Aluminum Patrol Boats vs Fiberglass: Which Is Better? When choosing a patrol boat for law enforcement, government, or commercial use, the hull material matters more than almost anything else. The two most common options are aluminum and fiberglass. While both can work in certain applications, aluminum has become the preferred choice for serious patrol and workboat operations. Here’s why.
Aluminum hulls are highly impact resistant. They can handle:
Fiberglass can crack or fracture when impacted, often requiring costly repairs.
Aluminum does not rot, delaminate, or absorb water. With proper construction, an aluminum hull can last decades. Fiberglass boats can suffer from:
Aluminum boats are easy to repair by welding. Fiberglass repairs often involve grinding, fiberglass layup, fairing, and repainting, which takes more time and labor.
Aluminum boats are generally lighter than fiberglass boats of similar size. Less weight means:
Most modern patrol and workboats are aluminum because:
Fiberglass can be suitable for:
For mission-critical use, aluminum is usually the better choice.
Superformance Jet Boats LLC builds all-welded aluminum patrol and workboats using marine-grade aluminum alloys, heavy-duty structure, and proven construction methods.
If you’re considering a patrol or commercial boat, contact Superformance Jet Boats to discuss your application and receive a detailed quote.
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