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slug · 25-12-2019, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wielingen

Hey All!

I'm planning to buy a steel sailing boat (+-30 ft). The boat was built in the early 1950s. On first sight, it seems well maintained but I've already bought and sailed two second hand polyester yachts and they too have their issues.

I'm going to visit the boat and take a look. What should I watch out for? What are typical steel yacht issues?

Thanks for your input and Merry Christmas!

Wielingen

I don’t like small steel boats . The plates are thin and access to the inside of the hull is difficult

Metal boats always rot from the inside ...out .

Tanks, anchor lockers, frame faces , hatch and window frames, sheer clamps, areas with poor access under refrigeration , shower, head ... are areas prone to corrosion

Steel is best for large yachts

**hpeer** · 26-12-2019, 04:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wielingen

Hey All!

I'm planning to buy a steel sailing boat (+-30 ft). The boat was built in the early 1950s. On first sight, it seems well maintained but I've already bought and sailed two second hand polyester yachts and they too have their issues.

I'm going to visit the boat and take a look. What should I watch out for? What are typical steel yacht issues?

Thanks for your input and Merry Christmas!

Wielingen

I’m confused.

This is the OP. However poster HOPKINS now appears to be the person interested, or personally knowledgeable about the boat.

There is a very significant difference between an “early 1950’s” and a “1995” boat, even though the survey recommendations would remain the same.

**Wotname** · 26-12-2019, 04:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpeer

I’m confused.

This is the OP. However poster HOPKINS now appears to be the person interested, or personally knowledgeable about the boat.

There is a very significant difference between an “early 1950’s” and a “1995” boat, even though the survey recommendations would remain the same.

Two different boats!

The OP is thinking about buying a 1950s boat.
HOPKINS is selling a 1995 boat.

Yep, hi-jacking makes it confusing

**hpeer** · 26-12-2019, 04:33

WotName- thanks.

INSURANCE:

IMHO a 1950’s hull is not worth insuring. Just buy another.

I just got quotes for liability only insurance: (about) $1,350 for $500,000 and $1,650 for $1 million.

MicHughV · 26-12-2019, 10:23

boat insurance to my mind is quite the "racket".....you can't go north or south a certain latitude...variable deductibles clauses...collision clauses.....total loss clauses...liability clauses...non-insured clauses, etc..etc...etc....the list is long...
At the end of the day, One is left wondering exactly what is insured for what premium...

I opted for the best boat insurance...me !!!...It was up to me to ensure my boats were shipshape, secure, ready for emergencies, and my navigation and sailing skills were up to snuff,etc.

If I had to tally up all the insurance premiums I never paid....it would be a staggering amount over 40 years...but that's me :-)

timb7734 · 30-12-2019, 09:35

Actually own a steel hulled trawler that is 20 years old. Pre purchase survey six years ago included thickness testing in thousands of locations throughout the vessel, tankage, thruster tunnel etc. Cost of thickness testing was $900 over the general survey and results were that the vessel remains at original thickness. Thickness testing completed by a professional metallurgist who maintains Alaska pipeline.

Subsequent to taking ownership boat has had a complete repaint with PPG naval epoxy, water tanks had surface rust and were coated with food grade epoxy. Interior has been removed section by section, about one eighth of the total each year, repainted and reinsulated.

Buy anything this old as cheap as possible unless P.O. has proof of condition, and still get your own survey. As stated elsewhere even if the hull is sound you will likely have large expenses in upgrading the rig, machinery, and creature comforts, but it is a labor of love if it works.

Night_Sailor · 30-12-2019, 11:40

The number one thing you will need is a life insurance policy.

I would not trust a steel boat that old unless the entire boat is stripped down and every frame inspected, repaired and then the boat is replated. I've seen a few people take the time to do that. It's rare though.

A boat that old is not to be trusted.

bobrosie · 30-12-2019, 12:55

I've owned two steel sailboats. I hate to tell you to pass one by sight unseen (regarding hull condition), but I wouldn't waste my time on one that's 65 years old. It'll cost you nothing but money to find out that it's going to cost you a lot of money. Sorry.

**hpeer** · 30-12-2019, 14:35

^1+

I own 2 steel boats. Could be wrong but I would not bet on it.

Ghostrider421 · 30-12-2019, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobrosie

I've owned two steel sailboats. I hate to tell you to pass one by sight unseen (regarding hull condition), but I wouldn't waste my time on one that's 65 years old. It'll cost you nothing but money to find out that it's going to cost you a lot of money. Sorry.

Double ditto on that one.
Aluminum is my fav materiel after high quality wood. But wood just like steel rots.

Old fella · 03-01-2020, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostrider421

Double ditto on that one.
Aluminum is my fav materiel after high quality wood. But wood just like steel rots.

Yeah, and aluminium turns to corroded white goo, so it's no better than anything else.

Ghostrider421 · 09-01-2020, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old fella

Yeah, and aluminium turns to corroded white goo, so it's no better than anything else.

Really? Haven't had a problem with my 1969 Striker

**hpeer** · 09-01-2020, 15:40

I saw it on a French boat we looked at. It was a cold and rainy day, the Wife has me crawling around on just thawed grass because she REALLY liked the boat. I saw some “white stuff” and poked at it with my knife, which promptly went straight through the hull.

I know that is not supposed to happen, but I saw a repair on the stb side of the boat in the exact same spot. The hole was in a Integral hull water tank so there was no “leak” inside the boat. The boat had been sitting in fresh water.

And I talked to the owner of a 10-15 year old sail boat who told me he had to repair a hull leak due to corrosion.

I’m no aluminum expert, just my experiences.

Reefmagnet · 09-01-2020, 15:47

Due to where it sits on the galvanic scale, aluminum easily turns into a sacrificial anode for most common metals used in construction. Very important to protect it from electrolysis.