73/....How do I alter my boat?

First and formost please let me wish you and your family a warm and joyish Merry Christmas and happy new Year. I also wish to thank you for your last email to me concerning Super Krete, as i now understand your point after reading my new book from you "Ferro Cement Boats" which arrived the day before christmas. I live in Guam and recently was given a 40ft ferro Cement boat. The bill of sale reads. Auxillary Sailing Vessel El Helal, Length 40'4", Breadth 14' 4", Depth 5' 4", and gross Tonage including masts, Riging, and engine "37hp Yanmar Diesel" I accepted the vessel only after taking a good look at the hull and noticing itt was in pretty solid condition, but the rest of the boat interior and deck was very bad and termite infested. While waiting for your book to arrive i started gutting out the interior back to the hull. The idea was to compleatly removve everything then repair and water proof from the inside, then do the outside repairs, then due a new deck again. This is were i ran into alot of questions though. 1st question is How do i figure out how much higher or wider i can build my aft cabin area? 2nd For such a termite infested location such as the pacific, should i build the deck annd house with aluminum ribs and sheet metal, Steel ribs and sheetmetal or just go wood a and fiberglass again. I really just want to make this a one time refit of this magnitude, i really don't ever want to do this again. So what is the best way to rebuild my ship and get the most time out of it with the materials i use. Also on repairing the hull, i have a large are in front near the keel that has water seaping through from the inside to the outside. According to the way i read your book i must use a mallot and take the concrete sheathing off to the netting then re concrete again. would this be right? Also their is an area near the prop shaft that requires repair, should i use auto filler puddy in this area or also knock back the plaster again. I also would like to raise the hull were the deck joins up in the back about three foot and in the front mayby 2ft. My friend asked me to ask would it be better to use the new type of rebar which is polymear based or still go with the steal rebars which then will be tied to the original rebar. I'm sorry for so many questions. I'm excitted and at the same time lost looking for a good game plan to make the boat i most want. Other wise i would just buy someone elses dream tthat was already for sailing. How much modifications can be done to my boat as far as length and hight. I would like to also add a scuba / swimming platform on the back of my boat. Looking to make this boat for trans pacific crossings from guam and the outer islands to california and the east coast. I am putting some photo's for your review. Could you please tell me what the best course of action would be for me to make my dream boat. Sincerely Mike Dilley, Guam USA (USAF) mdilley@hafatel.com

 Hi Mike, so many questions but as you say many of the answers are in the book. You should undertake the repairs properly by breaking back to the mesh, you will appreciate it in the long run as it is permanent. I don't think you should get into the subject of lengthening the boat as it will change the balancing of the rig and a multitude of other problems will be introduced. With the termite problem perhaps it's worth considering a ferro deck and combine it with the raised alterations to the aft end of the hull. However I must point out that the termite problem is not normal, it can be allayed by the use of treated timber etc. Remember there are thousands of boats enjoying the wonders of the Pacific, it is not a problem specific to Guam. I note that the hull is basically a double-ender (or it certainly has a very narrow point of exit), this is not really ideal for the addition of a swimming platform. If you still intend to add one then it should only be of wood construction and bolted through the hull. Do not use heavy bolts to fasten the structure to the hull, keep them above the waterline. Then if the structure should become damaged in either a seaway or while berthing etc, transfer of damage to the hull will be limited. Regards. Colin Brookes.

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