Wood boat maintenance?

[Dave2]

I've searched but not found anything specific on this subject. I am considering a 66ft wooden mobo to use as a live aboard. Shes a 1974 Cantieri Santa Margheritas of mahogany/marine ply. She will be moored in the Middle East ie lots of sun and in summer, 40degcelsius and 90% humidity.
My question is whether she is likely to last the rigours of the weather?
What ongoing maintenance would be required to protect her from the elements?
Would sheathing with something like the West System epoxy system help/reduce the annual maintenance?
Please feel free to deter me from wood as I would actually prefer GRP/Aluminium/Steel but this boat looks good as a live aboard.
Cheers.

 

[LittleShip]

Wrong site if you want somebody to deter you from wood?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif IMHO if you are living aboard there should be no problem with on going mainteance. Always keep the paint up to scratch and you should have no problems.
Good luck.

 

[miket]

I think I have responded to you before on this.

I would not touch a plywood hulled or superstructured boat with a 10 foot barge pole. Not at any kind of age which I assume if it is cheap it will be?
Cold molded veneers, sometimes referred to as ply, is not so bad but even this can rapidly deteriorate if maintenance lapses.

West epoxy system is quite good I believe (no experience of use) but still need reasonably sound wood.

Understand the temptation as price in comparison to GRP or steel is probably very good, with good reason.

No such thing as a free lunch!!

 

[LittleShip]

Dave 2
Have a read about wood boats here, then make up yopur own mind!!

http://tinyurl.com/4bzt7

 

[Dave2]

Thanks miket and littleship. Your feedback is appreciated. Mike, you are correct, I think you responded to my query on either Motor Boat or Live Aboard forums but it was suggested I asked the question on this forum and seek the advice of the experts with wood. Hence my request for advice here as well.
This boat will give me 4 cabins including 2 large ones with queen beds. Also, 2 x large heads with separate showers. A large galley and lounge as well. A top sundeck and a rear undercover alfresco dining deck will be available. For USD150000 under the price of a similar (but smaller) GRP boat, it seems worth considering, but as you say miket, there is no such thing as a free lunch. I know that I will have to work to maintain it in good condition in the Middle East sun but I am trying to find out what my lunch will cost me. Over 5 years, will it chew up the USD150000 savings that I will make on the purchase price over a GRP boat? Also, even for USD150000 more, I probably wouldnt get the same usable space as the 66ft wooden mobo.
Keep chucking advice my way!

 

[Peterduck]

You will, of course, have the whole thing checked for soundness by a good boatbuilder before you commit yourself. Any exterior varnish will drive you nuts trying to maintain it. Paint over it in a similar pale brown colour; it will last so much longer. We have a similar summer here in Melbourne [today's forecast is for 37 deg C before an afternoon thunderstorm. I hope that it cools down with the rain, otherwise it's going to be very uncomfortable] and there are plenty of wooden boats around here. Organise as many awnings as you can; they'll be worth their weight in gold keeping both sun and rain off.
Peter.

 

[ade]

Hi Dave

If you look the ply over with a clear head and no tinted glasses, it will become obvious which parts are going to need more treatment.

Ply can be as solid as wood if looked after properly, and that means giving it a lot of covering, either with epoxy or other such.
I have a ply 30 footer that has been in the water for two years now, and she still doesn't leak or seep water. I did the hard work when I bought her, stripped back the paint and epoxied everything i could get me hands on, (and some i couldn't!). It cost a fraction of the price of a GRP boat even with the water proofing.
So don't be put off ply, just be sensible with it.
Every boat needs to be maintaned, there is no difference except the wood.

ade