Designing the superstructure

An aluminum superstructure bolted to the fiberglass hull supports the solar panels and houses electrical wires.

Materials

High strength-to-weight ratio and available in corrosion-resistant marine-grades alloys.

Easily formed or bent without breaking, with good surface quality, often used for marine shell plating.

Well-suited for machining and extrusions, often used for marine structural members.

Lightweight, strong, and moldable.

Higher corrosion resistance and strength than aluminum, but much heavier.