What are the pro's and con's of building in...

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by BillAU, Feb 22, 2013.

  1. BillAU
    Joined: Jun 2010
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    BillAU Junior Member

    Not being an expert in boat building I was wondering, what are the pro's and con's of building, owning and maintaining a boat built in Foam sandwich, Epoxy on Ply, Straight Fibreglass, Steel, Aluminium, Timber or Ferro Cement.

    Bill
    Australia
     
    BillAU, Feb 22, 2013
    #1
  2. FMS
    Joined: Jul 2011
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    Location: united states

    FMS Senior Member

    Solid fiberglass -
    pro: ease of repair
    con: working with resin isn't everyone's pleasure

    Cored FRP -
    pro: lighter weight
    con: can deteriorate if not sealed well or damaged

    Ferro -
    pro: cost
    con: no resale value because buyers can't easily determine condition of steel within

    Steel -
    pro: dents before breaking ;) durability
    con: not appropriate for every boat

    Plywood -
    pro: strength/weight+cost
    con: maintenance and degradation when poorly sealed
     
    FMS, Feb 23, 2013
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    Personally, I'm fond of glass on ply but if I were to do it over again, I'd go for steel.
     
    Submarine Tom, Feb 23, 2013
    #3
  4. pdwiley
    Joined: Jun 2008
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    pdwiley Senior Member

    Completely meaningless question without stating what your requirements for the boat are.

    PDW
     
    pdwiley, Feb 23, 2013
    #4
  5. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    You really MUST tell us the design and use of the boat, there are all these materials of choice, cos choice is what makes every boat individual....you can use canvas and wood to make a very good boat (if it was for a lightweight kayak), but ferro is not so good for a light weight kayak is it?
     
    Landlubber, Feb 23, 2013
    #5

  7. FMS
    Joined: Jul 2011
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    Location: united states

    FMS Senior Member

    This is true.
    Describe the parameters of the boat you are considering Bill.
    Then a list of material pros and cons can have meaning. Don't underestimate your own capabilities, facilities, and preferences should this be a boat you are planning to build yourself. Preferences include what type of maintenance you enjoy doing and on what cycle and how long you want the boat to last and in what aesthetic condition.
     
    FMS, Apr 15, 2013
    #6
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