Hello, I’m looking at purchasing a yacht capable of offshore voyages in and around the Southern Ocean, I have found one which suits all my requirements except this steel yacht has a wooden deck and cockpit. Would this partial wooden construction compromise the structural strength of the yacht given worst-case scenarios in big seas? Marcus
Hi Marcus: Ideally, you would have all metal construction. This will have less of a tendency towards leaks, and ultimately be stronger. On the other hand, there have been lots of steel boats built with steel deck frames and timber decks. These can be quite strong, if properly done–but it must be well executed, and any openings in the deck and/or hatches carefully designed and fastened. It all comes down to price, and how the boat you are looking at is executed. All other things being equal, I would prefer all-metal construction. On the other hand, properly executed, I would not hesitate to go offshore with a timber/steel composite structure. Regards–Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
