Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

[atengnr]

I have a 1968 Saf-t-mate, that has been lightly used (mainly small inland lakes). If I were to plan to keep this boat "indefinitely", what is the lifespan of the fiberglass hull?? I assume the fiberglass will eventually become more brittle and crack, leading to ultimate failure....?

The stringers and floor have been replaced already and transom is currently in good shape.

Thanks.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

As long as the structure(usually made of wood) is solid, your FG hull will outlive you.

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

what is the lifespan of the fiberglass hull??

I think it was Isaac Asimov or some Sci-Fi writer that said: "The only thing that will survive a nuclear holocost will be cockroaches and fiberglass boats!"

Probably the best thing you can do for a glass boat is keep it as dry as possible and shaded from the sun. There's an early 60's Glastron around here that looks like it just rolled out of the showroom. Of course it's pampered. Trailered, garaged, covered and waxed regularily.

 

[atengnr]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

This boat has been garaged since new.

So a 100 yr old fiberglass hull could still safely be used?? Doesnt the fiberglass degrade in some way over time??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

the uv rays are it's enemy. when stored covered or garaged. keeping a coat of wax on it really helps, also aids clean up.

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

This boat has been garaged since new.

So a 100 yr old fiberglass hull could still safely be used?? Doesnt the fiberglass degrade in some way over time??

I don't see why it couldn't be used as long as there were no visible structural defects. Cosmetically it might not be the most appealing but as long as the hull remains water proof it should be fine.

When a fiberglass hull is first created the resins will begin a process of curing. Depending on the type of resin this process can take hours or days or longer. There's a lot of science behind resins and their uses. Some resins continue to harden and change their chemical properties (hardening, softening, stretching, shrinking) over very very long times so it is possible one could become more brittle or weaker over time but I don't know of any specifically that does that.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Lifespan of a Fiberglass Hull

I believe someone asked this question a while back - search the boards.

The answer that came back was that someone in the govt still has one of the first fiberglass hulls ever made and periodically cuts a piece for materials testing... it's still solid, and it's about 60-some years old. It's also kept outside in the weather.

So yeah, fiberglass boats will last until you break them.

Erik