To Ferro Or Not To Ferro

[Bann]

I looked at her and I’ll be honest I was impressed. Couldn’t really find one single problem. I looked at 4 boats today and the ferro was the only one that seemed ready for Hawaii next week. Everyone I’ve spoke with says run from ferro but what y’all think?

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...928545151.html

[Pete7]

Is this a boat you are willing to own for a long time, because it might be difficult to sell due to the reputation of ferro.

Good luck.

Pete

[Bann]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Is this a boat you are willing to own for a long time, because it might be difficult to sell due to the reputation of ferro.

Good luck.

Pete

This is why I must offer next to nothing. But next to nothing for a boat that has already circumnavigated and appears to be ready to circumnavigate again for such a low price gives me lots of concerns.

[Lepke]

Unless the hull is sealed, micro cracks in the cement allow salt water to penetrate to the steel framework. If the steel was epoxy coated then you're all right. But that's unlikely. Once the steel goes you're sailing around in a hollowed out brick.
In the 1970s I knew of several ferro commercial fishing boats. None made it to the 1990s. One broke in half and sank like a brick. Another sagged at haulout and had to be scrapped.

Unless you're a depression baby and think everything cheap is good, I'd stay away.

[Bann]

Originally Posted by Lepke

Unless the hull is sealed, micro cracks in the cement allow salt water to penetrate to the steel framework. If the steel was epoxy coated then you're all right. But that's unlikely. Once the steel goes you're sailing around in a hollowed out brick.
In the 1970s I knew of several ferro commercial fishing boats. None made it to the 1990s. One broke in half and sank like a brick. Another sagged at haulout and had to be scrapped.

Unless you're a depression baby and think everything cheap is good, I'd stay away.

He claims hull built in Samson factory. Epoxy, ferro and some black resin then an inch of insulation. Inside the boat we could see where the outer rigging was attached. Looked beasty to me but I know squat. That’s why I’m thinking of offering him pawn shop prices.

[mako]

You won’t know until you have a survey done by someone who know FC hulls. If it passes inspection then consider it “sunk cost” and not an investment. Sail it and have fun. When done with it you can dismantle and sell off all the components on eBay.

[lamadriver]

Originally Posted by makobuilders

You won’t know until you have a survey done by someone who know FC hulls. If it passes inspection then consider it “sunk cost” and not an investment. Sail it and have fun. When done with it you can dismantle and sell off all the components on eBay.

true dat

[boatpoker]

Finding a surveyor that understands ferro will not be easy.
Even those that know will often refuse for good reason.
It is impossible to tell whats going on with the armature
without destructive testing ( which only tells about that area opened up)
or hyperexpensive X-rays.

It can also be challenging to get insurance.

[mako]

I like the idea of when you’re done with your ferroboat (which you purchased for almost $0) of dismantling and selling off all the components. Even the wood bulkheads. Then take the stripped and cleaned concrete shell and sink it as a private artificial reef. Would make a great wreck. Look at that big concrete ship off of Bimini. Wonderful and holding up quite well

[Bann]

Originally Posted by makobuilders

I like the idea of when you’re done with your ferroboat (which you purchased for almost $0) of dismantling and selling off all the components. Even the wood bulkheads. Then take the stripped and cleaned concrete shell and sink it as a private artificial reef. Would make a great wreck. Look at that big concrete ship off of Bimini. Wonderful and holding up quite well

You see honey, I told ya... indestructible.