Pictures Of My Ferro Boat. Advice Sought.

You still here girly? thought you'd be grinding by now, shouldn't have to much time for webchatting - so hows the job going? Well I hope (seriously - would like to see you succeed you deserve it if only for sheer cussidness) (the pretty bit helps tho') x x x

 

Some Things Ne'er Change

Are you on the Strongbow again, Mr Walrus?

Anyway, quick update is that I gave up the boat as it appeared that it would be too much like hard work and my hair goes curly at sea anyway and I hate it when that happens.
So this is why I have plenty of time to faff around on the internet.

Knot.

I haven't left yet and so have all the time in the world to continue blogging/surfing/sending emails/

Did your head get hit by a boom many years ago?
Just askin'.

 

Fer-a-lite concrete mix thingy

What do you think about this
http://www.fer-a-lite.com/

 

Re: Fer - a - lite.

Frankly, I am a little suspicious.
The fact that cement has been around a few thouand years.....makes it
predicable. Whereas, it's hard to sure what's really in a box of magic goo..

Also, with old concrete - epoxy mixed with CLEAN, DRY sand does
pretty well as a filling material.
Up to 50% by volume of the sand.

Final hint for people working in wet cement.
It's the opposite of acid. So unlike acid, doesn't dilute well with just water.
We always had 1/2 lemons, close at hand at clean-up. Rubbing it on the skin
stops it from drying out. Returns the normal ph.

Cheers !

 

Came across this document on the net. I don't now anything about ferro's but figured the link might have it's place on this thread.

http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/V9468E/V9468E00.HTM

Cheers,
Murielle

 

That looks like a good find and read Murielle,
I am not one to judge, but it could be a could start for Ferro on the boatdesign wiki.

Hans.

 

dunno if this is of help but in the building trade when we mix up a load of concrete/cement we give a quick squirt of washing up liquid into the cement mixer - supposed to help the elasticity of the stuff and is a sgood as a propierty mix, which is OK for the profesionals or a BIG load.

 

Thanks guys.
I'm at the boat now and keep popping back here. The latest info is useful.
Thanks again.

 

Anything to help ferro, keep at it you'll get there! (but enjoy it on the way eh!)

 

Fer-A-Lite

Hello,

This is not an advertisement, simply putting forth some facts for folks who may be "suspicious" of Fer-A-Lite.

My name is Darr Palmer, I run SmallYachts which is the sole manufacturer and distributor of Fer-A-Lite brand mortar mix. For more information as to its stability and performance over time you may want to check out www.1000days.net

Reid is about to embark on a 1000 day continuous navigation aboard a 29 year old Fer-A-Lite hull.

We are currently finishing the repairs to Ishtar our 23 year old Fer-A-Lite ketch.

We found zero moisture migration through the material. Nice bright shiny metal within.

Nothing to be suspicious about. The stuff really performs as described.

Currently there are 3 vessels undergoing repairs with Fer-A-Lite mortar mix and the articles should start appearing over the next several months.

 

to darr,

no worries - mate.
I'm sure you stand behind your product.
So for those already experienced with cement - contemplating a large project
- it's worth checking out.
However, the original questions asked - indicated; a project involving some
minor repairs - to be done by some one with limited experience.

My posts were cautionary.
Indicating, I hope, that to be truly skilled in ferro cement - involves a long
learning curve. - And dispite, much enthusiastic promotion - to the contrary:
- This skill is at least on the same level as carpentry or welding.

So, building a good ferro boat - can require MORE skilled labour than a
wood or alum. boat. Certainly, not less.
As many have discovered. To their sorrow....

The issue, is not one morter or another, I'm sure you will agree
- with any innocent beginner - it is first: to learn how to make a good mix.
- And to learn what phase of the moon; it is best to apply it......

Cheers !

 

Hey ferro girl whats the score with your boat? Going well?

 

Update

It went well. Boat is currently back on the hard because the June-Nov hurricane season is just around the corner and I wasn't willing to sweat buckets again for another summer, even if I'd got to sail north in the Sea of Cortez, cos almost every night there are strong winds and lots of lightning and I just don't want to begin learning in such conditions. I'd rather wait till next year - most likely from October onwards, to start getting more experience.
But during last year alot got achieved. Important stuff like replacing parts on the engine, new rigging, bottom job right down to the cement[3 layers of epoxy and then paint], getting to know my battery system and how well the solar panels work, plus billions of other maintenence related things.
But more important than all the above, I got to hang out with cruisers. It was the best year of my life.
So for this hurricane season I had initially decided to put the boat on the hard and go and stay in my flat in South Africa till November. But then I got the offer of a job from my old high school in Japan and I thought hmmm, 6 months spending cruising kitty money, or an extra 6 months of work/sacrifice and become $30,000 richer. I went for the latter because I've always been practical and like saving for rainy days.
It's been hard since returning to Japan. I've had the biggest culture/lifestyle shock ever and some very low moments. But I'm rising to the surface and realise that in the end I will be chuffed to bits to leave this country 30k richer and with adventures galore on the horizon for years to come.
I hope this update inspires those thinking of buying a boat to go ahead and do it because opportunities always arise for folks who take risks, and the lifestyle on the water, the people you meet, the closeness to nature that you feel, cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. It is so worth it to buy a boat.
So very worth it.

 

Done! see http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6683&page=5 . How did you strip the bottom? I'm doing the same at the end of the season but have been warned off sand blasting...am thinking dry scraping, epoxy, then polyurethane topcoat. Glad to see you getting on well, and keep us posted!

 

Nice Boat

Looks like you got yourself a sound ferrocement boat there, Andy. Not that I know that much,even though I have a ferro myself. I do have some weeping rust spots but after bashing them with a hammer and chisel realised that the boat was still solid as a rock. The few spots that needed digging out were then successfully filled with an epoxy-cement and then three layers of west system epoxy was applied to seal. The boat was then in the water for 6 months. Upon hauling out a few weeks ago, there were a three rust spots, not bad really and the boat really is solid as a rock, despite the weeping.
Bloke next to me was a good example of where the chicken wire had totally rusted and the cement around it crumbled. He filled his with pure epoxy. Rockard it is.
The topsides of my boat are still in beautiful condition. Obviously it was faired well originally. A few years ago, during a hurricane and when the boat was on the hard, the fact that it was on soft ground caused the supports to wobble and gouge into the side of the boat. Again, it was fixed with an epoxy cement mix, this being done over a decade ago and the repair job is still strong with no evidence of cracking or weeping.
I bought a ferrocement boat after hearing from a bloke circumnavigating who had come across a bunch of ferrocement boat owners and after talking to them came to the conclusion that it's a pretty friendly medium to work with if and when repairs are needed.
Hope this info helps.