Back in the day these Ferro Hulls were popular with the DIY builders. This was an interesting assignment today. The aging owner had passed the boat down to his 23 year old grandson and he wanted to know if it was worth while carrying on with the project. The instruction was to check the vessels structural integrity after sitting in a shed for the past 40 years.
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| Carefully cured mortar over a steel mesh and rod matrix, results in a structure that is tough, strong, will not burn, resistant to chemicals, not affected by ice and gets stronger with age. |
Ferro cement boats were first built around
the 1850's, loads still survive and are floating today. During WWII pretty
large vessels were built of the material. I remember four huge floating concrete barges we use to fish off when I was a kid growing up in North Wales.
Though many good yachts have been built of this material, like the ones
by Windboats Ltd. to Lloyd's approval, the reputation has been
dead in this country for some time. Europe is catching up with this
opinion, for a number of reasons, difficult and expensive surveys being
one!
Anyone interested in the method should try to find Jay Benford's book on
the subject "Practical Ferro-Cement Boatbuilding" it covers the methods
and correct ways to build lighter, stronger ferro yachts. Benford
Design Group or Tiller Publications may still have a copy around.
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| The birds and ... |
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| the Bees! |
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| The plans came from Auckland in NZ |
Surveyors comments: If one can get over the idea that concrete really can float, I think ferro built well is a useful boatbuilding material. The element that provides the strength (the
meshing) is hidden and can not be inspected, except by drilling holes through the hull. Usually over weight, slow and sluggish, and difficult to sell second hand...Get an INSURANCE quote before you buy!
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
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