GRP or Steel

[funinthesun]

Looking for advice.
Steel boats - potential rust buckets or solid investment?
GRP - Better or worse than the above?
Discuss.

 

[Hummer]

Both

Are fine as long as they are maintained.

Like comparing chalk and cheese, get yourself down to a good yard (Penton / Shepperton) and have a good look around some steel stuff, then ask their ages, do the same whit GRP.

All depends on how and where you want to use them.

I would not have a problem with either of them.

 

[No Regrets]

I reckon GRP has a few more advantages, it's not going to rust for starters, is very cheap to repair, and the 'worst fear' which is Osmotic blisters, are less of an issue than Ferrous Oxide.

Consider too, the manufacturers, both materials are used on many popular boats, and are equally desirable, but you may prefer the layout of one over the other, in which case the default material will be decided for you....

 

[apollo]

You dont need to shell out £10K for a paint job either - aint that right tone?

 

[Gavi]

We've moved from our first boat (GRP) to our second (steel). We love the solidity of the steel boat. The behaviour in locks is tangibly different - she sits where you put her. She has a great feel and look of quality. I am happy with the change.

One draw back: bigger bruises when you bang yourself on steel.