Top side thickness in alloy boats question ?

[Grasshopper67]

When I was considering a used alloy runabout to buy I noted that many of the quinnies and stacers and savages had only 1.6 mm top sides.

The boat I ultimately bought has 3mm top sides and bottom. But it got me thinking as to whether the old boats mentioned are structurally sound with such seemingly thin 1.6mm top sides.

Are these types of alloy boats more vulnerable to damage or buckling or bending due to being thinner ?

Today nearly all alloys have minimum 3mm top sides so what has driven the shift to thicker top sides in modern alloy boats ?

[fishnut]

So which one brand you buy mate

[fishnut]

Thicker is better all around and better for welding
More rigidity more weight a bit quieter and ultimately if the hull is 3mm all over instead of 1.6 or 2mm probably capable of higher horsepower

[Grasshopper67]

I have a stacer outlaw with 3mm top sides

[fishnut]

Pretty good looking rigs

[Grasshopper67]

Yeah I’m happy with it....2016 model with 3mm top sides but not the full seam welded version that was standard from 2018 onwards....it’s a cc and very practical easy to manage low cost to run and quite solid....it’s a boat I can live without breaking the bank and easy to tow behind my Forrester....ride is good for a tinnie...