sailing a steel yacht

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Steel Boats: A Strong Alternative

• By Geoff Payne
• Updated: August 7, 2002

Adventure cruising down Chile’s exciting southern waterway, we chose to make a side trip up one of the many fiords. Like most, this one was uncharted. “Must be as deep as the hills are high around us,” Margaret and I agreed. The crew of an approaching local fishing boat waved enthusiastically as we tacked from shore to shore against a fine breeze.

Those fishermen were really waving their hands in the air at us. “Guess they’ve never seen a sailboat with such good windward ability,” I thought as we left them rapidly astern. If we hadn’t dusted them so completely, perhaps we would have seen their hands go down onto their heads and then over their ears. Full sail and at some seven knots of boat speed, 13 tons of Skookum plowed onto a pile of sharp glacial boulders lurking below the surface.

Was the boat holed due to this colossal blunder? Was the keel parted from the hull? Was the rudder torn off? Was that the end of our cruise? Well, there was a loud bang, we felt the cockpit rapidly rise then suddenly fall, but on we sailed, red-faced and with sails luffing to slow us down. Skookum’s full keel tapers down to a 2 1/2-inch-diameter solid-steel bar. That and the heavier keel plating probably made more impression on the rocks than the rocks did on us. A boat of other material could have sustained trip-terminating damage. Once again, my decision to build in steel had paid off.

Joshua, Williwaw, Damien II: These famous steel cruisers bring to mind high-latitude epic trips, often among ice. But steel is not just for extremist cruisers. As a matter of fact, the finest steel hulls are passing you by, indeed overtaking you under sail. Only you don’t realize they’re made of steel.

On Skookum’s cabin table is a small offcut from the hull plating. It’s often passed around among visitors aboard. “Sure is strong,” folks say, “but isn’t it heavy?” Skookum displaces 28,000 pounds, which is on the heavy side for a 40-footer. But there are respected fiberglass and wood designs of similar size that are heavier still.

They say lighter is faster; it’s true. When it comes to extended cruising, though, the rules are not that simple. A cruising family accumulates literally tons of weight aboard. A serious cruising boat easily could contain over 4,000 pounds of fluids, spares, tools, literature, outboards, and other provisions. That kind of weight stresses and hampers a lightweight craft. The modern steel-hulled cruising boat will be of generous displacement, proportions that will accept a large payload without loss of performance.

Your cruising boat must have good performance. It should tack smartly, carve along to windward at six or seven knots and surge before the trade winds, leaving a straight white wake. Any properly designed, medium- to heavy-displacement sailboat with a big spread of well-cut sails ought to have sparkling performance. (The 1970s saw some successful steel racers.)

Margaret and I have short-tacked slalom courses up narrow buoyed channels, eased sheets to race afternoon sailors, and logged some 180-mile days at sea in Skookum; all this with a displacement/length ratio of 450. That bit of weight in our steel construction equals a lot of comfort on the ocean — especially in rough weather.

No one doubts steel’s strength. It takes over 30,000 psi of force to deform it. Steel is an “orthotropic” material; that means it’s equally strong in all directions. Try to bend or rip a circle of steel any which way you like, it won’t give in any easier. A piece of wood will split down the grain. Wood is thus an “isotropic” material — stronger in one direction. Isotropic materials (including fiberglass, which has extra thickness roving here and there) are very efficient for boatbuilding because their strengths can be aligned to counteract predictable forces of water and wind. This results in a far lighter structure. Even though a piece of deck steel need only support your dainty weight, the minimum practical plating would still take thousands of pounds to pierce.

The end result in steel is an enormously strong structure. Skookum’s mast and rigging loads are so well resisted at deck level that our lee shrouds barely slacken, even under full sail and hard on the wind.

Of major concern to the designer of an all-steel sailboat is the weight of the steel superstructure. Don’t expect to find apartmentlike accommodations inside a steel-decked offshore cruiser, for that would raise the center of gravity unacceptably. The thickness of any framing also represents lost volume inside a steel hull. Used to good effect, it becomes valuable insulation, covered with paneling. Because structural bulkheads are seldom required in steel hulls, cabin layout can be very flexible. Free of constraints inside Skookum, I created a wide-open, bright and light-filled interior. Without fail, newcomers aboard remark upon how roomy the boat feels belowdeck.

Steel sailboat design has come a long way in recent years. Two aspects of the preceding paragraph have come under rigorous review as designers and manufacturers constantly come up with better steel craft. First, the superstructure need not be made of steel. Secondly, in some cases, the framing can be done away with.

Once upon a time a steel hull might have looked pretty much like a wood one under construction: ribs galore. To support large expanses of steel of minimum thickness and to keep it beautifully smooth and fair, light framing (transverse and longitudinal) is definitely required. Building a fair, curve-plated, round-bilged metal hull is a skill and an art — a task for the professional boatyard. However, if the curved cross section of a sailboat is approximated in straight lines, then the plating of the whole hull is considerably simplified. The fore-and-aft joint lines between plates are called “chines.” The smooth-looking sphere that is a beach ball is actually made up of once-flat tapered strips; each seam is a chine. Done right, a multi-chine steel hull is both easy to build and puts a sweet curve or two along the topsides of that vessel. But it’s a challenge on the drawing board. Done poorly, the chines appear sudden and awkward and make for a boxy looking sailboat.

Chines also introduce lines of strength into the hull (a bit like the way a floppy sheet of paper folds into a sound little aircraft). This has led designers to say, “Aha. Maybe we don’t need the frames!” Indeed it can be done, and there are plenty of such designs available. Chined, frameless hulls do require heavier plating, so there is no great weight savings. “Frameless” construction is a hotly debated topic among metal-boat designers and builders. In fact, Skookum’s chines are strengthened by longitudinal stringers, and floors in the keel provide transverse support. To completely forego all framing yet still adhere to responsible engineering principles would render a small boat heavy indeed.

Having mastered the multi-chine concept, designers and builders saw the opportunity to go one better: eliminate at least those chines visible above the waterline by introducing a “radius chine,” a narrow curved piece of steel that disguises any sudden turns in the plating. So long as that piece of steel can be cut from either a cylinder or a cone, the task is not too hard. In fact, the whole hull can be plated in “conically developed” shapes (frames required though). Steel boats like these are the ones sailing right by you looking like molded fiberglass.

Steel can be worked into nearly any shape imaginable. Clipper bows, canoe sterns, deep fin keels, tumblehome topsides, bowsprits or reverse transoms can all be achieved at commensurate cost. The skeg supporting the steel cruising boat’s rudder can be made so strong that the arrangement could hardly be considered vulnerable to damage by floating objects. Skookum’s stern even incorporates a welded tab and stopper arrangement to support the rudder in the event of the hove-to boat being thrown backward by a big sea.

Welding allows the creation of fabulous custom work on deck. Stainless steel bollards, chain plates, towing eyes, lifting lugs, vents and fillers can all be elegantly incorporated into the deck in an utterly waterproof manner.

Even the thinnest practicable steel plating (about 7/64-inch, or 12-gauge) is too heavy a material for a sailboat much less than 30 feet in length, hence you’ll find few really small steel cruisers. Any thinner plating creates problems with welding, maintaining a fair shape and corrosion tolerance.

Stock plans in steel for popular-size (35-foot to 45-foot) cruising boats generally show a medium- to medium-heavy displacement craft with average internal accommodation. These plans cost from $500 to $1,500, reflecting a wide variation in the amount of information given. Full-size templates for plating are even available with some designs. Very serious consideration should be given to the selection of the design: The one to two percent of the finished value of your project that you invest in plans could be 100 percent responsible for ultimate success…or disappointment. And you won’t find out until the first day’s sail. Designers’ work is best not to be messed with — generally it’s not on the page if it’s not important. A custom design in steel could run to 10 percent of the boat’s value.

Chined construction, a method that greatly simplifies hull plating, is an attractive option for amateur builders. With little more than a welding machine and good cutting and handling equipment, a steel hull can be backyard built. Once I had learned how to handle the long pieces of steel properly, I found the hull construction to be most rewarding. Sparks flew, there was smoke and grit, but in essence it was a bit like sewing: I made Masonite patterns for each strake, traced around them and cut the material to shape, tacked it onto the upside down temporary frame, then finally seamed it all together. Welding is so immensely and immediately strong that I was as convinced then of the boat’s colossal strength as I am now, 50,000 miles later. Full-strength welding meant I could carry out 100 percent corrections of occasional cutting errors.

What About Corrosion?** Talk of steel and the word “rust” comes up straightaway. Rust is a chemical reaction and salt water speeds it up, but not as much as you would think. Ice scraped the paint off Skookum’s waterline about a meter back from the bow. Although I didn’t get around to touching it up until nearly a year later, no major harm was done to the plating. What worried me more was rust inside the hull, in the hidden corners of the bilges. Only after four years of hard sailing did we remove the cabin sole (wisely, I made it all demountable) and after a thorough scrub, we found areas of scratched paintwork. Nothing serious, nor structural — just awkward to sand and touch up.

