Guide · Hull material
By Leon Bekkers, founder·6 min read
Aluminium vs GRP: choosing the material of your yacht
By Leon Bekkers, founder·6 min read
The comparison at a glance
| Aluminium | GRP (fibreglass) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Built plate by plate, no mould | Laminated in a mould |
| Customisation | Layout can be changed freely | Layout follows the mould |
| Weight for strength | Very favourable | Good |
| Impact behaviour | Dents rather than cracks | Can crack or delaminate |
| Osmosis | Not possible | Possible over time |
| Maintenance | Paint care, galvanic protection | Gelcoat care, antifouling, osmosis checks |
| End of life | Fully recyclable | Difficult to recycle |
| Cost | Higher for one-offs | Lower at high volumes |
Where aluminium wins
Strength and lightness let designers build a hull that planes efficiently without sacrificing stiffness. Because there is no mould, every yacht can be different. And aluminium can be recycled again and again.
What to watch
Aluminium needs good electrical design to prevent galvanic corrosion, and the paint finish needs skilled preparation. That is why the builder's experience matters more than the material itself.
Why Bekkers builds in aluminium
We come from metalworking. Building in aluminium lets us apply the precision of our superyacht stainless steel work to the whole yacht, and lets every owner shape their own layout.
How a bespoke Bekkers is madeFrequently asked
About the authorLeon Bekkers founded Bekkers Yachts in Heusden after years of making stainless steel work for the leading Dutch superyacht yards.
