When I arrived in the shipyard they were working on the ferro-cement Vipers which were designed as possible replacements hulls for the fiberglass PBRs.This was the first VIPER. It was too large, too heavy, and too slow at 10 knots. The VIPER II was capable of 25 knots.
The following is a joke. If you have no sense of humor or history please go on to the next photo. Thank you.
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, unless you're really hungry. All this talk about food reminds me of an old recipe for VIPER Ferro-Cement Boats, like the ones we made in the Saigon Shipyard.
Let's see, it was something like:
1 ton of rebar
1 ton of chicken wire
150 bags of sand
100 bags portland cement
800 gallons of water
1 diesel engine -or-
2 85hp outboards
2 M60's, or system of your choice
Mix thoroughly, spread evenly, dry slowly (keep moist)
Test on river slowly then increase speed to your taste.
Canvas top, optional.
Enjoy!
