Steel Boats

Steel construction has been a popular choice for many yachts and fishing boats. The introduction of CNC cutting files and radius chine construction has lifted the quality of finish for many boats.

One issue that has never been fully overcome is corrosion. The nature of construction prevents getting an even cover of protective coating over the metal and corrosion often begins under stringers and bars where they are not welded to the hull.

Electrolytic corrosion can also damage hulls quite rapidly and special attention needs to be paid to the electrical systems and cathodic protection.

A common fault uncovered during a survey is the poor condition of the underwater coatings. Paint systems have a finite life and a 10 year life span is normally the maximum. The cost of replacement coatings, which involves blasting the old coatings back to bare metal, can be high which probably explains why boat owners are tardy in doing a full coating replacement. 

On occasion it is necessary to thickness gauge the hull if severe corrosion is present and we sub-contract this work to another party. In most cases we are able to give an accurate assessment of the hull condition without thickness gauging and we advise the client early on in the survey of options.