The steel deck, unlike the hull, is not only continually doused in salt water, but also trafficked and abraded. Anchors, chain, winch handles, harbormasters’ boots — they inevitably knock off paint. Very soon, out weeps a trickle of brown. But at least you can see it! Unlike rot or ultraviolet deterioration or osmosis, rust gives itself away practically the day it starts. It’s not difficult to remedy, just tedious.

On Skookum we have some nuisance rust spots that repeatedly need rubbing back and touching up. Repainting means a full four or five coats of touch up, so the process is a protracted one. In every case, these bits of rust around hatches, coamings, stanchions and winches could have been avoided had I done things differently in the first place. Companies well experienced in steel boat production have developed excellent detailing on deck.

Given that recurring rust problems occur on deck, and that a boat doesn’t sail upside down, why then not construct the deck of something else? It’s called composite construction and it’s commonplace. Strong plywood decks and cabins can be built over steel framing. Epoxy and fiberglass take care of the sealing and finish. Aluminum decks can be married to steel hulls. Composite construction has other merits, such as less weight and less magnetic interference. (Tons and tons of steel certainly have an effect on a compass. Our classic five-inch-diameter steering compass stands on its own binnacle and was some 20 degrees off upon installation. Standard correctors inside the unit reduced this to a known five degrees on east and west headings. Electronic compasses can have sensors placed inside the mast or on a radar post and thus removed from steel’s magnetic clutches.)

Corrosion comes in another and more wicked form: electrolysis. Put nearly any other common metal underwater near steel and a battery current flows. More often than not it is steel that loses the electrons. Little volcanoes of corrosion erupt on unprotected steel, and these inflict damage much faster than rust. Electrolysis is a threat to any kind of boat, but especially to metal-hulled ones.

All steel craft sport little zinc pads on the keel, rudder and propeller shaft. These “sacrificial anodes” corrode instead of the hull, so must be maintained. Corrosion vigilance is the price one must pay for the reassuring strength of steel.

The corrosion specter heavily devalues older steel boats, especially if a bit of the brown stuff is visible. Boats that have not had the protection of modern paint systems might be picked up, for a “steel.” If you’re planning to recondition an older steel craft, first establish if you can gain access to all the steel surfaces. Even then the cost of dismantling, preparation and recoating will be considerable.

Coatings Offer Excellent Protection** Rust and electrolysis can only get a grip on bare steel. Coatings have advanced in recent decades and offer excellent protection. One system coats the sandblasted steel with coal tar combined with epoxy. Another paint is substantially zinc. Or, the whole boat can be “flame sprayed” with aluminum or zinc — the ultimate treatment (see the “Save The Steel” sidebar, following). Most seagoing steel is protected mainly by epoxy paint. As many as nine coats go on — primer, high builds, hard and gloss coats (polyurethane). It’s a significant investment in paint, but very effective and attractive.

That little piece of plating that we keep by the cabin table to show visitors was cut out of the finished transom. The thickness of paint buildup seen in the cross section is impressive. In fact, we’ve taken to saying we’re sailing around the world in an epoxy boat lined with steel. These paints ought to last a very long time. As long as the steel remains coated, our boat is going to be around longer than we are.

One other coating proven on steel hulls is sprayed polyurethane foam insulation. About 1 1/2 to two inches of this closed-cell substance, sprayed inside from the turn of the bilge up and over the deckhead, transforms a clammy, tinny chamber into a quiet refuge, cozy or cool as required. It’s superb insulation that retains or repels heat, eliminates condensation, dampens deck noises and sticks tenaciously to (lightly painted) steel, keeping air and water from ever initiating interior rust.

There’s an image of steel boats being dank and clammy belowdeck. Perhaps those that are uninsulated are that way. In fact, the coziest and sweetest smelling cabins I’ve experienced have been aboard steel craft. The Mexican “lancha” drivers used to think we were “locos” to live inside a black steel hull…until they came below and found it to be airy and cool. Spray foam has kept Skookum comfortable to live in at all latitudes.

The Security Issue** Steel sailboats are over-engineered — for wind and water forces, that is. Can the vessel to which you entrust your family’s life be too strong? What if on a calm and sunny day you tied up, went into town, and returned to find the local ferry had T-boned your boat into a concrete wharf? It happened. That metal sailboat completed its circumnavigation — a bit dented, that’s all.

In or out of the water an all-steel sailboat with polycarbonate hatches also will be a formidable barrier to burglars, even bullets. If seacocks connect to metal standpipes extending above the waterline and shafts have metal stuffing boxes, then a steel craft might survive an internal explosion or fire. Charred, but still floating.

Our boat’s nearly invincible strength had to become our insurance policy in far southern latitudes — no underwriter would cover us. So why are we shopping around for coverage now that we’re back in busier, foggier waters? Afraid of being run down? On the contrary — with 13 tons of momentum, our pointy-ended boat could sink something 10 times its size. We need liability insurance.

With such strength and so solid a feel, by providing so smooth a ride, the well-appointed steel sailboat is a Mercedes Benz of ocean cruisers. Cost is not in the upper luxury level, especially if you are home-building, for which steel is well suited. Extra expenses for the rig and proper sail area to drive such a sturdy craft is why a performance, steel sailboat is not going to be the cheapest option. In value, appearance and performance steel cruisers are right in there with equivalent-size boats made of other materials. And if it comes to the c-r-u-n-c-h, they’re incomparably stronger.

Before next you stroll the marinas, put a fridge magnet in your pocket. Slide it on to some really pretty boats — you might just get a surprise. Marine steel craft have come a long way in recent years.

———————————————————————— After taking a couple of years off from cruising to build a house, to research a biography of yacht designer (and uncle) Alan Payne and to fill the cruising kitty, Australians Geoff Payne and Margaret Hough are planning to take Skookum next summer for a tour of the Canadian Maritimes and beyond.

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Sail Far Live Free

The metal yacht - aluminum & steel sailboat perspectives.

Delightful reading - thanks Ted!

A right riveting read, thanks Ted!

Well said Ted! However the most common screw up on steel boats is assuming spray foam protects the metal. It definitely does not. Sadly, many boats have rusted out from the inside, due to lack of a proper epoxy buildup under the sprayfoam ( such as Foulkes, Fehrs and Amazons) At least 3 coats of epoxy tar is minimum before sprayfoaming.More in the bilge and under the engine. Another option is using origami methods, which eliminate the chines in the ends, and leave no chines visible above the waterline, making the hull in the water indistinguishable from a round bilged boat.It also cuts building time for a hull and deck by up to90%.

Sounds like you've got some experience with metal boats so your insights/comments are appreciated. Thanks!

Funny all these years later I should read this article...I was a young fellow and met a couple of guys in Pickering who had purchased 2 Goderich 35/36's. I befriended the fellow living near the marina in Pickering and helped with various chores on the boat...The second boat was transported elsewhere. There were quite a few evenings spent melting lead and pouring it into the keel. He had the outside zinc coated then painted and it wasn't long before we were floating. I wasn't available when he was rigging and then he was gone.... Loved that boat. Another chap was building sailboats south of the 401 in Trenton. Philip Batten (I think) was his name... 32 foot keel boat very nice. He published a small booklet all about steel boat construction as he saw it. He was an engineer and I believe the boat was of his own design. Only saw one though. That would have been around 78. Bill Hamilton, [email protected]

Fabulous Share! I loved reading this stuff. Sailing is my passion and profession both and almost everyday I have new experience with sailing and lots of new things to learn. But making a boat or yacht is totally new to me. It really seems quite interesting and exciting. Keeps sharing! I love to get new ideas!

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Sailboat Hulls: Steel Vs Fiberglass

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

For decades, sailors and boat owners have been having hotly contested debates about the merits of steel hulls vs fiberglass hulls in sailboats.

The major benefits of boats with steel hulls are that they are very strong, durable, and can be repaired easily. On the other hand, a fiberglass hull offers your boat a smooth and sleek look that is very pleasing. They are also lighter, faster, and require less maintenance than steel boats.

Whether you are building your own sailboat or thinking of buying one, getting the right material for the hull is of paramount importance. Your choice of material should depend on consideration of multiple factors, including its durability, stability, maintenance, repairs, weight, comfort, safety, and cost.

We have a team of sailing experts who have spent decades on the water and have set sail on boats built of all types of materials available. So who better to walk you through the pros and cons of steel and fiberglass hulls?

Table of contents

‍ Steel Hull vs Fiberglass Hull: Top 10 Factors to Consider

Let us take a look at some of the major factors that can help you determine whether a boat with a steel hull or fiberglass hull will be a better choice for you.

Sailboats with steel hulls are much more durable and stronger than those with fiberglass hulls. Steel sailboats have a more rigid structure and are quite robust so they can better understand grazes, rubs, and bumps when out in the open water.

In case of impact, a steel hull will bend and may become dented; however, a fiberglass hull has a higher possibility of breaking. That’s because steel is more ductile and can withstand strong blows without losing its toughness.

Fiberglass is a lighter material than steel, making  fiberglass boats  lighter. Many people prefer this quality since it means that the boat will travel faster on water and will require less power and wind energy to move than a boat with a steel hull. This means lower fuel consumption and more savings. However, a fiberglass boat will be more prone to be buffeted by the winds since it is lighter.

