Hudson Force steel

[Korvasieni]

Hello from Finland. New here.

I have lost my hart for the Hudson Force 50 ft.
The boats are old, and i have been thinking of building my own.
I gues a yacht designer makes the dravings.
I would like to build from steel.

Do you think its any mind, or just to buy a old Hudson and fix it up.
Fixing up one, voul mean to do all new. Most pilot house and deks also rotten.
The under water section could be a little different, some like the hans christian, a long keel, but better maneuverability.
Also one problem is that the cheap fixer up boat are in mexico/california.
To bring one to finland would have to pay VAT. 22%, Custom some 7%.
The boat maust also have a ce-certificat, that will do some 10000€ + new engine...


I am planing to take out my family to live around the world in a boat (2+5 ppl.).
I think steel is safe in all conditions, also for visiting the most north and south.

All ideas and comments welcome, even them not so nice

[hoytedow]

Hopefully Apex1 will join this thread, as he has much experience with restoration of old boats and is experienced with steel hulls.
My only advice is do not put money down on a"pig in a poke" not checked thoroughly by a qualified marine surveyor.
Tervetuloa. Welcome.

[Landlubber]

There is no better material for world cruising than a steel hull, and you Scandinavians seem to kno wwell how to do that.

Try looking at the Halvorsen Freya design, I had one a few years back, best sailing heavy duty boat you can imagine.

Yes, Tervetuloa joukkoomme!


The Hudson boats are a unknown species for me, but that is valid for most sailing boats.
I am NOT a sailing boat man! Although the Halvorsen Freya, mentioned by Landlubber, I have heard about. But I think that design is a bit dated.

And I have NO experience in restoring sailing craft. Though I have restored one dozen of old steamships and workboats. Ships, not boats. And I worked in many ice campaigns right next to your housedoor, as a officer / master on her:




Sure a steel or aluminium vessel is your only choice for higher latitudes cruising, and the better one for passages in general.

Not knowing the Hudson, I cannot estimate how difficult a task that refit will be.
But the first point, importing a restoration object of that size is nearly senseless!!!!!
The freight (deckfreight) for a 50ft boat from Central America to the Baltic will come out in the 40.000 to 50.000 € ballpark.

Next point, you mention already that it will come out close to a newbuilt.
That means in simple words, it will cost you twice the time and twice the money of a newbuilt! (the freight, customs, Vat, not included)

Leave it, is my wholeheartedly given recommendation,
You will not get happy with it.

Find another existing boat, or go for a newbuild. Even a completely custom designed boat comes out far cheaper than such a resto project.

Be sure I do´nt want to disencourage you, the opposite. But we have seen too many family tragedies, private bankrupcies, and failed projects to recommend more than a "fixer up" for a novice. And even that is more often than not, way over the head of the people. (and always more money than calculated)

Do you have some more information about the Hudson? Maybe there are still plans available. Maybe there are boats in very good condition on the market? Or one can customize a contemporary design to fit your dreams and requirements.

And thanks for the Pertti Duncker link!


Regards
Richard

Hoyte, PAR is our boat restoration specialist!

[hoytedow]

Thanks, Richard. I believe you gave good advice, though. My remarks were more about hull composition than design. Although I respect PAR very much, I thought you might have more knowledge relating to metal hulls in colder climes. I have no doubt that PAR will bring very good advice to this subject. You both have far more gravitas in this arena than have I.

Originally Posted by hoytedow

Although I respect PAR very much, I thought you might have more knowledge relating to metal hulls in colder climes. You both have far more gravitas in this arena than have I.

Hmm, ja.........
.....you know Hoyt: alone we are nothing, united we are intolerable! or so...

Yes, I sailed higher latitudes on steel and aluminium boats. Though motoryachts not sailing boats. And I went into ice, not only with the vessel shown above, as my comment might have indicated.

Another point to consider is the choice of metal. I would NOT recommend to narrow that down too close. Both have their pro´s and con´s and one should become familiar with the fact that every boat is a compromise.
Quite often the market situation makes one choice superior over the other. Being free to pick the "best" offer at a certain moment is a great advantage.

Also I like to point to the general design of such true blue water yacht. High latitudes means wheelhouse! There can be no doubt!
Something like this:



could fit the requirements.


Especially with regard to the children aboard a saloon "with a view" is a important factor. Children do´nt enjoy living in "the basement" for long. And the deck is a nice playground in warmer climates only. (if)

Regards
Richard

[hoytedow]

Thanks, Richard. I knew you would have some valuable thoughts on the subject.
Korvasieni, this thread started by squiddly diddly might also be worth a look.


steel VS aluminum toughness at low temps?