steel motor cruiser advice please

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Sowenna

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Dear forum members

I recently bought a Dutch steel motor cruiser, as project, without survey.

I've discovered some rust that looks a bit less than superficial under a leaking shower tray, where water collected and was left. I think the thickness of the steel was 5mm at manufacture.

Can anyone offer advice on:

1. How to assess the how serious it is - whether this can be done in or out of the water - be it a good boat yard or surveyor?
2. A good boatyard that could weld/repair a steel boat anywhere on the Thames?

Thanks in advance John
 
Sowenna said:
Dear forum members

I recently bought a Dutch steel motor cruiser, as project, without survey.

I've discovered some rust that looks a bit less than superficial under a leaking shower tray, where water collected and was left. I think the thickness of the steel was 5mm at manufacture.

Can anyone offer advice on:

1. How to assess the how serious it is - whether this can be done in or out of the water - be it a good boat yard or surveyor?
2. A good boatyard that could weld/repair a steel boat anywhere on the Thames?

Thanks in advance John
Click to expand...
As a previous owner of a dutch steel cruiser I would suggest that an out of water survey by a qualified surveyor should be your first action. They will be able to determine plate thickness throughout the hull, (including, and most important, the keel area where rusting can develop internally where it cannot be easily seen), using ultrasound or other tech equipment and give you specific recommendations for any work necessary to ensure hull integrity and seaworthiness.
 
These guys are in Chertsey, if that's any good to you and I've been told that they are very reasonably priced and people I know who have used them have been happy with the work.http://www.4allmarine.co.uk
For a survey, I don't think you'll get better than Simon Kidd. It would be hard to find a more thorough or helpful surveyor. 07766020034
Good luck!
 
Boat will have to come out of the water for any serious attempt to discover extent of problem. Steel boats of advancing years are notorious for internal corrosion, which can be very hard to visually detect . Corrosion can be quite extensive,simply due to nature of construction. The upside is that repairing a steel hull can be a simpler and more straight forward job than other materials which helps reduces cost. Not sure about anybody local to you being capable or able to undertake the work, others may know more. Be prepared to move off the Thames to get a more competitive price from a yard more used to dealing with steel because of local customers needing work on fishing/work boats etc. Good Luck.
 
Forum members, some great tips, thank you. It does seem a survey is the way to go, even better if I can follow that with the repairs while she is out of the water - to save two lift outs.
 
4-All impressed me when asking for a blacking job. Their advantage is that they can trolley you out rather than a crane job - so save money. I've no idea whether they can do serious welding, though.
 
Thanks all, the recommendations are appreciated. Have a couple of options now which is two more than before! Ta John
 
boatone said:
As a previous owner of a dutch steel cruiser I would suggest that an out of water survey by a qualified surveyor should be your first action. They will be able to determine plate thickness throughout the hull, (including, and most important, the keel area where rusting can develop internally where it cannot be easily seen), using ultrasound or other tech equipment and give you specific recommendations for any work necessary to ensure hull integrity and seaworthiness.
Click to expand...

I also had a dutch steel cruiser and happily used 4all. (Now GRP so have not had call on them recently). They would however be my first point of call with steel. IMHO very knowledgeable and helpful.
 
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