steel hulled yacht

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Steel boats: the advantages and disadvantages of this hull material

Steel boats are the talk of the pontoons. Bernard Moitessier and other sailors of the time all chose this material for various reasons. There are also a good number of launches still built in steel. But why are they still relevant today? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this material?

Why choose a steel boat?

After reading a book by Bernard Moitessier and other ocean adventurers, many will choose a steel boat. The steel boat is historically the travel boat that can brave all conditions, including extreme latitudes. Choosing a steel boat in the 21st century can also be a guarantee of safety in the event of a collision with a UFO . But what are the real advantages and disadvantages of these hulls?

The advantages of steel boats

Uncompromising strength: a well-built steel boat can withstand all weather conditions and even collisions. It will often come out with a few dents, but should remain watertight.

Durability: well-treated steel is a material that lasts over time. Almost all large vessels (ferries, container ships, merchant ships, etc.) are made of steel , and many are over 50 years old. What's more, steel is easy to recycle.

Cheap and "easy" repairs: if there's damage , or even holes, steel boats can be repaired easily. All you have to do is cut and re-weld, and a good boilermaker will be able to do it for you. And if you're good with your soldering poster, you can also do it yourself.

It's easy to do-it-yourself: need to add a platform to your ship? Consider welding it on. Just try to keep it elegant and sleek!

Cost: you can find bargains and inexpensive boats. However, this advantage can quickly turn into a disadvantage if the boat is in poor condition. A steel boat in poor condition can be very labor-intensive, and you'll need to be prepared to spend a few months or years in the yard before you're ready to sail .

Disadvantages of steel boats

Strong, but heavy: steel is much heavier than other materials. For example, a 9-meter boat can weigh up to 7 tons, while the same boat made of fiber will weigh no more than 4 tons. This means heavy displacement and a different way of sailing. The rest of the boat will have to be sized accordingly: sails, rigging, ropes...

Corrosion: this is the biggest drawback. A steel boat is bound to rust, sooner or later. As the sea is an aggressive environment, boats need to be closely monitored. You need to be able to take apart every nook and cranny of the boat to make sure there's no rust. Generally speaking, the exterior of the boat is well protected by paint, and this is not where problems appear, or at least they remain clearly visible. Corrosion is more likely to appear inside, where access is difficult: under the sink, under the shower, at the bottom of the anchor locker... If you're going to buy a steel sailboat , make sure you can explore everything.

Insulation: properly insulating your steel vessel is essential, for both hot and cold . But insulation must be "removable", so that all parts can be accessed to check for rust.

Electrolysis: rarer than on aluminum boats, electrolysis also exists on steel boats. To avoid seeing your boat turn into a battery , you'll need to keep an eye on the condition of the anodes, and change them when the time comes. You'll also need to keep an eye on your electrical installation to ensure that there are no leaks inside the boat . And last but not least, you'll need to be careful not to make direct contact with any metal you put on your boat, such as an aluminum cleat or a bronze hull pass-through (in this case, prefer a plastic one).

Steel or not?

Ultimately, well-treated steel boats offer everything you'd expect from a blue water cruiser: durability and sturdiness. But all materials have their drawbacks, and you'll have to accept being heavier and less efficient, being meticulous about rust and electrolysis, and spending a few hours treating and painting corrosion starts. If you feel you can get past these drawbacks, then you might just have the chance to weld steel links with the sea.

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Unmatched peace of mind. Bering Yachts are a legacy of unwavering safety. Founder Alexei Mikhailov envisioned vessels you could trust with your life, and that commitment remains our core principle. Industry-leading safety and life-redundancy systems are built into every yacht. Fire-resistant materials and meticulous construction ensure your well-being at sea.

Where luxury meets tranquillity. Every Bering yacht is meticulously engineered for minimal noise and vibration, even at sea. Spacious galley cabinetry ensures effortless meal preparation, while ample wardrobe space caters to every guest. Advanced insulation and air conditioning maintain the perfect temperature, be it an arctic adventure or a tropical escape.