Anti-Corrosion Properties

The sailboat manufacturing industry now uses state-of-the-art technology and makes use of the best quality materials to make the hull. Steel corrodes when exposed to the atmosphere. However, if the right alloy is used for making the hull, it will resist saltwater corrosion, without even needing special paint.

Steel boats also experience electrolytic or galvanic corrosion, but they can be avoided with the use of insulated electrical connections and sacrificial anodes.

Fiberglass does not corrode. However, it can still suffer from osmosis if the fiberglass had air bubbles at the time of lamination. This can cause water to collect in the void, forming blisters that can weaken the hull. Fiberglass may also become damaged from ultraviolet radiation.

Since steel boats are heavier than fiberglass boats, it means they are more stable on the sea, particularly if you experience choppy waters. A fiberglass boat, on the other hand, is lighter, and hence sailors may experience a rougher journey on choppy waters.

In addition, due to its extra weight, steel boats drift slower and more predictably, which is particularly useful for anglers.

Maintenance

Many steel boats require greater maintenance since they are more prone to corrosion. Galvanic corrosion can occur when two different metals are placed together. Hence, it is important that you ensure that high-quality materials, joints, and screws are used on the hull. It is important to rinse the hull with fresh water once it is out of the sea.

Fiberglass boat hulls do not have welds and rivets and you do not need to worry about the hull rusting. However, it can experience osmosis issues, which can cause serious problems if they are not treated in time.

Both fiberglass and steel boats require antifouling application to prevent barnacles, algae, and other sea organisms from sticking to the hull. However, antifouling can be more expensive for steel boats.

It is easy to repair small dents in steel boats. However, if the damage is extensive, it can be more complicated and costly to repair or replace large sections of steel hulls. Welding a boat hull is a specialized job that requires trained professionals.

It is easier to repair a broken fiberglass hull, but it may never have the same strength and durability as the original hull since the structural tension will not be equal at all points.

Fiberglass boats are made of petroleum-based products that are flammable. Hence, in case of a fire, they will burn easily and quickly. A steel boat is much safer since it cannot burn. In addition, a significant impact from an unidentified floating object can result in a breach in a fiberglass hull easily and open up a waterway into the boat that can cause it to sink. Steel, on the other hand, can withstand larger impacts without compromising the integrity of the boat.

Steel boats operate much louder than fiberglass boats, especially in turbulent seas at high speed. Steel is also a good conductor of heat and if it is not well-insulated during construction, it can become uncomfortably warm in the summer and cold in the winter. On the other hand, boats with fiberglass hulls do not transmit heat well and are more comfortable.

When it comes to aesthetic appeal, fiberglass hulls have a sleeker, shinier, and more polished look. Steel hulls often have marks of reinforcements on their hulls and they need to get a nice paint to look good. In most cases, steel hulls are covered with putty to hide any construction defects. This putty should be polished so that the boat has a nice finish and is done in a controlled environment to keep out dust.

As you can imagine, this process is complex, costly, and drives up the price of the boat.

It is easier to manufacture fiberglass hulls and mold them into more complex shapes. This can lead to faster production and lower construction costs. Sailboats with steel hulls are more expensive, as we mentioned before because  they require welding, heavy-duty grinding , and specialized cutting tools and are more labor-intensive.

When Should You Choose a Steel Boat?

Steel hulls are stronger, durable, and more impact-resistant than their fiberglass counterparts. Dents in steel hulls can be repaired easily and although steel is prone to corrosion, this can be managed by special paints, insulation, and some regular maintenance.

If you are deciding on a circumnavigation or want to go out on a long spree in the water, you need a solid and dependable boat that you can rely on when you venture into new territories.

A well-maintained sailboat gives you the confidence to enter into unfamiliar rocky coasts and reduce your worries about hitting UFOs. However, keep in mind that steel boats may be slower than fiberglass boats, particularly if they are smaller vessels.

When Should You Choose a Fiberglass Boat?

Fiberglass boats are generally prettier than steel boats since they have a smooth and polished hull. They also do not require protective paint on their hull since they are corrosion-free and hence quite low maintenance. In addition, they are lighter and faster than their steel counterparts and do not cost as much.

However, one big concern of a fiberglass hull is that it is not as strong as a steel hull. If the boat hits a hard object, the fiberglass may break, which can be dangerous on the open seas, particularly in choppy waters.

Still, fiberglass boats are an excellent option for racing and even long-distance cruising in areas that do not have sharp rocks.

The type of sailboat you choose depends on your sailing style and your needs. So make sure you consider all the factors before you invest in a steel or fiberglass boat.

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Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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Steel Sailboats: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction:

Embarking on a voyage of exploration, where the horizon stretches endlessly before you, requires a vessel that embodies the spirit of adventure. Enter steel sailboats, the rugged champions of the maritime world. In this article, we delve into the exhilarating pros and cons of steel hull sailboats, revealing their unmatched potential for daring adventurers and their ability to conquer the most treacherous waters on Earth.

Pros of Steel Sailboats:

Unyielding Strength:

When it comes to traversing untamed waters, the formidable strength of steel hulls becomes your most trusted ally. These vessels fearlessly navigate through icy Arctic fjords, daringly cut through gales of the roaring Southern Ocean, and elegantly glide across tropical lagoons. With their robust construction, steel hull sailboats provide unparalleled resilience against the elements, instilling unwavering confidence in explorers.

Conqueror of Varied Terrain:

Steel hull sailboats are versatile workhorses of the seas. They can gracefully sail through oceanic expanses, weave their way through winding rivers, and venture into shallow coastal areas inaccessible to other vessels. Whether you yearn for the wild isolation of remote islands or the tranquil beauty of hidden coves, a steel hull sailboat will carry you there, unveiling breathtaking vistas that remain hidden to those with lesser means.

Guardian of Safety and Security:

As an explorer, your peace of mind is paramount, and steel hull sailboats excel in providing just that. Their solid steel armor shields you from the unexpected perils lurking beneath the surface. From the menacing jaws of sharks to the unpredictability of floating debris, your steel hull sailboat acts as your faithful protector, allowing you to navigate with confidence and embrace the untamed beauty of uncharted waters.

Enduring Customization:

Steel hulls offer a blank canvas for explorers to imprint their dreams upon. Seamlessly adapting to your desires, these sailboats can be transformed into floating homes equipped with the latest technology, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the expedition. Create additional storage for essential supplies, craft luxurious living spaces, or incorporate cutting-edge navigation systems—the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Your steel hull sailboat becomes an extension of your indomitable spirit.

Cons of Steel Sailboats:

Embracing The Weight and Speed on Steel Sailboats:

It’s true that steel hulls tend to be heavier than those made from other materials, such as fiberglass or aluminum. The additional weight can slightly reduce the overall speed and agility of the sailboat. However, let it be known that the pursuit of adventure and exploration is not solely about speed. It’s about savoring the journey, immersing yourself in the surroundings, and relishing the sense of discovery. The steady grace and unwavering presence of a steel hull sailboat evoke a timeless spirit that resonates with true adventurers.

Tending to Maintenance:

Steel hull sailboats require diligent maintenance to prevent corrosion. Exposure to saltwater can accelerate the formation of rust, necessitating regular inspections and protective coatings. Yet, the care bestowed upon a steel hull sailboat is not a burden but rather a labor of love—a testament to the enduring relationship between an explorer and their vessel. The dedication invested in preserving its strength and beauty forms an unbreakable bond, strengthening your connection to the journey.

Considering Cost:

Steel hull sailboats are generally more expensive to build and maintain compared to vessels constructed from other materials. The initial investment for acquiring steel, skilled labor, and specialized equipment may be higher. However, the value of a steel hull sailboat lies not only in its monetary worth but in the experiences it grants you. The ability to conquer new horizons, witness breathtaking landscapes, and forge indelible memories—the cost becomes insignificant when weighed against the unparalleled adventures that await.

Unleashing the Potential: Where Steel Sailboats Can Take You

Roaming the High Seas in Steel Sailboats:

Steel hull sailboats boldly embrace the vastness of the open ocean. From circumnavigating the globe to exploring remote archipelagos, these vessels can take you to the farthest reaches of the world. Traverse the roaring forties, conquer the fabled Cape Horn , or witness the stunning migration of marine life across entire ocean basins. Your steel hull sailboat becomes a conduit to connect with the raw power and grandeur of the world’s oceans.

Exploring Inland Waterways:

Inland rivers and waterways unveil their secrets to intrepid explorers aboard steel hull sailboats. Journey through ancient river systems, winding through lush rainforests and towering canyons. Conquer the mighty Amazon, venture into the heart of Africa along the Nile, or navigate the tranquil canals of Europe, immersing yourself in diverse cultures and captivating landscapes along the way. With a steel hull sailboat, the world’s interior waterways become your personal playground.

Conclusion:

Steel hull sailboats epitomize the very essence of adventure and exploration. Their unwavering strength, unrivaled versatility, and indomitable spirit unlock a world of possibilities for daring voyagers. These vessels fearlessly navigate treacherous waters, embracing the unknown and guiding you to the most awe-inspiring corners of the Earth. Embrace the call of the wild, set sail on a steel hull sailboat, and let the winds of discovery carry you to destinations beyond your wildest dreams. The seas are waiting, and with a steel hull sailboat as your vessel, you are destined to conquer the uncharted and emerge as a true explorer of the world’s wonders.

