Serious accident and possibility to rebuild ?

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Vulkyn, Jan 17, 2011.

  1. Vulkyn
    Joined: Jun 2010
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    Location: Egypt

    Vulkyn Senior Member

    A friends boat was burned down considerably (25 meters x 6.5 meters) i have attached some pics as he wants to rebuild the boat.

    My question would be how much does heat damage fiberglass? Although the bottom part was not burned badly the boat did sink and was raised. Around 1 meter above the water line was sawed off as it was severely damaged.
    They did raise the boat and put some 15 tons or so in it and use it as a tugboat so it does float and can carry some load.

    I am pretty concerned as he wants to use the bottom hull and rebuild the fly bridge and everything else using the existing part as a foundation.

    The boat is not accessible to me at the moment he has to shipped to Egypt first so i am a bit worried that he encourages all that costs in a doomed project.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    You need someone to survey the boat and a repair estimate.
     
  3. Herman
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    Herman Senior Member

    Most glass composite damages considerably in a fire. Anything over 200 degrees C is suspect, if not gone.

    These are project that I would never undertake without a thorough examination, perhaps even lab tests.
     
  4. Vulkyn
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    Vulkyn Senior Member

    Problem is it needs to be shipped to Egypt to get surveyed.

    I have contacted several builders here and will await their feedback although most of them said its not a problem which to be honest worries me.
    My friend doesn't want to pay shipping cost and then find out its wasted ....

    There is no easy way around this but as much information gathered before shipping the better. I could ask him to ship a small section for testing though ...
     
  5. Herman
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    Herman Senior Member

    Then get a surveyor to the boat!

    One of my friends rebuilt a dinghy that was in a burning shed. Although it was very good possible to make it an acceptable boat again, it never got as good as new. Gelcoat all over was damaged (perhaps not a problem with your project) but also the resin had gone into a somewhat brittle state.
     
  6. Vulkyn
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    Vulkyn Senior Member

    Yah that seems to be the logical step, not sure if i can find some one to travel or not :) will keep you posted ....
     
  7. Vulkyn
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    Location: Egypt

    Vulkyn Senior Member

    Yah no one from the companies i contacted is willing to travel to do a survey and the one that did pretty much asked for the same price as shipping the boat to Egypt :S

    So guess ill ask him to send some parts of the hull for testing here and we will see how things go ....
     
  8. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Where is the boat?
     
  9. Fanie
    Joined: Oct 2007
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    Fanie Fanie

    Sheeet ! That wasn't such a good idea to burn it.

    If you put a flat deck on it you can use it for a bass boat.
     

  10. Vulkyn
    Joined: Jun 2010
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    Location: Egypt

    Vulkyn Senior Member

    Its in Saudi Arabia atm.

    Yes Fanie burning boats in general is not a good idea .....
     
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