Ferro Cement..Samson 36

[paulrossall]

Have looked at a "project" which I think is a Samson 36 which has been standing for probably 10 years. The decks are concrete but the superstructure is grp covered plywood. The grp has fractured and some of the plywood is rotten. I think the grp needs removing , the plywood replacing (exterior grade?) and then fibreglassing again. Has anyone any experience of repairing a similar structure. Is there a concrete boat owner on the forum? Paul

 

[billcowan]

Ohh man - take up golf

You can buy a perfectly good working boat in good nick for what that beast will consume in money alone.

 

[bendyone]

Look at

http://www.ferroboats.com/

 

[graham]

A large concrete boat will cost the same to refit as a large GRPwood or steel boat but will then not have anything like the same value.

The cost of buying the derelict hull may be cheap but even if they will give it to you it probably wont make economic sense. when you come to sell the boat it will be difficult to get rid of at any price.

Big concrete boats have ruined a lot of peoples lives over the years some hulls responsible for more than one bankruptcy/divorce/nervous breakdowns with succesive owners.

There are some very good ferro boats about well built and giving good service but there are more horror stories.

 

[ashanta]

I bet if you calculate what your budget is for this project you could buy a ferro boat in good nick. There are some good ones about but as their reputation is poor you can pick them up cheaply. I think a lot of people who buy a ferro tend to want to keep them and go off and live aboard somewhere until they decide to pack up?
I knew of a lovely Endurance ferro in Plymouth. it was a superb boat.

Take your time and think about it as some of the advice been given is very clear about the risk.

Good luck

Peter.

 

[VicS]

As promised I've read the topic now but I have nothing original to contribute. I know some one who has spent about 20 years building a slightly smaller ferro boat in a small yard in the Chichester area but thats not rally local for you to drop in for a chat!

 

[graham]

Re: Have you seen this one?

This boat has been for sale for a long time at sub £20000. She looks beautifull and probably is but in any other material would be 4 or 5 times the price.(Boats and Outboards site)

 

[janie]

I know all the work that went into making Ramprasad capable of sailing the seven seas, and Sam doesn't reckon he'd get much from selling her.
http://homepages.rya-online.net/sacoles/main.htm

 

[Sheerline]

Thank you for posting this. It is the funniest post in months.