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What are the benefits of a steel boat? We’ve all seen them at anchor. Their designs are not easy to identify. They are boats we don’t recognize. They are probably steel.

In the world of ‘cookie cutter’ production boat designs and with the abundance, or perhaps overabundance of fiberglass yachts available on the new and used market, prices have never been lower for owning a fiberglass boat. We see them everywhere, on all the world’s oceans, and the majority may never experience any significant problems. Hunters have been sailed across the Pacific; Catalinas around the world. In the South Pacific, Beneteaus are now as common as Westsails once were.

So why then do some people still choose a steel yacht ?

The obvious reason is, of course, strength.

On our recent crossing of the Caribbean, from the Virgin Islands to Panama, we passed about 80 miles offshore of the mouth of Colombia’s Rio Magdalena . Due to recent torrential rain, the river was disgorging billions of gallons of muddy water mixed with trees and floating debris. We did not stress unnecessarily about this because we knew that if we did strike an object, a dent was likely to be the worst damage. When sailing in the confined and murky waters near the coasts of Belize or Panama, knowing that running aground will not necessarily damage the boat, is a definite advantage of a steel hull.

Others choose steel because it is inexpensive to work and maintain.

Although steel is a higher maintenance material than fiberglass, when a major repair or change is undertaken, the costs are much less than on a fiberglass boat. One can reduce maintenance costs even more by hauling out in yards accustomed to maintaining work boats. Most work boats are steel and the yards that work on them are generally much less expensive that ‘yacht yards’ which cater to shiny, rich man’s toys.

Is all Stainless Steel the Same?

Another Benefit of a Steel Boat is the desire for a custom design.

Having been involved in the yachting industry for over thirty years and having worked with many discerning owners, I realize that the older and more experienced people become, the less a production yacht is likely to fill their needs. A steel boat can be built as a ‘one off’ for little more than building to a production design. If you want something built your own special way, steel allows that at a moderate cost. On the used market, some very well maintained and brilliantly conceived custom steel yachts sometimes become available. These are often the result of an owner’s many years of experience and, interestingly enough, these custom boats are typically no more expensive than a lightly equipped production boat. It seems that in the less experienced sailing populace, there is a fear of owning a custom boat and a general set of misconceptions about steel.

Let’s address the three major concerns / Benefits of a Steel Boat

• Rust: Modern coatings systems have virtually eliminated the problems of rusting associated with older steel craft. With the new three-step coating systems available, keeping a steel boat rust free and looking great is easier than ever.
• Low Resale: While this is truer now than ever, a properly built and maintained steel boat will always attract a following. The longer and further people sail, the more they come to appreciate the high tensile strength and peace of mind that having a steel hull under them provides.
• Unfamiliarity with Unknown Builders or Unfamiliar Designs: Although there are many reputable naval architects that have designed boats in steel, many of these are built by amateurs with varying degrees of success. If you are considering a design you are not familiar with or a boat built by a home builder or unknown yard, consult a qualified marine surveyor acquainted with metal boats and get his or her opinion before proceeding further. Disqualifying a boat because it was not built by a big yard is foolish, as many one-off builds or even home-builds can be far superior to a production or semi production boat.
• Lastly and Most Importantly a Steel Boat is Often Unique: In a world of identical looking sailing yachts, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain your own identity; we find it refreshing to sail into a bay, crowded with identical looking white sloops and cutters, to see an esoteric steel yacht at anchor. A boat that is unique, sometimes unusual and refreshingly uncommon.

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Another advantage is that if a fire starts on a fiberglass yacht, there’s a very good chance you’re going to lose the vessel in short order. Fiberglass is extraordinarily flammable.

Crispy, that’s the truth. We lost our 38 foot monohull in minutes. Fiberglass is a petroleum product and once it ignites, look out. That doesn’t account for the toxic fumes that combustion generates. Had we been asleep in our aft cabin (with no deck hatch) we probably not be here writing this.

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Steel Vs Fiberglass Sailboats: 7 Things To Consider

The steel versus fiberglass hull debate is a debate that has gone on for a very long time.

Ask any boat owner, and they will have their own opinion about which is best.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but in the steel vs. fiberglass discussion, we think these 8 things are very important to consider:

Table of Contents

1. A Brief History Of Steel Sailboats

Steel has long been used as a material for building boats in all different shapes and sizes.

Steel replaced wood as the most common material used for building large ship hulls in the early 1900s. This was due to several factors, but the main reasons were the relatively low cost of steel, the strength and availability of steel, and the fact that steel is somewhat easier to work with (and to repair) than wood.

However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that steel was used to build sailboats of more moderate size.

The famous French sailor, Bernard Moitessier, was an early pioneer of steel yachts. He commissioned the construction of his 40-foot steel ketch Joshua in 1961, which competed in the first solo round the world race, the Sunday Times Golden Globe, in 1968.

These days small and mid-size sailing boats are not often built from steel. This is because they are heavier, which means they are slower than other yachts of the same size, built from lighter materials.

Because of the extra maintenance due to rust and corrosion, a boat owner needs to be on top of things.

Yet steel yachts are known for their strength and seaworthiness, and so steel sailing yachts do have a following amongst long-term cruisers and people who liveaboard.

2. A Brief History Of Fibreglass Sailboats

The first fiberglass boat ever built can be credited to a Mr. Ray Greene, an officer in the US Navy who was an assistant supervisor overseeing small wooden boats.

The year was 1942. The first small day sailing dinghy he built was a one-off, but Ray Greene built many more fiberglass sailboats and was a pioneer for fiberglass’ production boats’ or boats built in large numbers.

Fiberglass or Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) sailboats exploded into the sailing scene in the 1950s, when serious production for the commercial market began. Previously, the sport of sailing had been reserved for the elite who had the money to commission once-off custom-built yachts.

The arrival of mass-produced sailboats made the sport of sailing more accessible, as it made boats more affordable. Plus, the new fiberglass boats needed less costly maintenance than the classic wooden sailboats.

Nowadays, the production of fiberglass boats is a worldwide, multi-billion dollar industry with most, if not all of the big players like Beneteau, Hunter, and Catalina (amongst others) all producing fiberglass or GRP yachts in a range of different sizes.

3. Are Steel Or Fibreglass Sailboats More Popular?

There is no question that the most popular of the two is fiberglass sailboats.

This is backed up by the sheer numbers of fiberglass boats in clubs and on the water. Take a stroll in any marina, anywhere in the world, and the majority of boats you see will be made from fiberglass.

The popularity of fiberglass boats can be attributed to the fact that they are massed produced, which makes them easily available. In addition, they look good, are strong and durable, and are relatively easy to maintain—all at a relatively affordable price.

On the other hand, steel sailboats are not so consumer-friendly. Due to steel qualities, they cannot be mass-produced and have to be custom or semi-custom built; no two steel sailboats will be the same.

Plus, a steel boat owner needs to be extra vigilant to stay on top of the maintenance due to corrosion or any rust.

4. When Should You Choose A Fibreglass Sailboat?

Fiberglass sailboats are the overall majority of the market, which most boat owners are thrilled with.

It has been the most common boat building material since mass production started in the 1950s and 1960s.

You can choose a fiberglass sailboat for almost any sailing discipline, whether racing, daysailing or long-distance cruising.

When choosing a fiberglass sailboat, there are many different brands, models, and sizes to choose from, both new and second-hand. The more popular a brand, the more information is available through owner websites and sailing forums.

Make sure you establish the type of sailing you want to do and how many hours you plan to spend on the water before you commit to buying a boat. You don’t need a fully equipped +40 foot sailboat if you only plan to daysail on your local waters.

5. When Should You Choose A Steel Sailboat?

Steel sailboats are stronger and more impact-resistant than their fiberglass equivalents.

Steel is straightforward to work with as a boat-building material which makes them popular for DIY boat-building projects and easy to repair in remote places. However, steel boats are prone to rust if not properly maintained, especially below the waterline.

In addition, steel boats need to be properly insulated, otherwise, they will be hot in hot climates and cold in cold climates,  plus they do require special anti-fouling paints.

If you are planning a circumnavigation, to go long-distance causing, or you are looking for a solid liveaboard boat, then a steel sailboat is a good choice. A steel hull gives a skipper confidence when entering an unfamiliar rocky coast, and there is less worry about hitting unidentified submerged objects.

Apart from keeping an eye out for rust, their only real disadvantage is that steel hulls make slower boats, especially in smaller boat sizes.

6. What Material Is The Most Durable?

There are very few people that will argue that fiberglass is more durable than steel.

The physical properties of steel allow steel boats to survive grounding or to remain physically water-tight if they have been involved in a collision. Plus, they are best for surviving a fire onboard.

In addition, there have been huge advances in paint and metal coating technology. So, if these paints or coatings have been applied correctly, and if a steel sailboat is well looked after, there is no reason that a steel sailboat won’t last a lifetime.

However, fiberglass has become the material of choice for most sailboat builders over the past few decades. Fiberglass sailboats are lighter and faster than steel sailboats.

In addition, they are strong, durable, and corrosion-free, which makes them a great solution for the average sailor.

