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Old 14-08-2011, 09:23   #1
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Ferro Cement Boats

I thought I would start a new thread for Ferro owners, one that was easy to find and fresh with new messages. There are other great threads on Ferro boats if you search for them.

I just launched my boat from the yard last week and I love my cockpit conversion. I have some photos posted of it but I should update them I guess. I completely ripped out the wood cockpit and went against all conventional wisdom and built an aft cabin instead. The result is very good, fun, comfortable and looks good and balanced. My deck and main house is cement as well so the aft cabin addition is the only wood structure exposed to the elements (except for companionway and hatches). My boat is brighter, more airy, roomier, efficient and practical. The new cabin serves as a seat, deck and lounge with protection aft with a sternrail and to the sides are the mizzen stays and foreward is the raised coach roof. I can literally walk from my headstay in a straight line to my sternrail.
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Old 14-08-2011, 09:33   #2
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water tank capacity

I have a FC Samson C-Shell hull design with integrated cement water tanks built into the hull. 2 each side, with 1 under galley to port, 1 under chart table to starboart, 1 each under salon setees. Also, 1 under the head near the chain locker.

Questions:
Does anybody know the tank capacities for these Samson designed tanks?

Does anybody know if the head tank is designed for fresh water, black water or grey water? (Mine has never been used)
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Old 14-08-2011, 15:47   #3
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Ferro Cement tanks...

When I built my ferro I didn't build in tanks (boat too small, not in plans) so I have no direct knowledge.

However my experience and reading of comments from other ferro owners leads me to believe that using ferro for anything other than fresh water tanks would be a mistake.

Better to use polyethylene for your holding tank, and even then it would be wise to fully protect the ferro under and behind the tank. Spills happen...

For about the same level of complexity it may be possible to install a composting toilet. Fewer through hulls and pumpout problems. Worth considering?
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Old 14-08-2011, 16:02   #4
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Re: Ferro Cement Boats

Misc Ferro Cement pdf's


FER-A-LITE


U.S. NAVY FERRO-CEMENT BOAT BUILDING MANUAL Part 1
U.S. NAVY FERRO-CEMENT BOAT BUILDING MANUAL Part 2
U.S. NAVY FERRO-CEMENT BOAT BUILDING MANUAL Part 3
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Old 14-08-2011, 20:16   #5
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Re: Ferro Cement Boats

Im definately not dumping sewage in my hull. I'm plumbing a porcelain head right now, have always had a port a pot. I'm considering a holding tank (maybe colapsible and removable)that i can plumb thru the forward bukhead beneath the floor of the chainlocker, my head backs right up to that space.

Thanks Mr.Cook for that reading material. I will download it and do some research, as I am making modifications all the info possible is great.

My biggest dilema right now is what to fill the voids in my deck with. The original fairing material is separating from the cement substrate and coming off. Its about 1/4" thick so leaves a big ugly pothole in my deck. I have used regular hardware Cement seal in a gallon can which has its good aspects, it sticks well, but not good for filling. I tried an epoxy but it cracked in 2 years and and i am prying that stuff out and redoing it. Anybody have thoughts and types of products for directly sealing to cement to make a nice deck. I am considering removing all the old layer and starting with bare cement substrate which is very good.
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Old 29-08-2011, 16:00   #6
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Re: Ferro Cement Boats

Quote:
Originally Posted by Borealis View Post
Its about 1/4" thick so leaves a big ugly pothole in my deck. I have used regular hardware Cement seal in a gallon can which has its good aspects, it sticks well, but not good for filling. I tried an epoxy but it cracked in 2 years and and i am prying that stuff out and redoing it. Anybody have thoughts and types of products for directly sealing to cement to make a nice deck. I am considering removing all the old layer and starting with bare cement substrate which is very good.
If you're just filling the potholes, mix up a cement&epoxy mortar - (cement, silicon sand, epoxy filler, 1:2:1). that will fill out well, won't crack, is super strong and will adhere very well to the subsrate (wash substrate with PVA solution and keep wet when applying the mortar).

What was/is your 1/4" fairing material composed of?
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Old 29-08-2011, 16:10   #7
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Re: Ferro Cement Boats

Another MISC ferro doc for the collection - although specialising in fishing boats, this technical paper contains great info and specs for ferro, compiled by experts from around the world for the UN:

Table of Contents
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