Repair or Replace Steel Houseboat Hulls - Rust issues cause major replacing or repairing expenses.

by Steve
(MN, USA)

How to repair or replace steel houseboat hulls, is often brought on by rust issues, and causes some major replacing or repairing expenses, that were never planned or expected in a newer boat. My story began after purchasing a 1997 luxury Skipperliner houseboat, that have some serious interior and exterior rust issues. Generally steel hulls require major work and welding after 20-30 years, and not after 8-10 years.

Steel houseboats require a competent marine surveyor to sound the hull and determine the condition of the steel structure, and our boat has rusted out from the inside and lost up to 25% of its original thickness in just 8-10 short years.

This is becoming a serious issue, major headache, and some big money $$$$$. If you like, you can visit our web site to know more about my Steel Skipperliner Houseboat issues.

Thanks, Steve.

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Reply - Answer
Well Steve, welcome to the forums, and sorry to hear about the issues with your beautiful Skipperliner houseboat. My wife and I would seriously consider the same model, yet with an aluminum hull.

I have always been amazed at how boats or houseboats for that matter, are totally different to houses when it comes to construction, quality, and longevity.

The old adage about that the word B-O-A-T means Bring Out Another Thousand. This old saying doesn't always hold true, since sometimes serious problems require many thousands of dollars, not just another thousand.

Again, I am sorry to hear about the rusting issues, and do let us know of any solutions, progress, or agreements that arise.

In closing, I imagine some readers will come forward with some tips or tricks to maintain, repair, replace, or prolong the useful life of steel houseboats?



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their steel houseboat hull rust issues or experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats

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