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Subject: [world-cruising] Steel Versus Fiberglass
From: AlaskaTrawler (AlaskaTrawler@XXX.XXX)
Date: Tue Jun 24 2003 - 02:19:06 EDT
While reading the May world Cruising Archives I read with interest the thread "Steel Versus Fiberglass"
I currently am building a steel vessel and feel I know a bit about the issue. Steel can be a great building material for boats providing one understands how to protect it from corrosion.
The first step in corrosion prevention comes from doing a very detailed sandblast job especially in the bilge areas. A blast to white metal is needed.
Then an immediate follow up with Devoe 235 bar rust. After this is done all seams beneath the hull stringers are sealed with a polyurethane sealant like sika flex. This seals the seams off from moisture penetration and future rust bloom under the stringers.
After this is done two more coats of high build epoxy primer are layed down. Following this step 3" of 3lb spray on foam is applied to the complete inside of the vessel. This bonds very tenaciously to the steel and forms a very effective barrier to prevent condensation.
Yes I know foam gives of fumes when it burns but so does fiberglass. The thing you want to do is make sure you do all your cutting prior to the foam application otherwise you run the risk of catching the foam on fire which can have disastrous consequences.
After the foam has cured.. the bilge (and foam) is covered with a layer of concrete to act as ballast and to fill in any remaining low spots where water can collect.
I don't have anything against Fiberglass vessels and my choice of material to build with was based upon my knowledge of working with metal. To me fiberglass "one-off "boats are very expensive to build.
When production fiberglass vessels are built the cost of the mold is spread out over numerous vessels.
As to the issue of strength of Fiberglass versus Steel, there is no doubt in my mind that steel is stronger or at least more resiliant to puncture. it usually dents before holing as it can stretch. Besides if I hit a rock and happen to puncture the hull I have the foam and conscrete over the steel to slow any incoming water down for the bilge pump to handle it. Bilge pump rated at 400gpm.
The issue of the weight of steel for a sailing vessel I can't relate to as the vessel I am building is a 52 foot steel long range trawler.
I have looked at many vessels from europe built of steel and many of them are flawless. It seems that here in this country steel has gotten a bad rap from the many backyard boat projects that have been done using steel as the building material. Although this is unfortuate it does not mean all steel vessels are branded as "rust buckets".
If you are interested in a vessel built of steel please check out my website www.alaskatrawler.com. I have not brought it up to date for some time as I have been to busy building the boat.
Regards
Dan Walsh
Building "MV Spirit Of Balto"
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