I don’t know what all the hype is about when talking about a “properly” built ferrocement boat, but so far (knock on wood), I have no complaints. While cleaning the hull we found 2 clams and a small crab and some other thing that looked like a sea cucumber. No rust or exposed wire frame or any other horror stories associated with ferrocement sailboats.

I did, however, find that the shaft is moving a bit and the rudder needs to be removed and repaired a bit. Apparently, it’s fiberglass and needs to be fixed. All the anodes looked good and I was surprised that there were any left at all given the last owner’s non-boating skills. There was a place where there were supposed to be some anodes and someone took the cheap route and didn’t put anything! I’ll be putting those in, as well as a couple extra big ones.

There are also a couple of places that looked as if someone ran aground, which actually made me smile. Knowing that the boat didn’t crumble at the point of contact with something other than water made me feel comfortable in knowing that some of the BAD PRESS that ferrocement has gotten is just that…BAD PRESS.

It’s really comforting to see everyone that I have told this boat is cement have not turned their noses up or even flinched, for that matter. All I get is “Wow, that’s a strong boat” or “It will take care of you”. There was a Scottish couple on the yard today actually admiring the boat and even asked to go aboard and take a look. They were amazed at how big it was and loved the roomy interior.

I saw the speed paddle and depth sounder transducers and hope to replace both this coming week. I have also asked them to give me a quote for repairing some of the paint work above the water line.

As far as I can tell, this boat has all the same problems that fiberglass, wood or steel boats would have and nothing more! Sure, we have a lot of work to do, but so does everyone else with a sailboat!

EL V

I’m going to install a pump closer to the tank and see if that works. If not… It’s time to get dirty and remove the old tank!!!

HUGE JOB!

El Vagabundo

So I set out to get the job done. I was hoping to have the help of a local mechanic, but he was busy, so I had to man up and do it myself. Mind you, I am not a mechanic and, although I know my way around a tool box, I’m far from a DIY Guru dude. The idea was to install a new pump and run new hoses. Well, it’s a bigger job now. Four pumps and a new system is in order! So far, I have replaced the main pump and the water is out of both bilge areas and the shower is draining.

Now that a new hose has been run, all I have to do is install the new pumps!