initially shipbuilding used materials that were available such as animal skins, bamboo, wood, etc
ships were made of wood and protected from rotting by covering in animal fats, shark oils, or bitumen
iron nails were used to connect planks together
to prevent wood boring worms from attacking the wood, it was covered in lead sheeting
this sheeting was soon replaced by copper sheeting because
copper was a natural biocide which prevents attack by marrine organsims, this reduced barnacle growth
however they soon realized that the iron nails which fastened the copper quickly corroded (from this early they realised that copper and iron should not be used together)
bronze soon replaced the copper, it was better as it was:
corrosion resistant
inexpensive
corroded slower
was easily rolled into sheets and flexible plates
was stronger than copper
iron soon replaced wooden ships as it was
stronger and safer
iron could be produced as beams or sheets
beams and sheets could be welded together
ships were built less bulky (more ecconomical for commercial cargo)
less costly to repair
lasted longer
iron boats travel faster than wooden boats
however they did need regular dry-docking to remove barnacles and rust
steel replaced iron as it is more versatile, stronger and durable
aluminium is recently being used due to its light weight and durability
however for some ships its strength is not enough
