Ayrton Oneill
Inspecting a fiberglass boat is an essential task for boat owners to ensure the boat stays in good condition and to avoid bigger problems down the road. A proper inspection involves a systematic approach and a keen eye to identify potential problems. This includes checking for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration, as well as looking for any soft spots or water intrusion, which can indicate rot. The transom, floor, and deck are critical areas to inspect, as they are prone to water intrusion and can compromise the boat's overall integrity if not properly maintained. If you're unsure about your ability to inspect a fiberglass boat or if you find potential issues, consider hiring a professional marine surveyor for a comprehensive evaluation.
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What You'll Learn
Inspecting the hull
Visual Inspection
Begin by conducting a thorough visual inspection of the hull. Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, warps, dimples, or discolouration. Pay close attention to the transom, which bears the weight of the outboard motor and is prone to water intrusion. Check for soft spots, delamination, or signs of rot. If possible, remove the transom bolt and probe the hole with your finger to feel for moisture or deterioration.
Inspecting the Deck and Stringers
Don't forget to assess the deck and stringers during your inspection. Walk on the deck, feeling for any soft spots or flexing. Examine the stringers (internal structural reinforcements) for cracks, separation, or water damage. Any issues with these components can compromise the overall integrity of the boat.
Less Visible Areas
Make sure to inspect the less visible areas of the hull as well. Check behind liners, under floorboards, and in lockers for signs of water intrusion or structural issues. Remove any floor coverings or panels to access the underlying fibreglass and look for soft spots, discolouration, or water damage. If you suspect rot, use a moisture meter to detect moisture in the fibreglass.
Previous Repairs and Fittings
Be on the lookout for mismatched paint or gelcoat, which can indicate previous repairs. Inspect the joint for signs of previous leaks, loose rivets, and screws. Check the fittings near the waterline—they should be made of bronze or Marelon, not cheap plastic, which can deteriorate over time.
Remember, if you're unsure about your ability to inspect a fibreglass hull thoroughly, consider hiring a professional marine surveyor. They have the expertise and tools to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the boat's condition.
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Checking for rot
Inspect the transom: The transom is one of the areas most susceptible to rot. Start by visually inspecting it from both the inside and outside of the boat. Look for any signs of bowing, deformation, or cracks. Use a flashlight to look for signs of rot or discoloration on the inside of the transom where there is no gelcoat. Push down on the motor, and if the transom gives, it could indicate rot.
Inspect the floor: To check the floor, you may need to remove any floor coverings or panels to access the underlying fiberglass. Conduct a tap test by stomping or standing on the floor to detect any flexing or soft spots, which could indicate rot. If you notice any sagging or giving, this could be a sign of rot below.
Look for discoloration: Discoloration on the fiberglass could indicate that something is amiss below the surface. Black or dark brown water stains oozing out of the thru-hull fittings may also be a sign of rot.
Listen for hollow spots: Use a hard object to pound or tap on surfaces that are susceptible to water intrusion, such as the hull. If it sounds hollow or like a dead spot, it could indicate rot below the surface.
Drill test: If you suspect a soft spot, use a hand drill to drill a small hole through the fiberglass. If the drill pushes the wood down easily, rot is likely present.
Remember, if you identify rot, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to enlist the help of a professional boat repair shop to maintain the structural integrity of your boat.
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Assessing the finish
When assessing the finish of a fibreglass boat, it is important to be vigilant for signs of damage or water intrusion. The finish of a boat can crack, peel, blister, change colour, wrinkle or distort. These symptoms may indicate a deeper issue, so it is important to inspect the vessel regularly and note any changes.
Begin by conducting a thorough visual inspection of the hull, looking for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or discolouration. Pay close attention to the transom, as this area bears the weight of the outboard motor(s) and is prone to water intrusion. Check for any soft spots, delamination, or signs of rot. If possible, remove the transom bolt and probe the hole with your finger to feel for moisture or deterioration.
Inspect the deck and stringers for any issues, as these can compromise the boat's overall integrity. Walk the deck, feeling for any soft spots or flexing. Examine the stringers (the internal structural reinforcements) for any cracks, separation, or water damage. Don't neglect the less visible areas of the hull; check behind liners, under floorboards, and in lockers for any signs of water intrusion or structural issues.
Be sure to also inspect the joint, looking for signs of previous leaks as well as loose rivets and screws. Damage to the rub rail can result in damage to the hull-to-deck joint underneath. Check for mismatched paint or gelcoat, which can signal a previous repair. Look for warps and dimples in the hull and topsides, which might indicate a structural problem. Blisters are common but rarely rise to the level of being unsafe.
