Telltale signs

[Annie2020]

Hello. We know our 40yr old ferro boat has water in her hull, seen the signs, but not sure how much to worry about thin cracks at the surface? Do they come from within ? If not, why would they start on the outside? Surely the pressure starts inside?
Best

[Allied39]

I would advise getting /locating / finding knowledgeable (expert) sources on ferro cement vessels.

Not likely, but possible, that the information you seek will be located here. I do however think you will get more in the way opinion and conjecture.

The only thing I will add to that is take it seriously, unlike other materials I suspect ( take note, I suspect, not super sure) that when critical failure occurs (if it does, once again I cannot say it will) that it will occur quickly and may be catastrophic.

Wishing you the very best of luck.

[Steve Bean]

Try to get a copy of Colin Brookes' 2008 book: "Ferro-cement Boats." The definitive manual for owners. You can find it at ferrocement.org.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Annie.