| Ken,
In reply to your first question, might I suggest some reading materials
about boat construction. Not only do they cover the hull but the
rest of the boat which is just as important.
For fiberglass boats (FRP):
"From a Bare Hull" - Ferenc Mate' is an excellent book which deals
with how modern FRP type boats are constructed and the various
materials and construction techniques. Good reading and presented
in an interesting way.
"Fiber Glass Boats - Construction, Repair and Maintenance"
John Roberts. As good as the above book but a little drier
in reading.
For Wood boats -
"The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction" West System.
Another dry reading but good technical book on the construction
of wood/epoxy boats. I'm trying this one on a 12' sailing
dingy this winter in my wood shop. If you are thinking
of building your own hull, my feeling is this is the only
way to go. A boat manufacturer, 2 navel architechs and
a highly respected yacht surveyor have even recommended it
above both FRP and steel/al hulls.
Two other books you might be interested in for maintenance and whatnot:
"Shipshape, The art of sailboat maintenance" Ferenc Mate'
"Upgrading the Cruising Sailboat" - Danial Spurr
Finally, there are a number of good books on living aboard a yacht.
Try it, you might just find it is a great way of life. I did for
as long as I could afford it and still maintain a regular home on
land. If I had my choice right now, I'ld still be aboard.
There are many other books but these are a start. Your question
on hull construction could and would fill a notes file rather than
just a single topic. Boat construction has become a hobby of mine
and you'll find it interesting, I'm sure.
Best of luck and hope the sun shines on your sails.
Lee
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| For a liveaboard I'd think glass would be your best bet. A key factor
here would be the amount of insulation (foam) you have in the hull to
keep condensation to a minimum. THis would push you to a foam sandwich
type construction which I think is stronger than "regular" layup
anyway. (Can anyone comment on that?) And of course, it's more
expensive. One possibility is to put your own foam on the inside of the
hull. Mate has a marvelous section on doing this. Osmotic blistering
can be a problem with glass but they learning how to prevent it
by using epoxy outer layers
Wood's drawback is the amount of internal space required for stuctural
members. Assuming you'll be in the water year round, you should be able
to avoid the problems we have here in New England caused by the annual
haulout/dryout process.
Steel has serious electrolytic problem potential. And, you'd have
to insulate the hull well.
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