On Saturday, September 13, the Floating Homes Association (FHA) hosted a Concrete Barge Workshop at the Bay Model Visitor Center. The invitation-only event was meant to bring together the people who know barges best — repair specialists, inspectors, and representative homeowners — for a lively exchange of ideas. Experts from the community included representatives from Sausalito Barge Repair, American Oceanics, San Francisco Waterproofing Masonry, Mast Marine Services, Dave’s Diving Service, and Hawser Insurance.
The workshop was a round-table discussion bracketed by four major themes: the current condition of concrete barges in our community; preventive maintenance; repair and strategies; and opportunities and constraints of barge replacement. Topics ranged from concrete patching products and techniques to steel coverings, sacrificial anodes, and full replacement options. Participants were able to ask questions, compare experiences, and share lessons learned. Repair specialists shared the nuts and bolts of their craft, while insurance representatives weighed in on risk considerations and inspectors talked about what they look for during assessments. Even homeowners who had tried DIY fixes were able to share what worked — and what didn’t — on their own barges. The workshop wasn’t about finding one right solution. It was about starting a conversation, collecting knowledge, and beginning to put that knowledge to work for everyone.
For many residents, the concrete barge that supports their home feels like a mystery. Is it sound? Does it need repair? How much will it cost to repair? Which fixes last, and which don’t? What can we do as preventive maintenance? These are big questions with no single answer. For the floating home community, the workshop marked the first step in creating a new Community Resource Guide for Concrete Barges that will help all floating homeowners better understand and care for the barges beneath their homes. Using information and resources gathered during the workshop, the guide will give floating homeowners a reliable, easy-to-use reference for understanding the scope of their barge issues, weighing repair options, and connecting with trusted professionals. Instead of searching for answers piecemeal, residents will have one place to turn for guidance, whether they’re considering preventive maintenance or facing the possibility of replacement. The Resource Guide is expected to be completed this winter. Pete Hudson, event organizer and workshop facilitator, explained the need for such a guide this way: “Floating homeowners in our community should have a clear understanding of the scope and severity of their specific barge issues and the various available repair approaches to know how to confidently proceed with appropriate and viable solutions to extend the life of their barge.”
Look out for more information on the Community Resource Guide for Concrete Barge as it develops over the coming months.