7. Does It Affect The Resale Value Of The Sailboat?

Every boat will depreciate, but as there is relatively little data available, it is hard to forecast how much.

According to YachtWorld UK , the resale value of a sailboat will depend on the brand, model, condition, and age of the boat. “As a rough guide, new vessels generally lose around 40-50 percent of their initial cost over the first 8-10 years, with around half that figure loaded on the first two or three years. Once a boat is a decade, old depreciation generally slows to less than five percent annually.”

However, different markets have different demands, and so resale values will vary. For example, the American market has never warmed to metal boats, neither steel nor aluminum.

So, if you are looking for a steel sailboat, you might be lucky to find an unwanted bargain, or you could pay more as there are fewer steel sailboats around. This is compared to the French market, where French sailors love their steel or aluminum boats, so demand is higher.

Fiberglass sailboats are found worldwide, so they are not a niche market, but their resale value will depend on local markets and their condition. Historically, boats have been more expensive to purchase in places like Australia, where there is no local production.

As a rule of thumb, any boat that has been well maintained, whether fiberglass or steel, will hold its resale value.

References:

Metal Boat Construction

Ask SAIL: Steel vs. Fiberglass Hulls

YachtWorld UK

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Yacht Design - a primer

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Ordering Info

Sailing Vessel Designs for Steel Construction All prices are in US Funds

• MURRAY 33  A 33' double chine sloop/cutter; fin keel, skeg rudder. Up to 7 berths, generous stowage. Ideal long range cruiser. SP-$50 US/ FP-$495 US
• ARAGOSA 35 A fast, modern 35' sloop with a comfortable 4-6 berth layout for coastal or blue water cruising, or club racing. Fin keel and tall rig assures superb all around performance. Also available for aluminum construction. SP-$60 US/ FP-$695 US
• HUROMIC 35 A very able, radius bilge, full keel 35'7" cruiser with two successful circumnavigations to her credit. The last voyage, Sitka to Sitka, was single handed in 180 days. She will take you anywhere you want to sail, in safety and comfort. Sloop or double headsail rig as preferred. SP-$75 US/ FP-$695 US
• PUFFIN A 36' or 38' flush decked, pilothouse sloop with live-aboard accommodations. Shoal draft with twin bilge keels. Powerful diesel for maximum cruising speeds under power and a tall sloop rig to move her in even light air. A true 60/40 motorsailer with large fuel tankage and comfortable wheelhouse. SP-$85 US/ FP-$895 US
• KAIULANI 38 A 38' go anywhere, radius bilge cutter with full keel/Brewer bite. Three cabin privacy, large galley, pilot berth, stall shower and ample stowage in a well proven hull. SP-$90 US/ FP-$895 US
• ARAGOSA 38 A superb all around 38' cruiser. Fast fin keel hull and tall sloop or cutter rig. Features U galley, stall shower, complete nav area and berths for 5, not including the settees. Truly and outstanding yacht in every way. SP-$90 US/ FP-$895 US
• CARIOCA A handsome, clipper bowed, flush decked 40' cutter with full keel and Brewer bite. Radius bilge hull. Berths for 6-7, large galley, deep, protected cockpit. A yacht that blue water sailors will appreciate. SP-$90 US/ FP-$895 US
• VERITY 40 A 40' fast, radius bilge, fin keel cutter and a very successful design. Three cabin privacy with all the amenities - stall shower, pilot berth, huge galley, etc. in a sleek, modern package. Moderate displacement and generous sail area provide top performance. SP-$90 US/ FP-$995 US
• CORTEN One of my most popular designs. Available as marconi cutter, marconi schooner, gaff schooner and marconi yawl. Can be built as 40 footer with transom hung rudder or 42'9" with counter stern and inboard rudder. Pilot house version optional. Kits available. Radius bilge or double chine hull available. 6 berths in 3 cabins, aft cockpit. Complete plans include all options so you can tailor this yacht to suit your needs. SP-$95 US/ FP-$995 US
• NOMAD A modern steel 42' pilot house cruiser that performs well due to her tall cutter rig, fin keel and skeg/rudder. Radius bilge hull. Accommodates 4-6 in 3 cabins and features a roomy U shape galley, stall shower and comfortable pilot house, wrapped up in a handsome package with a springy sheer and attractive overhangs. SP-$95 US/ FP-$995 US
• ALASKA 43 A 43' center cockpit, flush decked, pilot house, full keel cutter. Designed as a live-aboard for northwest waters. A "go anywhere" yacht and a very popular design. Double chine construction. SP-$95 US/ FP-$1095 US
• CANYON 43 A modern 43' pilot house cruiser on a full keel, radius bilge hull with Brewer bite. The interior features 2 staterooms plus a roomy saloon, U shape galley, and head with stall shower. Moderate displacement and generous sail area offer good performance in a true blue water yacht. SP-$95 US/ FP-$1095 US
• CAPE RACE A 44' full keel/c.b. center cockpit, auxiliary ketch. The original has cruised from the Baltic to Turkey to California. Liveaboard layout for 6-7. Available as double chine or full round bilge hull. Options include longer ends, to 47', taller rig, deeper keel, Tailor this yacht to suit you. SP-$95 US/ FP-$1095 US
• MIAMI A 45' radius bilge, ketch with full keel and Brewer bite. Flush decked, aft cockpit and a handsome, salty, go-anywhere vessel. Liveaboard layout for 2-4 with room for 2-4 guests (who wants 'em?) in 4 cabins plus workshop. A yacht for the serious cruising family. Options include pilot house version and keel/c.b. with only 5' draft. SP-$95 US/ FP-$1095 US
• ORCA A 45' modern fin keel, pilot house cutter with a large saloon in the pilot house and 3 cabin privacy. Features strong steel hull and, if desired, a light weight aluminum deck. A tall cutter rig assures top windward performance for this fast, long range cruiser. Also available in full aluminum construction. SP-$100 US/ FP-$1795US
• KINGSLAND A 45' radius bilge, flush decked, pilot house cutter (trunk cabin option if preferred). Double ended or counter stern. Full keel with Brewer bite. Radius chine hull has been built by both professionals and raw amateurs (gutty, raw amateurs). Berths for up to 8 in 3 cabins, large head with stall shower and a huge workshop (or an owner's cabin with private head) aft. SP-$100 US/ FP-$1295 US
• WOLF POINT Pilot house 47' ketch with raised cockpit, flush decked forward. Radius bilge hull with fin keel/centerboard or deep fin if preferred. Owner's cabin aft with separate head. Room for 4-6 guests forward. Extra large galley. SP-$100 US/ FP-$1495 US
• NORTHEAST 47' Radius bilge, center cockpit, flush deck, full keel (Brewer bite), cutter. Designed for world voyaging. 7 permanent berths, 2 settee-berths, in 3 cabins. 2 heads, stall shower, large workshop, huge galley. Go anywhere. SP-$100 US/ FP-$1195 US
• ALBATROSS A 53' fully developed, Y sections, full keel schooner with knockabout bow and inboard rig. Features enclosed wheelhouse, owner's and guest/crew cabins and large cargo hold which can convert to 2 more double cabins. Designed for island trading and live-aboard use. SP-$100 US/ FP-$2195 US
• KITTIWAKE A 54' ultra modern, pilot house, center cockpit cutter for radius bilge steel hull with aluminum deckhouse and cockpit. Fin keel and skeg rudder. Accommodations for 7 in 4 cabins with huge galley and room for an 11-12' boat on the aft deck. Large engine room and protected cockpit with windshield . SP-$100 US/ FP-$2495 US
• ARDEN A 60' three masted schooner now available for steel construction. An unusual design but a comfortable and easily handled yacht with excellent accommodation for cruising or chartering. This is a handsome vessel with many interesting features. SP-$120 US/ FP-$2795 US

Be sure to include your full mailing address. The plans cannot be sent via e-mail. All plans are shipped folded and via airmail .

We do not share customer information with anyone without the customer's express permission.

It usually takes 4 to 5 days for delivery in Canada, a week to the US, and 10 days to two weeks to the rest of the world. Mail to a few countries may take more than three weeks.

Express delivery, please contact us.

Rolled prints are too expensive to mail, check with us on other options.

  All plans are sold on a no exchange, no return basis

Brewer Yacht Designs 1825 Evergreen Drive Agassiz, BC Canada VOM 1A3 Phone 604-796-3732  Fax 604-796-3738 [email protected]

12 July 2014

The Story of Steel Away

Steel Away is a 56 ft steel ketch that was custom built in Ontario, BC from plans created by the marine designer Bruce Roberts. Based in Australia, Roberts designed boats starting in the late 1960’s, offering DIY plans to those who wanted to make their own vessels from steel, wood, aluminum or fiberglass. From statistics on their website and other boat data sites, there are approximately 30,000 Bruce Roberts boats in the world and about 700 of the approximate model we have (a modified 53E plan), although each boat is unique.

The paperwork from the purchase of the boat, which was christened Tres Amigos , says it was completed in 1983 after an 11 year construction process, by a man named Gerhardt. Brent, who has wanted to sail around the world since high school, purchased it in 1989 for $77,000 in Florida. He bought it mainly for the hull and rigging, with the intention of fully renovating it one day. After Tres Amigos’ maiden voyage, from Ontario, to Maine via the St Lawrence Seaway, to Florida, it was rumored that the boat-builder’s wife said “it’s me or the boat” during that trip. She won that battle and the boat went up for sale, although we are unsure of the year, or how long the voyage took. After taking ownership, Brent changed the name to Party Central …because what else would a 27 year old single guy name his boat?

