Hull Material

[Wylieh]

Hello folks, just wondering what the going best hull material is. My limited experience is with river jetboats, I am now moving over to the world of sailing, so no more jumping gravel bars or climbing waterfalls so I don't think I need aluminum with steel reinforcement. Anyway I am wondering what is better wood? Fiberglass? Or a combination, I have seen some steel an aluminum ones but think too heavy. And what about this ferros cement is that actually like concrete? Anyway would appreciate any feedback because I know next to nothing. Cheers!

[Khagan1227]

First, welcome to the forum!

There simply is no right answer to your question.

However, there are a LOT of fiberglass boats out there and as a general rule, they require less maintenance than other boats.

I have friends with Aluminum, steel and fibergalss, all seem satisfied with their choice. I do know the couple with the steel boat complains a bit in the winter.

[Panope]

Originally Posted by Wylieh

My limited experience is with river jetboats, I am now moving over to the world of sailing, so no more jumping gravel bars or climbing waterfalls so I don't think I need aluminum with steel reinforcement.

If you are already skilled at working with aluminum and have the tools available for future repairs and modifications, then that material would be a good choice.

Steve

[David M]

With fiberglass there will be more choices to pick from.

[Wylieh]

That sounds like the right idea, but unfortunately all the ones I've beat up were unfixable, or would cost more to fix then new. Aluminum really deforms at 80 mph into a rock and tree stop. I guess really I'm wondering if wood with fiberglass over would be the best hall material, using the strength of the wood and waterproofing of the glass. Anyway I am trying to see if there is one known best, like say here in Alberta (Canada) the harbercraft jetboats are known to be almost indestructible, I've jumped mine over gravel loading ramps a 40mph with no damage just a little whiplash. So is there a make of sailboat that stand out above the rest for say open ocean sailing. I'm a kind-of a all out guy so I want to make sure I do a little homework before I buy my next boat.

[sailr69]

Originally Posted by Wylieh

That sounds like the right idea, but unfortunately all the ones I've beat up were unfixable, or would cost more to fix then new. Aluminum really deforms at 80 mph into a rock and tree stop. I guess really I'm wondering if wood with fiberglass over would be the best hall material, using the strength of the wood and waterproofing of the glass. Anyway I am trying to see if there is one known best, like say here in Alberta (Canada) the harbercraft jetboats are known to be almost indestructible, I've jumped mine over gravel loading ramps a 40mph with no damage just a little whiplash. So is there a make of sailboat that stand out above the rest for say open ocean sailing. I'm a kind-of a all out guy so I want to make sure I do a little homework before I buy my next boat.

Corbin 39. ocean boat and nearly indestructible. maybe the strongest FRP boat ever made. and fast

[David M]

Some Google searches will start getting you opinions on some of the more ocean worthy boats. You will start seeing some of the same names mentioned multiple times. Ocean worthy mostly has to do with who is operating the boat.

[Wylieh]

Thanks sailr69, that's a nice boat and exactly the length I was looking for, a little over what I was hoping to spend but a least I have a starting point. Cheers!

[Wylieh]

Originally Posted by David M

Some Google searches will start getting you opinions on some of the more ocean worthy boats. You will start seeing some of the same names mentioned multiple times. Ocean worthy mostly has to do with who is operating the boat.

Thanks, but I'm ok with dying because of my stupidity or bad decisions, however i will sure be choked if its because I bought a piece of junk.

[Celestialsailor]

Paper Mache`...definitely Paper Mache`. It's cheap, easy to work with and depending on the design, quite appealing to the eye. A green way to go.

[jgbrown]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Paper Mache`...definitely Paper Mache`. It's cheap, easy to work with and depending on the design, quite appealing to the eye. A green way to go.

Uniflite used that I think... seriously.

[SkiprJohn]

I think hull material is really one of those hot topic items like anchors, guns and such. If you do a search here on the forum then you'll find all the reasons for and against each hull materil.

I've owned wood and fiberglass. Wood is wonderful if you are living aboard and there to maintain it constantly and don't move to the tropics. Fiberglass is great for ease of maintenance.

More importantly is learning how to sail so you don't jump over sandbars and hit tree stumps.

If you are an all out kind of guy then you'll probably want to race and most all of the racing class boats are made of fiberglass.

Hans Christian, Swan, H&R, Island Packet are just some more to look into.

kind regards,

[sabray]

Its all Junk. Meanwhile I am busy throwing away all the stuff I bought replacing it with other stuff. I bought other stuff because the stuff I had is old and now junk and needs new junk to replace the old junk.Now we have new stuff that is becoming old stuff and too soon will be junk What was I thinking when I bought this junk?

[SkiprJohn]

Hinckley is another brand of boat that is known for good quality. Of course, Sabray's Kelly Peterson isn't too bad either.
kind regards,