HDPE POLY BOAT

[COLD]

OK, I've had enought time to think about something I both thought of and read about on this forum. Another crazy idea that I discussed with some other people and they actually think it's viable. A welded aluminum or steel (for economy depending on weight) framework with HDPE Poly bolted and welded to it. :lol: The stuff is weldable and glueable. Since I have to finish my wife's renovations before I start a hull. I'm going to continue thinking into it. Heres some HDPE links I found!
This looks like a new high tech meterial for hull construction...
HDPE - high density polyethylene

Here are some links for more information:
http://www.designinsite.dk/htmsider/m0002.htm

Material suppliers:
http://www.gipo-rpi.com/eco_panels/extruded.html
http://www.sdplastics.com/hdpesheet.html
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=344&

Welding of HDPE:
http://www.wegenerwelding.com/usa/flash/index.html
http://www.sdplastics.com/plasticwelders.html
http://www.columbineint.com/

One of the only boat manufacturers using HDPE:
http://www.boulderboatworks.com/bbw_home.html

 

[barhopper]

I don't know about your weather in Canada but in Florida I think the expansion and contraction of HDPE would be severe. Having worked with HDPE liner and pipe quite a bit, the amount of "growth" through a heating and coolng cycle during the day you would have to use a extreme amount of fasteners to keep it in place. When we use it on the bottom of our boats it stays relatively cool as it is in the water most of the time and we use a lot of fasteners to attach it to the hull. But anything can be done with the right planning and a good supply of money.