I always start my surveys on metal boats by using Thermal Imaging of
the hull. This helps me locate the structural components of the metal
boat. I am also looking for trapped moisture and/or water. If this is
found, then there is a good chance there will be corrosion. Next I
conduct an inspection of the bilge of the boat, including, anchor, sail,
cockpit lockers, and lazarettes. Now I have a very good idea where to
concentrate my UTM-audio gauge. I take readings of the whole hull, but
will do more readings in the areas of concern.
When I
see water in a bilge of a metal boat beyond what might be in a sump I
get concerned. I would like to see dry bilges on all metal boats, but
this is not always possible. On Tuesday I surveyed a steel trawler.
Overall this boat looked to be in fair condition, but then I saw the
water in the bilge, a lot of it! There was heavy scale in some areas
because of the standing water. I knew this was an area I needed to
spend some time getting thickness readings.
The next day I
did my audio gauge. My readings indicated plate wastage. In some areas I
could not get a reading that most likely is caused by heavy scale. My
visual inspection from inside confirmed the heavy scale. When I arrived
at the boat I noticed some weeping from what I hoped was paint blisters.
Then an hour later water stared streaming from one of the blisters. Just to think only the paint was holding this section of plate together.
The
good news! The boat was out of the water it will not sink. Steel boats
can fixed; by cropping out the bad plate and adding new. In a short
period of time, she will be underway again.
The moral of this story? If you own a metal boat keep an eye on the bilges.
I will post photos in my next post.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Metal Boat Festival 2014!
2014 Metal Boat Festival
Come to the Port of Anacortes,
Washington, for the 27th annual Metal Boat Festival, August 8 - 10.
Metal Boat Festival
On August 8th - 10th, 2014, the 27th
annual Metal Boat Festival will be held on the waterfront in Anacortes,
Washington. The festival includes seminars with speakers covering various
boat-related topics, which will be held at the Seafarer's Memorial Park
Building starting at 8:00am Friday morning and concluding mid-afternoon on
Sunday. This is an opportunity for people interested in metal boats to see both
homebuilt and professionally built boats, power and sail, and talk to the
owners. There will also be metal boat designers as well as professional boat
builders there for you to meet with. At the end of each speaking session there
is a Q&A time. On Sunday there will be a Designers and Builders Forum where
attendees can ask a panel of designers and builders any boat-related questions.
The Metal Boat Festival is open to
everyone, Metal Boat Society members and non-members alike. For more
information on seminar subjects and evening program speakers or to register go
to www.metalboatsociety.org
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