In 1990, I met my future husband in my apartment complex’s jacuzzi in Marina del Rey, California. He was always freezing cold, since his boat had no insulation. He described the journey of sailing the boat from Florida to Los Angeles, through the Panama Canal to me while thawing-out in the hot tub one night. He seemed like a very adventurous and smart guy. After being invited to see the boat, I realized he had no money and was not concerned with aesthetics – quite disappointing. The inside could be described as a college frat boy’s boat. It’s interior was made of plywood, with shoddy, unfinished surfaces. The dirty cushions in the salon were disguised with Mexican blankets. I spied his college diploma hanging over the head, (at least he had a degree). The only things Brent had going for him were that he was bright, ambitious and had long-term goals. Could he be marriage material?

We were married in December of 1992 and bought a house in San Diego. The boat was moved from the Chula Vista Marina, to the San Diego Boat Mover’s boatyard in Mission Gorge and was totally gutted. Over the next 6 years Brent started 2 different companies and Beth started 1 too. Kyle was born in Dec. 1998. The boat was neglected for about 22 years in the boatyard while life happened, but the dream never went away.

The renovation took approximately the last 6 years of the 28 total years in the boat yard and took countless hours and vast sums of money. The previous 22 years were chalked up to wasted payments to store her. She finally went back in the water on June 26, 2020 and was rechristened on July 4, 2020 as Steel Away . She resides in nearly the same slip she left in Chula Vista all those years ago. We implored Neptune to keep her and her crew safe on our journeys and forgive us for renaming her a more mature and less problematic name.

Now, she is finally ready to live the life she was meant to live and see the world. Follow us on our journey, as we explore, see amazing things and meet awesome people.

Better Sailing

Aluminum vs Steel Boat: Which Is Better?

As far as metals for constructing boats and sailboats go, steel and aluminum (or aluminium) are very popular. Both metal workers and boaters regularly argue about which of the two metals is better for the construction of boats. There are many advantages to both steel and aluminum boats. In this article, we enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of types. Also, we directly compare them to each other, elaborating on different ways in which one material is superior to the other. 

Advantages of Aluminum Boats 

• Aluminum boats are rather fast. This is brought about by their weight. Also, they have a high fuel efficiency, thereby helping the user save money. Aluminum boats are known to have a relatively high resale value.
• The hulls of aluminum boats do not corrode easily. Apart from electrolysis, the hull of an aluminum boat is not very prone to corrosion.

Disadvantages of Aluminum Boats 

• The weight of aluminum boats, although meritious, can also be a demerit in a few other areas. Aluminum boats sacrifice comfort at the expense of lightness and speed. This light nature results in a “bumpy,” uncomfortable ride. Also, there tends to be a lot of noise emanating from splashes and water hitting aluminum vessels. Simply put, aluminum boats are not suited for comfort. 
• Another problem with aluminum paints is electrolysis. It is a process that is caused by the passing of direct electric current through an electrolyte, creating chemical creations at the electrodes and also triggering the decomposition of materials. In this case, the electrolyte is the water. Simple happenings such as metallic falling and making contact with the bilge of an aluminum boat can result in this problem over time. 
• Furthermore, concerning corrosion, aluminum boats can react negatively to anti-fouling paint. This is because copper is contained in anti-fouling paint, and it corrodes aluminum. 

Advantages of Steel Boats

Are steel hull boats any good? First of all, steel boats have great abrasion resistance. They do the job of maintaining their original look very well, especially on the hull (which is the main part of the ship, after all). This is due to the sheer ruggedness of steel and its ability to withstand external pressure. 

• Steel boats are likely to survive heavy impact without taking too much damage. The metal is used in many other areas of construction because of its strength. 
• Steel boats are comfortable. Their relatively heavy weight makes them more stable at sea; therefore, cruises and rides with steel boats are generally peaceful. There is less noise because the water is hitting the boat less. 
• Because steel is a very common metal, it is relatively easy to find steelworkers. This means that finding a place to repair your steel boat would be easy. Also, still being common implies that it is easy to find a workforce if you are looking into going into the construction of steel boats. 

Disadvantages of Steel Boats

• Steel boats are rather slow. Like fiberglass boat users, steel boat users also sacrifice speed for some level of peace and comfort when riding. 
• Steel is generally heavy; hence, welding it can be rather difficult.

Comparison Between Steel Boats and Aluminum Boats 

By looking at a few points, we have explicitly compared steel boats to aluminum boats. 

Weight and Density

Aluminum weighs less than steel. Aluminum’s density is 168 pounds per cubic foot, while that of steel is 490 pounds per cubic foot. The average aluminum boat weighs about 30% less than a steel hull of the same strength. 

Aluminum is more expensive than steel. Of course, the forces of demand and supply regularly affect the price of both materials. Regardless of this, aluminum is still generally more expensive. 

Availability of Material

As mentioned among the advantages of steel, the metal is used in various areas of construction. Therefore, it is very much easier to find. In areas outside hot spots such as the North American and European continent, finding enough aluminum for a marine construction project as simple as a boat could be difficult. 

Since aluminum is not as strong and heavy as steel, welding it is relatively easier. Regardless of how strong aluminum is, even plate aluminum, it is not as strong as steel is. Usually, welding aluminum takes half the effort it takes to weld steel. This also helps to save time. 

More so, it is important to note that welding equipment for aluminum is quite expensive in comparison to steel. Aluminum welding requires gas-shielded equipment, while steel welding requires stick/electrode equipment. The former is less common and more expensive. Also, if aluminum welding is not carried indoors, the wind is likely to interfere with the gas shield, and this can result in faulty welds. Having an enclosed space specifically for the welding of aluminum may not agree very well with the pockets of many welders and small-time marine construction professionals. 

Welding aside, it is generally easier to work on aluminum. The alloy is soft; hence, it is easy to bend. Equipment is as simple as the ones used for woodwork can be used to manipulate aluminum to the required shape and size. On the contrary, steel needs specialized, heavy equipment to work. 

Scrap and Resale Value

Scrap Monster says that one pound of steel scrap goes for about 270 USD while a pound of aluminum scrap costs 1100 USD. The difference is undeniably large. So, if your boat has outlived its lifespan and you want to sell it as scrap, you would get a lot more money if it is an aluminum boat. 

Furthermore, the resale value of aluminum is also higher than that of steel. If you resell your aluminum boat, you are likely to get back a large amount of the original cost back. This is partly because aluminum is a rarer and more expensive material. 

Abrasion/Corrosion Resistance

Steel boats have a higher abrasion resistance than their aluminum counterparts. For boats that are likely to be at sea for a long time, it is expedient to use steel in their construction. Harsh, hard impact that can cause abrasion cannot be withstood by any other material better than steel. Of course, aluminum can take a hit; it is strong to an extent. Steel, however, is very much stronger. 

You may want to note that although steel is more resistant to forces of abrasion, aluminum is more resistant to rust. 

One of the demerits of aluminum boats, as mentioned above is that it is not well suited for comfort. Aluminum’s lightness is advantageous in many areas but not here. If you want a yacht that is suited for optimal comfort and relaxation, and you are stuck between steel and aluminum, it is better to go for steel in most cases.

Superstructures

For most steel boats that require superstructures, these superstructures are usually made of other materials such as aluminum and wood. Due to its sheer size, strength, and weight, if steel is used for all the superstructures, it may be difficult to keep the center of gravity at a low, safe level. 

Flammability

It is quite possible for aluminum to melt and burn. Its melting point is at 1,080 F. Steel, on the other hand, has a melting point of about 2,600 F. Now, if the heat is intense enough, aluminum can actually burn. Although the alloy is less likely to burn than other marine construction materials (fiberglass and wood), it is not as fire-resistant as steel is. 

Steel is less likely to corrode than aluminum (due to its abrasion resistance). Nevertheless, there are bacteria that could speed up the corrosion process in steel, eating through a large part of it in a short time. Measures can be taken against this, but it is one edge that aluminum has over steel. 

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is more likely to occur in aluminum than it is in steel boats. This is still due to steel’s sheer abrasion resistance. 

>>Also Read: Pros and Cons of Steel Sailboats

Aluminum vs Steel Boat – Conclusion

Choosing a better boat always comes down to functionality. Hulls made from both steel and aluminum have their pros and cons. Picking a material for your boat, depends heavily on what you plan to use it for.  Long cruises and voyages are better carried out with steel boats rather than aluminum boats. In the same way aluminum boats are better for you if speed is your goal. 

Most marine construction workers, however, prefer to work on aluminum boats because aluminum is an easier material to work with and on. Also, most boaters prefer aluminum boats due to the fact that when compared to steel boats, they have more advantages.  Therefore, aluminum boats are generally preferred to steel boats . Nonetheless, functionality is a very important factor. 

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Palm Beach International Boat Show returns to West Palm Beach waterfront

The Palm Beach International Boat Show returns this week with more nearly 1,000 vessels on display, including super yachts from around the world.

