Re: How to Choose the Right Used Boat to Fix It Up?

Glass hulls can last a long long time - and be very fix uppable.

But exposed wood in them is a disaster - if it is structural - better
to avoid them and leave the rot to other people.

Brian W

On 29 Sep 2005 09:42:59 -0700, jaykchan@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>I am planning to get a 18-ft used boat at low cost and fit it up. I
>would like to see what kind of used boats are considered as "good
>enough" for a DIY fix-it-up.
>
>The kind of used boats that I am looking for:
>- 18-ft
>- Semi-V
>- Center console or open deck (like a utility boat)
>- Either fiberglass or aluminum, or even wood
>- Only need the haul, no motor
>- Very cheap
>
>What I need to know are what kind of damage on the boat that are too
>expensive to repair (meaning that the damage is so extensive that even
>a "DIY fix-it-up" will cost too much; hence, better off paying a bit
>more to get one that is in a better shape).
>
>Aluminum boats:
> I am under the impression that aluminum boats are great for fixing
>because the repair job is relatively easy, and the problem areas can
>easily be found. I assume that those problems like "pin hole leak",
>"rivet leak", and "seam leak" can be fixed and are not big problems (I
>am quite handy and I can find people in the shop to teach me how to
>weld). I guess I only need to avoid aluminum boats that are bent out of
>shape, or has rust and corrosion in areas where I cannot weld a flat
>piece of marine aluminum on it. Is that right?
>
>Fiberglass boats:
> Based on articles in Yacht Survey online, fiberglass can hide many
>problems, and the problem cannot be seen from outside. And those boats
>may not have enough fiberglass in it. Sound like this can be a can of
>worms. What should I watch out for? How can I find a "true" fiberglass
>boat? Is there any particular model-year of fiberglass boat that is
>"true" fiberglass boat? Can I fix any problem by wrapping the hull with
>two layers of fiberglass?
>
>Wooden boats:
> I assume I should simply avoid them unless they have been enclosed
>with resin and fiberglass.
>
>Thanks in advance for any info.
>
>Jay Chan

.

Relevant Pages

  • Fiberglass loss of strength
    ... Oday 37 and then turned into a discussion on fiberglass, ... Boats like the Oday 37 were not all that well engineered ... that designers did not know how strong fiberglass was. ... several things that determine the strength of the hull itself. ...
    (rec.boats.cruising)
  • Re: fiberglass [boat] longevity ?
    ... The old fiberglass boats were made of many layers of carefully hand-laid ... Boat hulls became thinner and thinner. ...
    (rec.boats.cruising)
  • Re: fiberglass [boat] longevity ?
    ... Those older hand laid boats are of INFERIOR strength in comparison to ... gelcoat is very porous and unless continuously waxed to ... > fiberglass, ... Boat hulls became thinner and thinner. ...
    (rec.boats.cruising)
  • How to Choose the Right Used Boat to Fix It Up?
    ... The kind of used boats that I am looking for: ... - Either fiberglass or aluminum, ... I am under the impression that aluminum boats are great for fixing ... I guess I only need to avoid aluminum boats that are bent out of ...
    (rec.boats.building)
  • Re: How to Choose the Right Used Boat to Fix It Up?
    ... > fiberglass is an OK material for boats. ... > put together a list of solid fiberglass boats. ... > transducer in a Fischer motorsailer, he said he was amazed to drill away ...
    (rec.boats.building)