Hello, if you provide the exact size you are looking for to [email protected] we will get back to you thanks

Thank you for your question. A HDPE canal boat, when rammed at several mph by a steel boat, resists denting and would also resist cracking . In contrast, a steel boat would incur more severe denting and be at risk of corrosion. The lighter weight of HDPE, along with its resistance to corrosion and impact, makes it superior for long-term durability and lower maintenance in canal environments. We will be demonstrating our tests on HDPE and steel in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you for your comment. These are actually melted together using various equipment, and the process is very similar to MIG welding.

Thank you for your feedback! This was indeed our prototype, and we've learned a lot from it. You're absolutely right about the potential risk of the bottom lip snagging in locks or against canal edges-a challenge even for steel boats. One of the standout qualities of HDPE in this project has been its impact resistance. HDPE is both durable and flexible, which allows it to absorb impacts effectively. The welds, when done properly, are remarkably strong, We completely agree that adding a rubbing strake along the edge would be a smart improvement. It would provide extra protection and reduce the risk of snags or damage. Since HDPE differs from steel, we're exploring alternative approaches and refining traditional designs accordingly. Thank you again for your input and support! While steel certainly has its benefits, we believe HDPE offers exciting possibilities, and we're eager to keep improving based on these insights.

@@Formation_Plastics-Bradford-UK I'll be keeping a lookout for future updates, so definitely worth my time subscribing. All the very best for the future!

Hi their of course if you would like more details please contact [email protected]

Josh, Thank you and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Just to clarify though, our canal boat was actually made around three years ago and is still 'going' strong. Additionally, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) has been successfully used in workboats across the globe for many years., hope this information helps clear up any misconceptions.

Steel rusts, aluminium dents and corrodes at sea. HDPE does none of these things. PLUS sealife doesn't like sticking to it.

Hi Stuart yes we can if you can send more details [email protected] i will be happy to help

Thank you for your feedback, I understand your concern about pricing. However, I'd be more than happy to discuss and demonstrate that our HDPE canal boats are actually priced very competitively-often similar to or even more affordable than current steel ones. Please feel free to reach out, and we can go over the details together

great question HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a highly durable and resilient material, . Its resistance to impact and abrasion ensures that it can withstand damage from boat walls, locks, and other potential sources of wear and tea , we will be showing a video soon of a few tests we put some hdpe panels threw 🙂

HDPE welds are exactly as strong as the HDPE sheets.

thank you for your kind words🙂

interesting indeed 🙂

brilliant to hear 🙂 if you want more details email [email protected] and he will help 🙂

thank you for the link yes this is something that we can do

thank you for this I'm not sur if your are aware HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a highly durable and resilient material, making it an excellent choice for various marine applications. Its resistance to impact and abrasion ensures that it can withstand damage from boat walls, locks, and other potential sources of wear and tear. showcasing its structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. The use of HDPE in boat construction is well-established, with successful applications in workboats, small fishing vessels, lifeboats, and emergency boats worldwide. This proven track record underlines the material's reliability and effectiveness in marine environments. Although no canal boats have been constructed with HDPE yet, the material's resistance to erosion and its enduring performance in other boat types suggest it will be an innovative and sustainable choice for this new application 🙂

They are used as tenders and workboats at Cape Town (popularly known as the Cape of Storms :)

*** workboats

Thank you for the comment :-) we have a member of our team from the north east of Scotland who also talks about how bad the waters is over their aswell 🙂

thank you for this , hope this helps 🙂 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a highly durable and resilient material, making it an excellent choice for various marine applications. Its resistance to impact and abrasion ensures that it can withstand damage from boat walls, locks, and other potential sources of wear and tear. showcasing its structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. The use of HDPE in boat construction is well-established, with successful applications in workboats, small fishing vessels, lifeboats, and emergency boats worldwide. This proven track record underlines the material's reliability and effectiveness in marine environments. Although no canal boats have been constructed with HDPE yet, the material's resistance to erosion and its enduring performance in other boat types suggest it will be an innovative and sustainable choice for this new application

It'll sink inside of the month

for all enquiries please email [email protected]

HDPE is pretty tough.

@@tomcoryell I was a pattern maker for 37 years in wood and metal foundry and aircraft and steel stands up well to wear and it's cheap

@@christopherhopkinson5766 True that, unfortunately it doesn't stand up well to rust😁

watch this space that's all were saying just now 🙂

thank you , their will be more to follow as we we will be in production in the next few weeks making our 57ft narrowboat that will be at crick 2025

That's very true ,all we can say is watch this space 🙂🙂

Thank you , This current one was a prototype and we were advised at the time to put the diesel engine in , we are actually in conversations with Thames solar and others in relation to us making a 57ft narrowboat fully electric that will hopefully be at crick 2025 🙂

Just needs holding together whilst heat is applied then left to cool. Gas and water supply pipes are welded this way, some of the couplers used have built in wire elements and connectors, plug them into a control unit which applies current for a preset time. It also shows the cool down time so the joint sets fully before any handling or movement. HDPE gas pipes range from 20mm diameter to in excess of 450mm.

@@mickkirton7943 I'm an engineer at McElroy Manufacturiing, the leading Pipe Fusion machine manufacturer in the world.

Bit of an oversight on my behalf 😬 I’ve taken it off now.

😂😂😂 Thanks again 😊 Yes, we have had loads of interest.

Thanks! Possibly cheaper, but it will certainly last longer than traditional builds. Yes, this will literally bounce back from any bumps it may receive.

🦒 😂😂😂

Thank you!☺️ It’s hard to say, we worked on it on and off for a few months.

My bad. No everyone likes a Yorkshire accent either😬. Have you watched our video of the build?

The HDPE will deflect a little, giving any bump, a cushion effect. Barges rarely go above 5mph so, any impacts will result in little to no damage.

@@Formation_Plastics-Bradford-UK Yes I agree, but what about the hull getting pierced by anything that has an angular edge etc, or it splitting if the impact is severe enough? Obviously steel will give and stretch quite a way before it finally splits, just wondering if the plastic offers similar levels of resilience? Do the plastic welds hold up as well as the surrounding material? Also, what is the effect of long term exposure to the sun? Does this type of plastic degrade very quickly in strong sunlight? Certainly a novel project and I applaud you guys for your efforts!

@@Altair885 That’s a lot to unpack 😂😂😂 I will have a word with the engineers tomorrow,and get back to you. If someone called ‘Shaun’ replies here, he works for us, and might be able to answer your questions.

@@Formation_Plastics-Bradford-UK Yes, I suppose it is. Sorry, I do tend to get a little over enthusiastic sometimes! 😁

@@Altair885 We welcome questions, no matter how many. Unfortunately, I am unable to answer them 😬. We will get back to you though 👍🏻