Tickets are on sale now for the show that runs March 21-24 along the West Palm Beach waterfront.

The show, which started in 1982, has grown to a major economic engine for the community, with last year's impact estimated at $1.05 billion statewide — nearly as much as the $1.3 billion Miami International Boat Show, said Alyssa Freeman, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, which owns the boat show.

More: Cool front for South Florida won't be its last even with the first day of spring here

"Palm Beach is really not that far behind Miami, and Miami is the biggest in the world," Freeman said. "That was really exciting."

This year's boat show features an expanded Super Yacht Show at Palm Harbor Marina, showcasing yachts that typically stretch longer than 80 feet and have a variety of luxurious amenities that include hot tubs, crew quarters, dance floors and sun decks.

"We have more super yachts there than we ever have before, and they're even bigger," Freeman said, noting that at 236 feet, the vessel Casino Royale takes the title of largest yacht at this year's show. The title of "most expensive yacht" goes to Come Together, a 196-foot vessel priced at $59.95 million.

"Everybody, when they think about super yachts, they think about Monaco and Miami, but Palm Beach is a real player in these boat shows and the yachting world," Freeman said.

Exhibitors continue to be drawn to the Palm Beach International Boat Show by the opportunity for high sales year after year when compared with other South Florida boat shows, she said.

"I've heard from several of them, this is their favorite show to attend," Freeman said, "And that's why, because their sales are higher at Palm Beach."

The show continues to make headway in improving its sustainability efforts, she said. After reducing single-use plastics, a major change this year is the addition of water bottle refilling stations throughout the show, Freeman said.

"I think that's exciting because everybody's talking about sustainability and how we can be more sustainable," she said. "Every year, we take little steps to be more sustainable."

Freeman said she is excited for this year's AquaZone presented by Nautical Ventures. The attraction showcases some of the "yacht toys" that are new or popular on the market.

"It's so cool, because there are people actually in the water demoing yacht toys, and it's usually the latest and greatest," she said. "There's always something new every year that we've never seen before."

The Palm Beach International Boat Show also features a range of seminars, demonstrations and discussions throughout the weekend, including mental health in yachting, tips to boat to the Bahamas, safe boating to protect sea turtles and how to address active threats and piracy.

Freeman, who has children, said she loves the Kids Fishing Clinics scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with captain Don Dingman.

"Captain Don has been doing this for years, and he does a fantastic job," Freeman said. "The kids actually get to go home with a free rod and reel once the clinic is over."

The association produces the Palm Beach International Boat Show with Informa Markets' U.S. Boat Shows division.

"As we gear up for the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show, we are excited for our return to Downtown West Palm Beach to celebrate the rich history of this esteemed event," Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows at Informa Markets, said in a news release. "Each year, we’re grateful for the warm welcome and support from the community, which truly makes this event a highlight on the calendar for both residents and visitors alike."

Informa also produces the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art show happening March 21-24, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. A Windward VIP ticket to the boat show includes admission to the art show as well.

In addition to serving as a cornerstone festival of spring in West Palm Beach, the boat show launched the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions to local nonprofits, Freeman said.

The grant program had a soft launch last year and formalized the boat show's four-decade practice of giving back to the community, Freeman said.

"We're really excited about it," said Freeman, who added that the boat show team is working with the Community Foundation to manage the grant program, which they hope to grow. "That's something that's a super high priority for us."

Money raised through a portion of the boat show's ticket sales, optional add-ons and some related activities goes toward the fund.

The boat show in February announced that the first round of grants totaling $500,000 would go to 25 nonprofits that have marine-related programs or projects, including Florida Fishing Academy, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Florida Atlantic University, Inlet Grove High School, Palm Beach State College, Sea Turtle Adventures and Friends of Manatee Lagoon.

"We're hoping one day we'll be able to say that it's a million dollars," she said. "So fingers crossed. It relies on the success of the boat show and the support of the community. With that, we will continue to grow."

What: Palm Beach International Boat Show.

When: Noon to 7 p.m. March 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24.

Where: West Palm Beach waterfront.

Cost: General admission is free for ages 6 and younger with purchase of an adult ticket, $17 for a one-day ticket for ages 6-15, $33 for a one-day ticket for ages 16 and older, and $60 for a two-day adult ticket. VIP experiences start at $390 for a Windward single-day ticket.

Information: pbboatshow.com

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at  [email protected] .  Subscribe today  to support our journalism.

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Organizers celebrate success of 2024 palm beach international boat show.

"We’ve got some great boats come up from Fort Lauderdale and around the world," Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows and Informa Markets, told WPBF 25 News.

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The Palm Beach International Boat Show set sail from the West Palm Beach waterfront Sunday evening, and officials say it was a success this year.

"We love the boat show; we come out every year. It’s a great tradition," Carter Roehl, a resident, told WPBF 25 News.

About 50,000 visitors have checked out the boat show over the last four days.

"Fabulous accessibility to the restaurants, all the hotels nearby. We’ve got some great boats come up from Fort Lauderdale and around the world," Andrew Doole, president of U.S. Boat Shows and Informa Markets, told WPBF 25 News.

Marine enthusiasts traveled to West Palm Beach to look at the beautiful array of yachts, purchase boats and learn more about the technological advancements in the marine industry.

"Every princess yacht is handcrafted in Plymouth, England, the company builds about 80% of the boat in-house, including all of the metal work," James Nobel, a specialist with Princess Yachts, said while showing a Princess Yacht Y95.

Rain or shine, companies came out to network and showcase their best boats.

"The boat show was phenomenal, we had such a great turnout, the clients were out here, they were buying boats," Daniel Carrazana with Tuppen's Marine, told WPBF 25 News.

"Whoever didn’t show up for those days that it rained, they came on Sunday," Alfred Montaner, with Luxury Rib Tenders, said.

"Today, we sold seven boats," Carrazana said.

Officials said it took the hard work of about 15,000 employees to make the boat show come to life this year.

"The economic impact to the county and the region on the show is a billion dollars," Doole said.

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US Army boats head out on a mission to build a floating pier off Gaza’s shore for food deliveries

Soldiers of LLV Monterrey from 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) prepare to deploy to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

A group of soldiers from 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) wave to the crew of LLV Monterey as it pulls out from port on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

Soldiers from 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, make final preparations on LSV SP/4 James A. Loux before deploying to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. The Loux will be supporting the construction of a floating pier off the coast of Gaza for delivery of humanitarian aid. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

BG John “Brad” Hinson, commander of 3rd Expedition Sustainment Command and Assistant Commanding General (Supply) of XVIII Airborne Corps, speaks during a press conference pertaining to four army watercraft deploying to Gaza for delivery of humanitarian aid on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

CW3 Jason West, left, skipper for LSV SP/4 James A. Loux, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), stands with his family before deploying on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

LSV SP/4 James A. Loux heads down the James River for a deployment to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. The watercraft will build and operate a floating pier in support of a humanitarian mission to Gaza. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

Soldiers from 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, enter the mess galley on Large Land Craft Monterey on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. The Monterey was one of four army watercraft deploying to Gaza for a humanitarian aid mission. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

Col. Sam Miller, commander of 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), speaks to media before units from his brigade deploy to Gaza in support of a humanitarian mission on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

Soldiers give the crew of the LLV Monterey a box of snack bars before the Monterey leaves for deployment to the Gaza Strip for a humanitarian mission on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Four U.S. Army boats, loaded with tons of equipment and steel pier segments, left Virginia on Tuesday, heading to Gaza as part of the U.S. effort to expand the delivery of food and other supplies to starving Palestinians as Israel’s war against Hamas drags on.

The ships pulled out of docks at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and headed down the James River toward the Atlantic Ocean for what could be a month-long voyage to the Mediterranean Sea. There, at a yet-to-be-announced location along the Gaza shore, they will build and begin to operate a floating dock to receive the aid.

Since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, Israel’s military has battered the territory, killing more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and creating a humanitarian catastrophe . The U.N. says virtually all of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are struggling to find food. But getting humanitarian aid to the area has been difficult, due to the ongoing hostilities and struggles to coordinate with the Israeli military, which has blocked routes and slowed deliveries due to inspections.

The latest Pentagon plan calls for the U.S. military to build what is called a modular causeway system. Off shore, the Army will build a large floating platform where ships can unload large containers of aid. Then the aid will be transferred by the Army to a motorized string of steel causeway sections that have been pushed to the shore.

That pier is expected to be as much as 1,800 feet (550 meters) long, with two lanes, and the Pentagon has said it could accommodate the delivery of more than 2 million meals a day for Gaza residents. Officials have not said who will be unloading the containers and taking the aid ashore. President Joe Biden has said there will be no U.S. troops on the ground in Gaza.

On Tuesday, as family members and senior Army commanders watched, about 70 soldiers with the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) pulled away from the docks in four U.S. Army vessels: the USAV Wilson Wharf, USAV Matamoros and USAV Monterrey, all Army landing crafts, and the larger USAV SP4 James A. Loux, a logistics support watercraft.

The brigade’s commander, Army Col. Sam Miller, said about 500 of his soldiers will participate in the mission. All together, Pentagon officials have said about 1,000 U.S. troops will be involved.

