Unpainted steel boat?

Discussion in 'Metal Boat Building' started by stonedpirate, Apr 10, 2015.

  1. stonedpirate
    Joined: Nov 2009
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    stonedpirate Senior Member

    Hi all

    All my research and experience with boat design is with wood and epoxy.

    I am currently learning to weld and want to know more about steel boats.

    Just wondering, do all steel boats need to be sandblasted and painted to prevent rust?

    Is there a type of steel that can be welded up and put straight in the ocean if you dont mind the "mad max" rustic look?

    Or is this just a recipe for corrosion within a year?

    Thanks
     
  2. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    You don't need to sandblast. There are chemical methods that work well too. However, sandblasting is a fast and economic way to do it. Without paint, the life of the boat will be short. If you can afford it, the Mad Max look can be for you.
     
  3. stonedpirate
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    stonedpirate Senior Member

    I see

    Thanks Gonzo

    So steel is basically just like wood. Replace rot with rust and prevent with epoxy coating.

    Cheers
     
  4. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Yes, you just can't win ;)
     
  5. essenmein
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    essenmein Junior Member

    Don't know if stainless steel would be any good. Technically not "steel", but you can use unpainted aluminium...
     
  6. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Stanless steel is a real steel. It is an alloy of mainly iron composition. It also is not good for below the waterline applications. A Monel alloy hull would be good though.
     
  7. essenmein
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    essenmein Junior Member

    Oh I know stainless is steel, Aluminium is not ;)
     
  8. NavalSArtichoke
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    NavalSArtichoke Senior Member

    There are some chemical barges I was familiar with which had all stainless cargo piping installed, and IIRC, the cargo tanks were stainless as well, although the hull was mild steel. With the proper procedure and materials, the stainless can even be welded.
    All you need is the money to purchase the materials ...
     
  9. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member

    Some years back we did a staino deck for a mooring lighter, plate was about x 4-5 but welding wire/electrodes about x 10, so yes more $.

    Jeff.
     

  10. NavalSArtichoke
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    NavalSArtichoke Senior Member

    When our office inspected these stainless steel chemical barges, they were perhaps 25 years old, which is fairly elderly for a tank barge. The stainless components looked like they were brand new.
     
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