For some reason, the lightweight aluminium boats sold by Quicksilver seldom get mentioned in boating articles - and that’s a great shame because these tough all-purpose craft represent remarkably good value for money.

Quicksilver’s V Hull boats have been around for years and range from the V Hull 355 and 410SL through the 450SF/DLX, right up to the V Hull 500SF. With their green hull exterior and white interiors, these boats are not only attractive but a pretty smart buy. For those who don’t particularly want to dash about, bouncing through rough water and burning lots of expensive fuel, the remarkably low power requirement and minimal maintenance of a ‘tinnie’ like this will tick just about every box.

The benefits of alloy
Extremely light to handle, roomy and virtually indestructible, Quicksilver’s lightweight alternatives to an inflatable or small RIB have plenty to offer. These craft are unsinkable, extremely easy to use and very versatile. Even with a portable outboard they can be quite quick, as the shallow V of their hulls makes them remarkably efficient and quick-planing.
Whether you want a boat as a tender, an all-purpose dinghy, or simply as a platform from which to dangle a worm, a small aluminium boat is particulary good because you can abandon one on a lakeside for months (even years) on end, and it will not rot, crack, perish or suffer from gel coat dulling.

Find a bargain
Keep an eye in the small ads and you could grab yourself a bargain. Just remember, the 355SL and 410SL are designed for two people in sheltered waters while the deeper freeboard 450SF, 450DLX, and 500SF are capable of taking up to five people and handling more open water - and engines up to 40hp if you’re that way inclined.
Unlike a GRP hull, which can suffer from stress-related crazing, impact damage or even osmosis, buying a used tinnie is usually a simple job. Even if the hull is dented or the paintwork is dull, if you can’t see daylight through the hull, it’s probably still water tight. And even a much abused tinnie is very simple to repair. Just be careful how liberal you are with power. With the smaller boats weighing in at just over 50kg, and the largest at just 116kg, these little craft will go like fury with even a small engine.