When you’re looking to buy an old boat, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional Marine Surveyor 32095 to make sure it’s still sound and sea-worthy. An experienced Marine Surveyor in St. Augustine like Suncoast Marine Surveying can assess the boat’s condition thoroughly and spot any existing problems. A serious issue that can be found during such an inspection is osmosis.
Osmosis is a phenomenon in which water molecules move through a semi-permeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated solution. In boats, osmosis occurs when water is absorbed by the boat’s outermost layer of fiberglass. This causes the gel-coat to become damaged and blistered, leaving it vulnerable to other forms of deterioration. It’s essential to check for osmosis during a boat survey as untreated osmosis can weaken the hull of the boat significantly.
To identify signs of osmosis, a Marine Surveyor 32095 will use several methods including visual examination of the hull and moisture readings with an electronic piece of equipment called a ‘moisture meter’. By using this device, a surveyor can determine if there are excessive levels of moisture underneath the hull’s surface. Because water does not always accumulate in visible pockets on the outside of the hull, it’s important to use specialized equipment to detect underlying levels of moisture during an inspection.
If the surveyor does find signs of osmosis, it’s vital to address the problem as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of damage caused by osmosis, the surveyor may suggest minor or major repairs. At Suncoast Marine Surveying, we recommend that you strip off all affected layers and replace them with new ones if the osmosis is widespread. Alternatively, less extensive repairs might include filling and sanding down areas of damage before applying a protective coating layer over them.
Generally, if your a surveyor finds that your boat has low levels of dampness that aren’t causing much harm, they will likely just advise that you keep an eye on the issue and check again at a later date. You should then follow the expert advice provided and ensure that regular checks are carried out and all necessary procedures are taken to protect your boat against further damage due to osmosis.
At Suncoast Marine Surveying, our experienced marine surveyors are highly knowledgeable about all aspects of marine surveying and can offer professional advice regarding boat repairs and preventive measures. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to accurately detect any signs of osmosis and help assess its severity. No matter how large or small your vessel may be, our team is always happy to answer any questions you have about boat surveying and help ensure your vessel remains safe and seaworthy for many years to come.
