| Aluminum | Fiberglass | |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Yes | No |
| Low Maintenance | Yes | No |
| Recyclable | Yes | No |
| Expensive to Repair | No | Yes |
| High Shear Strength | Yes | No |
| Chipping & Cracking | No | Yes |
| Oxidation Damage | No | Yes |
| Toxic Manufacturing | No | Yes |
All TUG inflatable boats are made with 100% recycled aluminum. Sturdy, lightweight, low-maintenance, and earth-friendly, aluminum is a far superior hull material to fiberglass.
Aluminum is incredibly sturdy, yet lightweight - a lighter boat is easier to transport and requires less horsepower, which translates to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Unlike fiberglass, which once manufactured cannot be re-purposed, and ultimately ends up sitting in a landfill for eternity, aluminum is fully recyclable. Also, the manufacturing process of our welded aluminum hulls is a far "cleaner" process compared to fiberglass, which requires the use of volatile chemical and produces dangerous dusts and vapors.
The drudgery of maintenance is the surest way to spoil the fun of boating. Our aluminum hulls are powder-coated for long-lasting toughness and minimal maintenance.
Finally, aluminum has ten times the shear strength of fiberglass and does not suffer variations in material quality because, unlike fiberglass, it is not dependent on the individual skill of the craftsperson.
Considering the many advantages of aluminum, it's easy to see why an aluminum hull is the smart material choice for your inflatable boat.
ALUMINUM VS. FIBERGLASS