Pond liner: old fiberglass boat hull?

[Pam Gibbs]

I have been reading studying about ponds for a year now and plan to build
one in the spring. I had planned to use a flexible liner. However, my son
has come up with an intriguing idea and asked me to think about using an old
fiberglass ski boat that has been in our barn for years. He proposes to
sink about two thirds of it into the ground at the bow, while the stern
would be just above ground level. He has all sorts of interesting ideas
about where to put filters and such and his enthusiasm for the project is
infectious. Before he starts digging that hole I would like to hear from
you all. Pros and cons, advice, is it even feasible, what things might have
to be taken into account that would not necessarily be considerations if I
use flexible liner, what NOT to do, etc.

Thank you!

[Simon Avery]

"Pam Gibbs" <netdoor.com@gpakt> wrote:

Hello Pam

PG> I have been reading studying about ponds for a year now and
PG> plan to build one in the spring. I had planned to use a
PG> flexible liner. However, my son has come up with an
PG> intriguing idea and asked me to think about using an
PG> old fiberglass ski boat that has been in our barn for years.
PG> He proposes to sink about two thirds of it into the ground
PG> at the bow, while the stern would be just above ground
PG> level. He has all sorts of interesting ideas about where to
PG> put filters and such and his enthusiasm for the project
PG> is infectious. Before he starts digging that hole I would
PG> like to hear from you all. Pros and cons, advice, is it
PG> even feasible, what things might have to be taken into
PG> account that would not necessarily be considerations if
PG> I use flexible liner, what NOT to do, etc.

It's a good idea!

Sometimes with boat hulls the wooden reinforcements will rot and this
may cause a weakness, but pretty much all of them are strong enough
anyway.

Yon hull will need good reinforcement, but less than any other liner
since it's structurally strong.

Fibreglass is probably the easiest material to patch holes.

I'd say encourage his enthusiasm!

--
Simon Avery, Dartmoor, UK Ý http://www.digdilem.org/

[Phyllis and Jim Hurley]

It should be easy to make watertight and to plumb. If worst comes to worst,
you can either lift it or line it. You can also cut off whatever sticks up
where you do not want it. Could be a litle hard to clean out and will have
unique circulation. Do you live where the ground freezes? How far down?
Will it buckle the boat? Sounds like fun to work with and a bit of a hassle
to dig.

Jim

"Pam Gibbs" <netdoor.com@gpakt> wrote in message
...
> I have been reading studying about ponds for a year now and plan to build
> one in the spring. I had planned to use a flexible liner. However, my
son
> has come up with an intriguing idea and asked me to think about using an
old
> fiberglass ski boat that has been in our barn for years. He proposes to
> sink about two thirds of it into the ground at the bow, while the stern
> would be just above ground level. He has all sorts of interesting ideas
> about where to put filters and such and his enthusiasm for the project is
> infectious. Before he starts digging that hole I would like to hear from
> you all. Pros and cons, advice, is it even feasible, what things might
have
> to be taken into account that would not necessarily be considerations if I
> use flexible liner, what NOT to do, etc.
>
> Thank you!
>
>

[Brian]

Hi Pam
Some finish coatings on fibreglass can be harmful to fish. Ponds built in fibreglass have a special gellcoat finish. You could always put a liner inside the boat. Make sure the preacher of water inside the boat won't break it first.
Before you put spade to soil do a lot of reading it can save a lot of money in the long run.
Checkout our website it will give you links to other sites which might be of help. www.gaedenpondclub.co.uk

--
Bye for now,
Brian.
"Pam Gibbs" <netdoor.com@gpakt> wrote in message ...
I have been reading studying about ponds for a year now and plan to build
one in the spring. I had planned to use a flexible liner. However, my son
has come up with an intriguing idea and asked me to think about using an old
fiberglass ski boat that has been in our barn for years. He proposes to
sink about two thirds of it into the ground at the bow, while the stern
would be just above ground level. He has all sorts of interesting ideas
about where to put filters and such and his enthusiasm for the project is
infectious. Before he starts digging that hole I would like to hear from
you all. Pros and cons, advice, is it even feasible, what things might have
to be taken into account that would not necessarily be considerations if I
use flexible liner, what NOT to do, etc.

Thank you!



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