When it comes to aluminium hulls, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how thick they should be. The thickness of an aluminium hull will depend on a number of factors, including the intended use of the vessel, the operating environment and the type of construction.
For example, a racing yacht or high performance boat will typically have a much thinner hull than a pleasure cruiser or workboat. This is because weight is a major factor in determining speed and performance, so every effort is made to keep the hull as light as possible. In contrast, vessels that are used in harsher environments or for carrying heavy loads will need to be built with thicker hulls in order to withstand the increased stress.
The type of construction also plays a role in determining hull thickness. Monohull boats are usually constructed with heavier duty materials and thicker hulls than their multihull counterparts, which tend to be lighter and more manoeuvrable. Catamarans and trimarans also have different weight distribution characteristics that can impact on hull thickness requirements.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to the question of how thick an aluminium hull should be. It depends on a range of factors that need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.