16-18' row/lateen in ferrocement

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by HenryVG, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. HenryVG
    Joined: Dec 2009
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Michigan, USA

    HenryVG New Member

    Hi.

    I'm new to this group and am looking for help with the feasability of building a 16-18' centerboard sailboat, lateen-rigged, with oarlocks to get in and out of harbors and still weather.

    I've recently purchased a home in Yucatan and would like to make this out of ferrocement, since there is a ready supply of concrete workers there.

    I'd be sailing this along the coast,within sight of land, and be scared ashore by ANY bad weather. But I'd love to have a boat there. The beach just doesn't seem right without one.

    Is this a bad idea? I rarely see anyone looking at ferrocement for anything under 30'. And what I'm proposing is actually more like a sailing dinghy.

    Any thoughts?
     
  2. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    I know of one successful design in this length, by Jay Benford, but frankly, the choice of hull material has a limited impact on build cost, but a huge impact on value and difficulty. In other words, building a small boat with heavy a material is self defeating, though it can be engineered if someone insists.

    Having lots of concrete masons around doesn't really help much, unless they have experience with ferro cement construction techniques.
     
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