Harry Krause wrote:

Lawrence James wrote:

But there are better materials and most of them are not subject to water
intrusion or rotting. The biggest weakness in most fiberglass boats is the
wood. If it was not for the wood a properly constructed fiberglass boat
would last forever. Anyone buying a new boat today should be considering no
wood models seriously.

Hmmm. So, I guess no one should be considering boats from Grady,
Hatteras, Buddy Davis, Parker and about a ka-zillion others...at least
not seriously.

Water permeates fiberglass, by the way. And it sure can play havoc with
the gel coat. You've not seen a blistered fiberglass boat? That isn't
wood popping off the surface. Or foam that has become waterlogged?

Now, steel, that's a boatbuilder's material. Treat it properly and keep
it properly coated, pay attention to galvanic action and voila! A boat
that will last a lifetime.


One correction. Hatt converted to all-composite stringers a couple of
years ago. Less labor involved.

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