires more power.
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Corrodes if unprotected.
Ferrocement ( A form of reinforced concrete using closely spaced multiple layers of mesh and/or small diameter rods completely infiltrated with, or encapsulated in, mortar. The most common type of reinforcement is steel mesh.)
Ferrocement boats are not eligible; do not submit.
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Low cost, low maintenance.
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Very strong: won't rust, rot, or burn.
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Easily repaired.
Steel mesh on which the hull is laid can corrode.
