Different types of boats have a lot of qualities that are unique to them and can bring an awesome and unique experience for onboards after a long day. For example, an aluminium boat is good in calm waters, where there are no rough waves and harsh winds that can rock its lightweight frame. On the other hand, fibreglass vessels perform well as offshore boats because of their heavy frame. A plate boat is suitable for both types of environments.

So, what is a plate boat?

A true plate boat draws great strength from an engineered sub-floor frame that supports, braces and stiffens the hull. A plate boat also has a fully-welded and sealed aluminium floor, which essentially turns the entire hull into one very rigid structure.

Smooth sides don’t turn a tinnie into a plate boat, so if you can see ribs or extrusion frames running down the inside of a boat’s hull with tabs and screws holding down a carpeted plywood floor; it’s a dead giveaway the boat is built using the tinnie construction method or a hybrid of it.

Plate boats are designed and built to last, so the console, cabin or hard top is welded to the floor to become one with the hull. If it’s screwed down, it’s another sign the boat you’re looking at isn’t a real plate boat.

Here are some qualities of a plate boat that make them superior to other boats:

Durable Hull

A boat must withstand impacts from obstacles. When fishing in ponds or lakes, there are bound to be obstacles that can harm your boat. These obstacles include fallen trees and rocks. Brackish lakes and pond waters can hide these obstacles and make them easy to bump into. This is especially true after rainy seasons when the wet weather could introduce mud into the water. Currents can also make you crash into these obstacles if you avoid them. You can also accidentally damage your boat when you launch it from your boat trailer, as well. Sandbars underwater hidden by bad visibility can scratch the underside of your vessel as it’s coming down from the ramp.

A durable hull will ensure that you receive minimal damage from collision, impact, and scratches. Plate boats are known to be sturdy. They can withstand a strong impact with just a dent instead of a puncture hole.

Resistant to Rust

Aluminium doesn’t rust, making it the perfect material for fishing boats. Plate boats are made of overlapping aluminium plates, an improvement from the use of an aluminium mould. Plate boat owners do not need to worry about rust.

Some plate boats have an auto drain deck feature which makes it easier for boat owners to clean their boats without having to worry about damaging the interior work parts of the boat and ensuring the boat is safe from corrosion caused by saltwater.

Long-lasting

Owning a fishing boat is a lifelong responsibility. From the moment the keys land in your hand, you’re subject to legal fees, taxes, and licenses. Many boats are not fortunate enough to outlive these responsibilities, sadly. This is why boats need to last long.

The boat owner’s love and care for his vessel can influence its lifespan. This is greatly amplified if the boat is made from a long-lasting material. Aluminium is an example of this, which is why plate boats are popular.

Lightweight

A boat’s weight affects its maneuverability. Light aluminium boat drivers find such vessels easier and more fluid to accelerate, brake and steer. Lightweight boats also leave less wake because they displace less water than heavy variants.

Fuel efficiency is also affected by the weight of the boat. Just like cars, lightweight boats need less power to operate so they don’t need a strong engine that requires plenty of gas.

Aside from being lighter in weight, plate boats are easier to transport. They sustain lesser damage during bumps and collisions when they’re being trailered. Despite being lightweight, the plate boat can function efficiently as an offshore boat and is better than boats made of aluminium mould.