Feedback on Ferro Cement Hulls

[Wand]

Boathemian, I have seen two boats, similarly holed, repaired in the same logical, easy and cheap way. Neither has had any further problems, and one has since completed half a global circumnavigation. But this experience probably won't stop some clown joining in shortly with a warning that ferros are liable to explode mid-ocean

[Efraim]

Do not buy a FC boat! This one was built in 1902 and about to fall apart any day now.



Inspecting a FC is really quite easy. Where I live all new high rises are built of reinforced concrete. During the building process the quality of concrete is constantly tested, how do they do it? There are quite a number of companies here that go from job site to job and basically x-ray concrete to see what going on, it's pretty routine. The good thing about this is that none of these companies have the word "marine" in their name - thus saving you big bucks
So you if see a FC boat that you like, don't bother with some clueless "surveyor", hire real concrete testing professionals, it will save you tons of money. Here is something really important - commercial concrete testers can provide you with all types of data and certificates that you can bring to an insurance company to prove the soundness of the hull.

[ncarter]

That`s a pretty sweet looking yawl.....

[Wattsailing]

Concrete testers hmmm now I have heard every thing,,,, I live on a FC boat and trust me you don,t need testers to see if the boat is any good ,they will have tell-tale signs if they have any problems cracks blisters rust bleeds FC boats are great.

[jimmid]

I have just brought a fero yacht which looks to be solid and in goog condition. I am trying to find some info on it, and hope someone can help provide any information on it. It is named called "Qiniva". It was on the Australian register from 1979 till 2003, but they only have a little bit of info on it. It was built in Melbourne in 1979 and owned by a R. Clark from North Balwyn, Victoria. In anyone knows of this particular yacht, or even can recognise the design I would be very greatfull.

[jimmid]

Here are some pics of Quiniva.

[Celestialsailor]

Not all FC's look like that yawl
49' ferro cement custom Hartley-Samson

[Capt Phil]

I was always leary of FC built boats, mainly because there are a number of backyard hack jobs out there. But was talked into delivering a 50 foot Samson built (British Columbia) ketch from Mexico to Victoria, BC years ago, 1993, I think. She was stable, well found, good seaboat and comfortable in a 6-8 day headon buck up the coast from Point Conception north. I didn't hit anything expensive on the trip and she was well powered with a Lehmann, I recall (few years ago). It really changed my opinion of Ferro as a building material if done professionally.
I wouldn't be put off by the construction material as a result... Phil

[jimmid]

apparently Quiniva is a Walker Rebel 34.