I am dreaming of owning a larger boat, much larger. I currently own a mac 26d and recent purchase of od25. I am pretty good with glass and gelcoat work but know nothing about steel or ferro cement constructed boats. I would like to have a 40' plus boat length. Any help regarding maint. longjevity, inherrant problems ?
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Enjoy your Mac 26 and forget about the
bigger boats. Ferrocement was a 1970's hippy idea that was never very good and steel boats are tough, durable, require special consideration for maintenance. You need a chipping hammer for rust and a can of paint always at hand.
bigger boats. Ferrocement was a 1970's hippy idea that was never very good and steel boats are tough, durable, require special consideration for maintenance. You need a chipping hammer for rust and a can of paint always at hand.
Steel Boats
After owning a custom built steel boat, I would would say there are definate pros and cons. A properly built and finished (and maintained) steel boat will last at least as long as a fibreglass boat but Ross is right - they do require more maintenance. The sandblasting and preparation of the hull prior to paint being applied as well as the type and quality of the the undercoating and paint are absolutely critical in the build process. A reputable builder is a must - as well as a thorough survey by a surveyor who is familiar with steel boats. As long as the coatings remain intact - rust is prohibited. Steel boats are usually heavier than their fibreglass counterparts of the same length although once you get over 40 feet the difference is not as pronounced. Having said all that there are a lot of steel boats out there that sail very well as well as providing the added security that you get with a steel hull. As with all boats - it depends on what you want to use the boat for.
After owning a custom built steel boat, I would would say there are definate pros and cons. A properly built and finished (and maintained) steel boat will last at least as long as a fibreglass boat but Ross is right - they do require more maintenance. The sandblasting and preparation of the hull prior to paint being applied as well as the type and quality of the the undercoating and paint are absolutely critical in the build process. A reputable builder is a must - as well as a thorough survey by a surveyor who is familiar with steel boats. As long as the coatings remain intact - rust is prohibited. Steel boats are usually heavier than their fibreglass counterparts of the same length although once you get over 40 feet the difference is not as pronounced. Having said all that there are a lot of steel boats out there that sail very well as well as providing the added security that you get with a steel hull. As with all boats - it depends on what you want to use the boat for.
To each his own
Everyone has his/her preferance. But one place where everyone on this board will agree, is stay away from the cement boats. All are home built, and you never know what corners the builder cut, how bright or stupid he was etc. Just no way to know.
Everyone has his/her preferance. But one place where everyone on this board will agree, is stay away from the cement boats. All are home built, and you never know what corners the builder cut, how bright or stupid he was etc. Just no way to know.
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