Earlier, though (also in France), Joseph-Louis Lambot invented ferro-cement, the precursor to reinforced concrete. In the 1840s, he constructed water tanks using cement mortar and various types of iron reinforcement. In 1848 he constructed a concrete boat, patented in 1855.

To the surprise of many, concrete boats can still be found, including this canal boat. Constructed in 1918 as a wartime prototype, it is now part of the National Historic Fleet: bit.ly/3XTla72.