Limitless exploration. Every Bering yacht boasts an impressive transatlantic range, empowering you to conquer vast distances. For the truly adventurous, Bering 88 and above, push the boundaries of exploration. Bering Yachts prioritize efficient performance, ensuring the range adapts to your cruising style. Discuss your exploration goals and discover the perfect Bering yacht to fuel your voyage.

Explore further, for longer. Our vessels redefine self-sufficiency, empowering you to venture further for longer. Dual power sources ensure uninterrupted freedom; advanced watermakers transform seawater into freshwater, while spacious freezers and ample storage keep provisions perfectly preserved, enabling weeks or even months off-grid.

Leave a lighter footprint. Bering Yachts champions responsible exploration with advanced watermakers and onboard waste treatment systems. These features minimize your environmental impact while maximizing your self-reliance. Freshwater becomes readily available, and waste is processed responsibly, allowing you to explore with a clear conscience.

Your yachting adventure is defined. Bering Yachts adapt to your vision. Weekend escapes, extended expeditions, or full-time living – our vessels seamlessly transform to suit your desires. Navigate vast oceans, explore hidden coves, or embark on a lucrative chartering career. With Bering Yachts, the possibilities are limitless.

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From pre-sale consultations to after-sales management care, your dedicated personal manager ensures a smooth and rewarding experience. Hospitality, concierge services, and travel inspiration are all within reach.

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What makes steel the best material for a Moonen?

• 11 January 2024
• Behind the scenes

What makes a yacht a Moonen? We went behind the scenes to find out how our technical team creates the world’s finest yachts. There is much more than meets the eye on a Moonen.

At Moonen we only build yachts with steel hulls. Our Technical Director Nicky van Zon shares the reasons why.

Advantages of steel

Stepping on board a Moonen steel hull yacht is often a revelation for people familiar with fibreglass or aluminium boats. There is an immediate appreciation of comfort, safety and value.

• Steel makes you feel like you are on a ship, not a boat. Steel is heavier so it sits firmly in the water. This increases stability at anchor and when cruising. You don’t have to wait for calm weather conditions to get underway.
• Steel gives you the capability, comfort and confidence to cruise farther afield. Current Moonen yacht models have transatlantic capability. They offer global capabilities.
• Steel absorbs vibrations better than aluminium or GRP/fibreglass, making it more comfortable.
• Steel hulls are safer – not just in the event of a collision, but also for fire safety.
• Steel is easier to customise than GRP/fibreglass yachts – for example adding a swim platform extension or larger windows.
• Steel will last for generations – much longer than GRP/fibreglass. Dutch steel hull yachts built more than a century ago are still sailing today.
• Steel is recyclable. Eventually all ships have an end of life and recycling of steel is common. Fibreglass is an environmental problem and toxic when burned.

What are the trade-offs of a steel hull yacht?

• Well-built steel yachts are more expensive and take more time to build than GRP/fibreglass. Good things take time and quality retains its value.
• Steel hull yachts are designed for cruising with economic fuel consumption. The destination and comfort at anchor are what’s important. For those who want high speeds and limited duration journeys, lightweight fibreglass or aluminium would align better with those personal preferences.
• Steel and seawater are not best friends. However, a properly applied paint system, such as we use at Moonen, and good inspection and maintenance processes will ensure long life and a beautiful high-quality finish.

Pre-owned Moonen yachts are highly valued. The brokerage market knows the quality of our steel yachts and this is reflected in the price.

“The quality of your steel hull build is a big factor in the value of your yacht.”

Moonen’s quality stems from decades of experience, the development of dedicated craftspeople and internal manufacturing capabilities that sets us apart from other shipyards. We use steel because we know it’s the right choice for our customers.

If you are interested in a new steel Moonen yacht please contact us. A visit to our shipyard in the Netherlands will confirm the quality of our work and the dedication of our team.

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