Cameron
New member
A quick question. I understand that cold moulded hulls are very stiff and rot resistant. Do they require significantly more maintenace than GRP?
Many thanks
Cameron
Many thanks
Cameron
Cold Moulded Wood
- Thread starter Cameron
- Start date
Freebee
Well-known member
They would require more maintenance I am not sure about signicantly more, Ive no practical experience but I have read that cold moulded hulls can suffer from end grain water penetration if not looked after carefully. I guess it comes down to the condition of the hull you have and how carefully previous owners have looked after it. Certainly GRP hulls can be just gel coat finish whereas coldmoulded will need a coat(s) of paint or varnish every so often.
burgundyben
Well-known member
Cold or hot moulded boats tend to suffer the same, the moulded hull shell itself will generally stand up quite well, repairs can easily be done with a router, sheets of veneer, epoxy and a staple gun, the hull itself will suffer mostly around the top edge where the end grain is exposed and likewise the faying line around the transom.
I've owned a couple of moulded boats inc my current one, my advice would be to check most carefully the rest of the boat, ie scantlings, carlins, frames, hogs, floors etc, if bulheads and deck and cabin structure are plywood then this needs carefull scrutiny (more so than the moulded hull).
What is it?
Hope this helps.
I've owned a couple of moulded boats inc my current one, my advice would be to check most carefully the rest of the boat, ie scantlings, carlins, frames, hogs, floors etc, if bulheads and deck and cabin structure are plywood then this needs carefull scrutiny (more so than the moulded hull).
What is it?
Hope this helps.
burgundyben
Well-known member
Now I've read the question properly..
Yes, they do require more maintenance than a plastic boat, not as much as a carvel or clinker boat.
My 28 footer takes I reckon about 100 hours a year to maintain in tip top condition with some improvements along the way, then every 10 or fifteen years a big refit.
Yes, they do require more maintenance than a plastic boat, not as much as a carvel or clinker boat.
My 28 footer takes I reckon about 100 hours a year to maintain in tip top condition with some improvements along the way, then every 10 or fifteen years a big refit.
Cameron
New member
Many thanks for this, very helpfull. Re what is it- we are about to take the plunge and buy a small cruiser. I saw this www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F44200/ but I think that maybe a more idiot proof GRP boat will suit us better. Very nice looking though.
Thanks again for the advice- you are all very tolerant of wannabes (but soon will bes) like myself. Now where is that chequebook (my fiance keeps hiding it).
Thanks again for the advice- you are all very tolerant of wannabes (but soon will bes) like myself. Now where is that chequebook (my fiance keeps hiding it).
Mirelle
N/A
Looks like a nice boat
This sort of cold moulded boat (built as a small offshore racer in the 60's) is likely to be quite well built.
This sort of cold moulded boat (built as a small offshore racer in the 60's) is likely to be quite well built.
aztec
Active member
Re: Looks like a nice boat
don't see many plastic boats half her age in such good condition.
but then, i like wood.
don't see many plastic boats half her age in such good condition.
but then, i like wood.
gb44
New member
Re: Looks like a nice boat
I think the boat you are interested in is a Top Hat class and the hulls were moulded by WA Souter at Cowes. They were world leaders in this type of building so she would have started life extremely well built. I owned another of their cold moulded boats for 15 years and never a problem. The enemy is as with all wooden boats- fresh water, so vulnerable areas are the joints in the cockpit and anywhere else where it can accumulate.
I think the boat you are interested in is a Top Hat class and the hulls were moulded by WA Souter at Cowes. They were world leaders in this type of building so she would have started life extremely well built. I owned another of their cold moulded boats for 15 years and never a problem. The enemy is as with all wooden boats- fresh water, so vulnerable areas are the joints in the cockpit and anywhere else where it can accumulate.
G
