Steel boat building

[allsteel]

Schooner Free Enterprise. I did a substantial amount of fitting and welding on Arnie Grays boat. Spuds on the centerline, stern steering wheel that rotated from port to starboard, heavy plywood decks that lapped over steel plate deck margin etc. I was at the launch and saw her glide down the railway and across the ICW 4 miles south of Marineland south of St Augustine Fla.
Sutton was in his late 60s and Arnie stopped by my house one evening to ask if I could finish the project if anything happened to Sutton. I was 30.
Was sitting here wondering about some of the past projects and the people. Stumbled onto this sight. May have some photos and maybe an old 8mm film.
After closing my shop in 1998, I sailed to various locations along the East Coast building a variety of steel hulls at the Owner locations. Most recent was a 26 ft steel push boat that will do 34knots. Nice hull shape.

[BugzyCan]

Pictures would be interesting to see. A lot of weight from steel, does it still sail ok? Sit low on the water? What weight is the keel to keep it upright?


Wouldn't a steel boat rust like a mofo on the ocean?

[allsteel]

Sailboats under 35ft not practical in steel. Built a Wittholz Departure 35 from 10gauge. Couple sailed to Brazil and back to Fla. Sold it just after baby was born. New owner sailed it to England.
Good designs don't "sit low" in the water because of hull materiaI. It is the gear the owners load on board.
Modern marine industrial paints solve the rust issue when applied correctly. Neglecting to inspect the interior and bilgescan result in damage. Leaking exhaust, using hull side as part of anchor locker etc. There is no reason to have inaccessible areas on a steel boat.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, allsteel.