A Bad Survey...

I was going through some old survey files and came across this piece of work from 2005.....it was probably the worst case of alloy breakdown I have ever seen...

CONDITION:

The following Observations and or Non-Standard Conditions were noted at the time of survey:

The vessel has been reasonably well maintained with all accessible areas reasonably clean and presentable except for the area against and forward of the transom which was cluttered and inaccessible to a complete inspection.

Vessel’s hull and underbody was found to be in good condition. Hull top-sides, foredeck, and interior appear to be good condition with no signs of grounding or other damage and or structural failure except as follows.

Several hull planking fasteners were examined and found to be in marginal serviceable condition. Given this situation, a refastening plan should be contemplated.

At the vessel’s stem, the upper most section of the stem appears to have been replaced-repaired. A new piece has been landed atop of the original structure and re-enforced internally and externally. This area appears to be stable.

At the vessel’s stern, outboard of exhaust through hull fittings (port and starboard areas) and outboard of both rudder posts, sounding this area with light hammer action revealed a slight softness in the wood structure. The buyer has been made aware of this situation and will monitor. Since the interior area forward of the transom was clutter and inaccessible, a complete examination was prevented. The undersigned has determined that this observation pose no structural concern at the present time, but should be monitored and thoroughly examined during next scheduled haul out.

Additional wood softness and decay was found in the forward areas (interior and exterior) of the vessel where the house lands on the foredeck and in the cowl area over the forward windows. Previous repair efforts are indicated by the use of an epoxy-like material. The buyer has been made aware of this situation and will monitor. Repairs should be affected to stabilize the wood structures and restore proper cosmetic appearance.

Observed amidships starboard side, beneath cabin sole, one (1) frame heel slightly loose. Related fasteners should be removed, examined, and re-fitted.

The undersigned visually estimated the deadrise of the hull at the stern to be ≤ 7º and amidships between 15º to 20º.

The undersigned did not perform a mechanical survey. The propulsion drive units, engines, reduction gears, and bilge area under machinery were inspected and found to be generally free of oil, fuel, and or water leakage. Machinery, steering, and engine controls were inspected but NOT tested for proper operation. To prevent water leakage, a competent marine mechanic should be engaged to inspect and replace, as required, any and all packing, clamps, or hoses to prevent accidental flooding. A small amount of fresh water was found in bilge area in machinery space.

Underwater through-hull fittings and seacocks were inspected for proper operation, leakage, and wastage. Given the situation as discussed in Recommendations below, all metal through hull fittings and seacocks should be thoroughly examined for wastage and replaced as needed.

The fuel hoses supplying main engines were not clearly identified as USCG approved.

In the machinery space, all 12 volt storage batteries must be secured, contained, and covered to prevent accidental sparking as per ABYC recommendations and standard practices.

The chain rode shackle at the anchor was not properly moused.

The undersigned will trust the vessel’s owner will provide for adequate quantities of required Type III and Type IV USCG approved personal floatation plus Type IV devices along with Coast Guard approved visual distress and fire protection appliances as required in 33CFR 175.110 and NFPA 9.1-33CFR respectively.

The following Recommendations were made during survey:

1. FOUND: The vessel’s electrical wiring is materially below industry standards and practices as per ABYC for both the 12 volt DC and 120 volt AC systems. In addition, there have been some localized heating and spot fires caused by this situation. RECOMMEND: Disconnect vessel from all electrical sources. The vessel should be thoroughly examined and re-wired as needed before further operation by a qualified marine electrician.

2. FOUND: At the vessel’s underbody and stern area, there is ample evidence of uncontrolled galvanic corrosion. Both rudders, propeller shaft struts, and the existing starboard propeller showed signs of aggressive de-zincification. In addition, the port propeller was missing and the remaining shaft stub end indicated aggressive cervis corrosion. RECOMMEND: The underwater metal hardware mentioned above should be thoroughly examined and replaced as required. At the minimum, two new propellers and shafts should be installed. All underwater metal fittings and hardware should be protected by properly sized sacrificial underwater zinc anodes.

3. FOUND: Type B-1 dry chemical portable fire extinguisher in aft starboard cockpit area, pressure gauge indicated no pressure in the cylinder. RECOMMEND: This particular unit must be replaced. All other portable fire extinguishers should be inspected yearly and replaced as indicated.

4. FOUND: No overboard drainage of propane gas from cylinder locker-box to avoid accidental explosion. RECOMMEND: Provide adequate overboard drainage of propane locker.