Aluminum houseboat hull

Corrosion, Paint, Through Hulls, etc.
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shade2u2
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Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by shade2u2 »

I'm looking at aluminum houseboats - mostly Marinette & Kingscraft.
I found one that has been remodeled but hull was refurbished in an odd fashion.
The hull was completely sandblasted down to raw aluminum. The owner repaired what they call minor pitting along with a small hole into the water tank in the keel. They covered this with resin / fiberglass. They also left the hull unpainted - I suppose like some Somerset's that I've seen.
What are your thoughts regarding this method of repair?
I've often wandered about unpainted hulls on BigM or Kingscrafts. What do you think?
Here are some pictures.
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John
1986 39 Sedan w/Crusader 454 & 1.92 drive.
former - '84 28 Express Hardtop w/single 360 1.5:1 drive (SOLD - now in Uruguay)
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers (Marietta, OH)
barkleydave
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by barkleydave »

Your photos are not a houseboat.
Your first photos I would NOT call "minor pitting"!

Proceed with caution: A professional surveyor with aluminum experience would be wise.

safe harbors,

dave
1987 Marinette 29 FB Sedan
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
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shade2u2
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by shade2u2 »

Thank you for the response.
Why do you say "Your photos are not a houseboat"?
John
1986 39 Sedan w/Crusader 454 & 1.92 drive.
former - '84 28 Express Hardtop w/single 360 1.5:1 drive (SOLD - now in Uruguay)
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers (Marietta, OH)
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shade2u2
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by shade2u2 »

I also have these pictures of the keel area before repair. This looks bad to me.
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John
1986 39 Sedan w/Crusader 454 & 1.92 drive.
former - '84 28 Express Hardtop w/single 360 1.5:1 drive (SOLD - now in Uruguay)
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers (Marietta, OH)
Fastjeff
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by Fastjeff »

There's pitting, and then there's so much local corrosion that structural failure is possible. Pitting damage can be repaired with epoxy putty; the other requires welding. Fiberglassing over aluminum--if not done correctly--will fall off!

Jeff

PS: My good neighbor has a Kingscraft "houseboat" and its a Vee type planning hull. Nice, spacious boat with everything on one level (after entering). Got damn sick of going up and down that ladder in mine.
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shade2u2
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by shade2u2 »

Jeff,
We are looking at the one level concept as a big plus for our old bodies and dogs!

I haven't looked at this vessel yet, but may next month if it is still for sale. I will want to see it out of the water.
John
1986 39 Sedan w/Crusader 454 & 1.92 drive.
former - '84 28 Express Hardtop w/single 360 1.5:1 drive (SOLD - now in Uruguay)
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers (Marietta, OH)
barkleydave
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by barkleydave »

Oops forgot about Kingscraft hybrid H.B./cruiser

What caused the corrosion? Could be some serious electrical and isolation issues


Dave
1987 Marinette 29 FB Sedan
Retired Boat Accident UL and USCG trained investigator
Retired USCG Captain
Fastjeff
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by Fastjeff »

Most often it's simple neglect.

Jeff

PS: The Kingscraft in the photo has Vee drives which frees up a load of interior space.
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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shade2u2
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Re: Aluminum houseboat hull

Post by shade2u2 »

It sounds like this boat was neglected for many years according to the current owner. Over the past 5 years it has been completely gutted & the hull sandblasted. The interior & systems appear to be refurbished nicely.
John
1986 39 Sedan w/Crusader 454 & 1.92 drive.
former - '84 28 Express Hardtop w/single 360 1.5:1 drive (SOLD - now in Uruguay)
Ohio and Muskingum Rivers (Marietta, OH)
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