Calling it a complicated mission, Miller said the transit will take about a month, but it will depend on weather and any possible high seas. The actual construction, he said, will take about a week, but that also could be hampered by weather. Then it will take additional time to get the delivery process coordinated with those providing the aid and the system up and running. Defense officials have said it will take about two months to get the deliveries started.

The Army’s vessels and maritime capabilities are unique and not as well known as the Navy’s. The last time the 7th Transportation Brigade did a similar mission to construct a large pier was in Haiti in 2010. But it has participated in a number of major military exercises.

“The soldiers here are energized, they’re motivated, they’re excited,” Miller said, adding that the new humanitarian mission “gives them purpose and meaning” and highlights the Army’s watercraft. He noted that just 36 hours after Biden ordered the operation, the first Army vessel — the USAV General Frank S. Besson logistics ship — left Joint Base Langley-Eustis on Saturday.

Miller said a larger Maritime Sealift Command ship will also be leaving Virginia in the coming days, and will be carrying some of the bigger equipment and more of the steel pier segments.

The superyacht world is speculating that Mark Zuckerberg just bought this 118-meter boat

• The 118-meter superyacht Launchpad made her maiden voyage last week.
• The yacht world is speculating that her owner is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
• Here's what we know about the luxury vessel.

In the world of superyachts , privacy is the most valuable asset. It can be next to impossible to discern the details of a superyacht transaction — and that's particularly true if the vessel in question is worth nine figures.

Yet some in the boat blogging world are speculating that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the new owner of Launchpad, a megayacht currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she made her maiden voyage from Gibraltar to St Maarten last week. Launchpad clocks in at 118 meters long, about nine meters shorter than Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru .

The transaction could not be confirmed, with yacht world insiders declining to share what they know and representatives for Zuckerberg not responding to a request for comment from Business Insider. In the past, reports about Zuckerberg owning superyacht Ulysses have proven false.

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"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to BI. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

But Zuckerberg's name has been connected to Launchpad for a few months now, beginning in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands.

Then, earlier in March, yachting bloggers like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution started speculating that he officially snagged the boat, originally built for a sanctioned Russian businessman, at a $300 million price tag. (While that's a seemingly huge amount, it's still less than 0.2% of Zuckerberg's $177 billion net worth.)

Another clue that might point to US ownership is that the yacht bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory and commonplace for American buyers to register their ships, according to public marine tracking.

If Zuckerberg were to have bought Launchpad, he would join a cohort of superyacht-owning tech billionaires . Along with Bezos, the likes of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison and Google cofounders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have purchased impressive boats with even more impressive amenities.

SuperYacht Times , an industry publication and intelligence platform, has some of the best images of the yacht. Photos show a swimming pool on her main deck and a large helipad.

While less is known of the interior, a vessel of her size can likely sleep dozens of guests and crew and may have amenities like an expansive gym where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu or a spa with a massage area. We suspect there's also space for plenty of toys — which could include his viral hydrofoil foil .

Do you have any details about Launchpad or any other superyachts? Email reporter Madeline Berg at [email protected].

Watch: Walmart heiress' superyacht vandalized by activists in Ibiza

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PEXMOR Boat Seats Low/High Back, Folding Boat Seats 2 Pack Stainless Steel Screws Included, Fold-Down Fishing Boat Seats Waterproof Captain Boat Seat w/Aluminum Hinges & Thick Soft Cushion, 2 Packs

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Home Office launches social media ads in Vietnam to deter small boat migrants

According to the government, an increasing number of migrants arriving illegally in the UK via the Channel are from Vietnam.

Monday 25 March 2024 00:19, UK

The Home Office is launching social media adverts to deter Vietnamese nationals from travelling to the UK illegally in small boats.

According to the government, an increasing number of migrants arriving illegally in the UK via the Channel are from Vietnam .

New ads, building on similar ones already used in Albania, will be written in Vietnamese and feature testimonies from people who were misled by the claims of people smuggling gangs.

One migrant, referred to as K, recalls sleeping in a camp in Calais for five nights under the supervision of armed guards before crossing the Channel in a small boat.

He says: "Never again would I risk my life in a small boat even if you bribed me."

Another, G, says: "I was lying to my family back home. I'm still in debt."

Someone referred to as A adds: "We still owe £5,500 for the journey."

More on Migrant Crisis

Video appears to show French police using aggressive tactics against small boats carrying migrants across Channel

More than 500 migrants cross English Channel on Wednesday, provisional statistics show

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• Migrant Crisis

Provisional figures have revealed 514 migrants travelled in 10 small boats across the Channel in a single day on Wednesday.

So far this year, illegal small boat arrivals stand at 4,043 - 10% higher than at the same point in 2023.

It comes as video footage , released by the charity Lighthouse Reports, appears to show a French border force boat using aggressive tactics to physically force a migrant boat to turn around.

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Debunking myths about life in the UK as an illegal migrant

The new Home Office adverts aim to debunk myths circulated by criminal gangs - both about the journey and living illegally in the UK when they arrive.

They warn that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, so small boats often risk being hit by larger vessels.

They also say that many boats disintegrate during the journey, leaving passengers at risk of dying by drowning or of hypothermia within minutes.

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On life as an illegal migrant in the UK, they say those who make the journey risk getting into debt with criminal gangs, being forced into modern slavery, and living in inhumane accommodation.

Immigration enforcement and Border Force employee testimonials are also included.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "This is a powerful campaign which demonstrates first-hand that life for people arriving here illegally is a far cry from the lies they have been sold by the gangs on the other side of the Channel.

"Last year, similar work contributed to a 90% reduction in small boat arrivals from Albania, and overall numbers are down by a third, but there is more to do.

"Expanding our campaign to Vietnam, another key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, will help us to save more lives and dent the business model of the criminals who profit from this vile trade."

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Dozens of Rohingya refugees rescued from overturned boat in Indian Ocean

Soaked survivors clung to hull overnight before being taken to safety by Indonesian rescue team

Dozens of Rohingya refugees have been rescued from the Indian Ocean off the coast of Indonesia after spending the night balanced on the hull of their overturned boat.

Seventy-five people were pulled from the stricken vessel, which was spotted on Thursday by an Indonesian search and rescue ship.

Survivors said the boat had capsized on Wednesday. Men, women and children, weak and soaked from the night’s rain, wept as the rescue operation got under way and they were taken onboard a rubber dinghy to the rescue boat.

There were contradictory reports about whether anyone had died, with survivors saying many who had been onboard when their boat left Bangladesh were still unaccounted for, but authorities said everyone had been rescued.

Samira, 17, who was among the refugees from the Kutupalong camp in Bangladesh, who had been travelling to Malaysia, said there had been 146 people onboard, raising the prospect that 71 could be missing at sea.

She said the boat began foundering three days previously and capsized on Wednesday, adding that her nephew was among those unaccounted for. “All of us are very sad,” she said. “We are very hungry and weak.”

When fishing vessels reached the scene on Wednesday, desperate refugees clambered on to one of the boats, overloading it and causing it also to capsize. It was not immediately clear what happened to its crew.

After Indonesian authorities were informed by the fishers about the refugees’ plight, an official search and rescue team set off from Banda Aceh city on Wednesday evening. They reached the area of the accident early the next morning and initially could not find the capsized boat.

When they came upon it at midday, they found the refugees on its hull. They rescued 42 men, 18 women and nine children and took some to a temporary shelter in the Aceh Besar district and others to a local hospital.

Amiruddin, a tribal fishing community leader in Aceh Barat district, said those rescued indicated that the boat was sailing east when it started leaking and strong currents pushed it toward the west of Aceh.

About 740,000 Rohingya had earlier fled to Bangladesh to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by security forces in their homeland of Myanmar.

However, thousands have since been trying to flee Bangladesh’s overcrowded camps for neighbouring countries, with Indonesia experiencing an increase in refugees since November, which prompted it to call on the international community for help. Some Rohingya arriving in Aceh face hostility from fellow Muslims .

Indonesia, like Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the 1951 UN refugee convention outlining refugees’ legal protections, and so is not obliged to accept refugees. However, these countries have so far provided temporary shelter to refugees in distress.

Last year, nearly 4,500 Rohingya, two-thirds of them women and children, fled Myanmar and the refugee camps of neighbouring Bangladesh by boat, the UN refugee agency reported. Of those, 569 died or went missing while crossing the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, the highest death toll since 2014.

Returning safely to Myanmar is virtually impossible because the military that attacked them overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government in 2021. No country has offered the Rohingya any large-scale resettlement opportunities.

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Fears grow for hundreds of Rohingya refugees adrift for two weeks

About 180 Rohingya refugees feared dead after boat goes missing

Activists appeal for rescue of Rohingya refugees stranded at sea in leaking boat

Genocide case against Myanmar over Rohingya atrocities cleared to proceed

Myanmar junta takes place of Aung San Suu Kyi at Rohingya hearing

Thousands homeless as fire sweeps through Rohingya refugee camp

Rohingya sue Facebook for £150bn over Myanmar genocide

Prominent Rohingya leader shot dead in Bangladesh refugee camp

Hundreds of people missing after Rohingya refugee camp fire

India detains Rohingya refugees and threatens to deport them to Myanmar

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