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Steel, wood or aluminum

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Mambo42, Dec 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM.

  1. Mambo42, Dec 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM
    #1
    Mambo42

    Mambo42 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2025
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    Croatia
    First of all, thanks for letting me join. I am a member of the Trawlerforum and another member in that forum suggested I ask my question as well on this forum, where there are apparently more owners of boats made out of steel, wood or aluminum

    Currently I have a Defever 49, we sail in the Med and I am looking for a larger boat (up to 70'). I would like to have a boat that can cruise at around 9 - 10 kts and go even faster if possible, so that we can outrun extreme weather when it shows up. With our Defever we cannot do that, 7 kts is about the max we will get.
    Also we would like to have more space onboard, we more or less live on our boat, so we can use extra storage space, but also extra space for guests.

    I am searching online for boats and I have found a couple of boats that might be interesting, however I am not familiar with the pros and cons of the different hull constructions. One boat is made of steel, one is made of wood and the third one is aluminum.
    They are all older boats, 1990, 1997 and 2001 and I know steel does rust, aluminum apparently can just desintegrate and wood I have absolutely no clue about. I have not yet seen the boat, so I don't know if it is wood with epoxy on top of it or if it is painted bare wood.
    Some people have already told me to stay away from wood, but others said it should not be a problem if taken well care of.

    If any of you owns an older steel, aluminum or wooden boat, I would gladly like to hear your insights, the problems you encounter, if it is very maintenance intensive (more than GRP), any tricks to find out if the boat is in good condition etc.

    Appreciate your insights
  2. gr8trn, Dec 15, 2025 at 3:13 PM
    #2
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Steel can rust, Alu can suffer electolysis/corrosion, wood can rot. Probably should say steel will rust, alu will corrode and wood will rot.

    I have never sailed a wooden boat. I am sure I would never own a wood only boat. Cold molded timber cored epoxy laminated lay up, sure.

    My Alu boat is not "old", 2012 vintage and in fine shape so I am not any help. It's all about sacrificial metals, keeping dissimilar metals away from each other and sound electrics isolation, and more.

    I think your question is a bit too general to get much traction. It sure sounds like a fun project you have, working from 50' to 70' is certainly likely to get your more live aboard space and storage not to mention insurance and other length related expenses.

    It would be cool if you let us know what your find as you search. Boat shopping is fun!
    leeky likes this.
  3. ranger58sb, Dec 17, 2025 at 7:47 AM
    #3
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    I'd have thought many here would have jumped all over this...

    -Chris
    JWY likes this.
  4. d_meister, Dec 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM
    #4
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    My vote is "None of the Above". Aluminum has paint adhesion issues (blisters) even if the corrosion issue is defeated. Been there, done that on an Aluminum Chris Craft Roamer. Steel has on-going paint maintenance requirements and rust-chasing, and wood needs hull fasteners replaced periodically.
    Mambo42 likes this.
  5. RER, Dec 17, 2025 at 12:39 PM
    #5
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    IMG_6748.jpeg
  6. rtrafford, Dec 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
    #6
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    I'm absolutely fine with Aluminum. The blisters require thoughtful prep and finish detail to keep moisture away from the paint edges. Steel, the same. Both need bilges to be kept clean like operating rooms. Once you understand what is required, it really isn't a hassle. But to each his or her own...

    Find the boat that you like. Understand what you can budget for maintenance and upgrades. Make good decisions. But buy the boat that you like.
    Mambo42 and Littleboatdu like this.
  7. Pascal, Dec 18, 2025 at 9:12 AM
    #7
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Steel and alum requires a lot more maintenance than fiberglass so why even bother.

    wood? Even worst. Unless you re talking about cold molded hulls where the wood is just part of the resin layup. That s different and viable construction technique. Think Carolina sport fish and Vicems.
    Mambo42 likes this.
  8. Capt Ralph, Dec 18, 2025 at 10:26 AM
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I lived on the Huckins dock for near 10 years. Witnessed many epoxy/wood boats and their issues.
    Never, never would I desire one.
    Could not wish one on my enemies.

    I have managed alloy Roamers and Strikers. Loved them, still lots of care and work.

    Our near 48 year old, 58' FRP is as solid as built.
    Mambo42 likes this.
  9. Norseman, Dec 19, 2025 at 5:52 AM
    #9
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    I owned and lived on a classic wooden boat for 3 years in the tropics.
    Not recommended to say the least, lots of repairs and preventative maintenance to keep
    the boat pristine. (Which is impossible, but I tried,)
    That was my first boat and I was ignorant.
    Don’t be like me.:D
    Mambo42 likes this.