Ontario has a long history of boat building, dating back thousands of years since water travel became a primary mode of transportation. Boats began as hand-crafted birch bark canoes of the native people of Ontario and progressed through the years to encompass a wide range of boats for water sport and the commercial fishing industry.
The boatbuilding industry began with the construction of wooden boats and transformed into steel and aluminum boats as the years progressed. Regardless, the most important thing to consider is building the right type of boat, with the best designer and materials for the intended purpose. You will then have full confidence in the quality of your boat every time it is on the water.
Advantages of Steel Boats
Steel has been used in boat construction over the past 150 years. Some consider weight as a drawback of using steel in ship construction but there are many worthy advantages to steel that should be considered.
- Steel is an ideal metal to use for durability because of its strong, robust nature. When encountering harsh waters, a steel vessel has the capability of withstanding bumps and heavier impacts without sustaining major damage. This aspect makes steel a great choice of metal for larger boat construction.
- Steel boats are also comfortable vessels to travel. Due to the weight of the metal, they provide peaceful rides and stability when at sea. An aluminum boat is lighter, and while that has its own advantages, can also create a bumpier ride. However, steel is a lighter building material when compared with others.
- Steel is a common metal and allows custom steel boat manufacturers the ability to produce boats in a timely manner as well as perform repairs.
- The lifespan of a well-maintained commercial steel boat can be upwards of 100 years.
- Steel sailboat hulls are much stronger than other boat materials
Steel Boat Care
Any design of boat can incorporate steel in its corporation alongside other materials. Complete boat hulls are often constructed with steel because of their superior strength. A handcrafted boat that is made solely of steel will be heavier but can last for an extended time with proper care.
A primary thing to remember when owning a steel boat or ship is that your number one enemy is corrosion. Corrosion leads to rust and the marine environment fosters the right type of conditions for rust and corrosion. This means being aware and regularly checking the inside and outside of your steel hull for signs of rust.
However, a properly primed and painted custom handcrafted boat will not require arduous care. Using a qualified Canadian steel boat builder will ensure that both steps are completed at the time of construction.
What Type Boat to Build?
Boating making and shipbuilding continue to be on the rise in North America. Any boating projects that you can imagine are a possibility. It could be something to enjoy with friends and family such as steel or aluminum pontoon boats. However, maybe your company is in need of a custom commercial designed boat for use in the agricultural industry. Regardless of what is needed you want to have it constructed at a trusted and established boat building facility.
Choosing a Trusted Expert Steel Boat Manufacturer
Selecting a knowledgeable expert who creates custom designs for any boat or ship is a decision you want to make with confidence. Such a manufacturer needs to possess the credentials for your boating needs, whether construction for leisure boating or one used in an industrial industry.
The good news is that you can find a knowledgeable team of experts at Hike Metal. You can be confident knowing that Hike Metal will be there from the inception of your boat to years later when you want to have an upgrade. Our easy process allows you to be informed every step of the way.
- We will start by meeting together and discussing your innovative projects. This is a time where we can learn details such as the size and functional requirements of the vessel.
- Our team will then compile all necessary requirements for your specific project, and they will be reviewed by our Production Planning Team.
- Preproduction planning is thorough which keeps things moving and from becoming a difficult process. It also ensures accuracy in design planning by maintaining close communication with you during the design process.
- Hike Metal will present you with a detailed quotation for your review and approval.
- Production begins with strict adherence to production schedules and expectations.
- Your custom vessel is now ready to launch.
Hike Metal’s adherence to this process ensures that you will receive a quality-designed finished product, delivered at the scheduled time, along with providing competitive pricing as the premium choice for steel boat manufacturer in Ontario.
Hike Metal comes with boating and construction experience since 1958. The knowledge and craftsmanship of our highly skilled personnel are shared with the new generation of boat builders. We look forward to collaborating with you on your new steel construction!