Finally, remember that rot can cause serious damage to a fibreglass boat, compromising its structural integrity and potentially putting you and your passengers at risk. Rot is typically caused by water intrusion, so check for any signs of water damage or leaking fittings. If you suspect rot, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible and consider seeking professional advice.
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Looking for leaks
When looking for leaks in a fibreglass boat, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection of the hull. Begin by performing a visual inspection of the hull, looking for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or discolouration. Don't forget to also assess the deck and stringers. Walk the deck, feeling for any soft spots or flexing. Examine the stringers (the internal structural reinforcements) for any cracks, separation, or water damage. Remember to also check the less visible areas of the hull, such as behind liners, under floorboards, and in lockers for any signs of water intrusion or structural issues. Use a flashlight and a mirror to get a good view of hard-to-reach spots.
If you suspect a leak, it is important to find where it is coming from. One way to do this is to fill the boat with water and find where it leaks out. You can also use a collision mat, which is a heavy-duty mat that you can pull under the boat to cover any damage and slow down or stop the leak. If the leak is due to small cracks or holes, you can use a sealant spray as a temporary fix until you can properly repair the damage.
To check for leaks in specific areas of the boat, such as the transom and floor, you may need to remove any floor coverings or panels to access the underlying fibreglass. Once exposed, conduct a tap test and look for any soft spots, discolouration, or signs of water damage. If you suspect water damage, you can use a moisture meter to detect the presence of water in the fibreglass.
If you are unsure about your ability to thoroughly inspect a fibreglass boat, or if you have found potential issues during your assessment, consider hiring a professional marine surveyor. They have the expertise and tools to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the boat's condition and can help you address any issues.
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Hiring a professional surveyor
When hiring a professional surveyor, it is important to ensure they are competent and qualified to perform the inspection. While anyone can call themselves a marine surveyor, there are no licenses or exams required. As such, it is crucial to verify the surveyor's qualifications and expertise. A competent marine surveyor should have a comprehensive understanding of various standards and requirements, including those set by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Coast Guard. They should also be familiar with construction standards such as ABS and Lloyds.
To find a qualified surveyor, it is recommended to start by checking with reputable organizations such as the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS). Both SAMS and NAMS have strict membership requirements and standards that surveyors must meet to gain accreditation. You can visit the SAMS website, enter your zip code, and find a list of certified surveyors in your area. Alternatively, you can rely on recommendations from brokers, sellers, or lenders, or seek out word-of-mouth suggestions. Some lenders or insurance companies also maintain lists of approved surveyors they trust.
When selecting a surveyor, it is essential to ask the right questions. Inquire about their experience, specifically in surveying similar makes and models of vessels to yours. Ask about their background and whether they have marine-related experience or have worked in boat repair yards, which can provide valuable insight into common boat issues. Additionally, clarify the scope of the survey, including any additional services you may require, such as compression checks by a mechanic.
Before agreeing to hire a surveyor, discuss pricing and payment terms. Surveyors typically charge by the foot of the boat, with rates ranging from $18 to $25 per foot. This usually includes an out-of-water inspection, a sea trial, a system test, and a comprehensive survey report. However, additional services may incur extra charges, so it is important to clarify the scope of work and associated costs beforehand. Some surveyors may request a deposit or full payment upfront, and you may be asked to sign a written agreement, so be sure to review any contracts carefully before committing.
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Frequently asked questions
To check for rot, start by inspecting the transom and floor from both the inside and outside of the boat. Look for any signs of bowing, deformation, or cracks. You can also use a flashlight to look for signs of rot or discoloration on the inside of the transom where there is no gelcoat. Conduct a tap test on the floor and look for any soft spots, discoloration, or signs of water damage. If you’re unsure, you can use a moisture meter to detect water in the fiberglass.
Some common problems to look out for are leaks, water intrusion, and rot. Inspect the finish of the boat for any cracks, peeling, blistering, or discolouration, which may indicate a deeper issue. Check the fittings to ensure they are not made of cheap plastic, which can deteriorate over time. Inspect the joint for any signs of previous leaks as well as loose rivets and screws.
If you're unsure about your ability to thoroughly inspect a second-hand fiberglass boat, consider hiring a professional marine surveyor. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the boat's condition. You can also use the knock test or borrow a moisture meter to check for rot. Inspect the transom by removing the transom bolt and probing the hole with your finger to feel for moisture or deterioration.
The transom is a critical area to inspect as it bears the weight of the outboard motor(s) and is prone to water intrusion. Check for any soft spots, delamination, or signs of rot. While inspecting the hull, don't forget to assess the deck and stringers for any cracks, separation, or water damage. Check behind liners, under floorboards, and in lockers for any signs of water intrusion or structural issues.
