Aluminum compared to other materials for constructing sailboats
I suggest as a primer you read the articles linked below.
http://dixdesign.com/material.htm
One of my favorite designers check out his site. http://www.dixdesign.com/
http://www.kastenmarine.com/articles.htm
http://cruisingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=201962&typeID=420&catID=0
http://cruisingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=201082&typeID=397&catID=571
http://cruisingworld.com/article.jsp?ID=201961&typeID=420&catID=0
Also these articles certainly will be of interest if you are considering materials.
http://marinesurvey.com/yacht/material.htm
Naturally you will also need to do as much reading as possible. It is completely beyond the scope of this web site to summarize published information. For instance one concern that is bound to come to mind, is corrosion in metal boats. There is no easy way to find out about these matters. You will just have to go out and buy a few books and get reading. That is, if you want to make educated choices. I have provided my personal small selection. I hope these will help get you started.