So Bob... what type of sound are you looking for when applying a whack
with
a 28oz waffle faced framing hammer to the gelcoat??


Generally, when sounding a cored deck for water and voids I listen for
a sharp report. Dull sounds are reason for further inspection, but
before all of this you need to go below and note where hardware points
are, including fixtures. Different decks make different sounds of
course! If the boat has a liner, it should be removed if at all
posiblle. Even if you have little experience you can sound a deck. It's
pretty easy to hear the differences. Once you locate an area, the meter
(I use a GRP 33) can find possible wet core. Bulkheads and other
structural elements can also give you false leade..pretty easy to
figure out. If the meter can be used on the underside of the deck,
that's also a big help. Same goes for the hull.
I've worked with several surveyors and they all have their little
tricks, but it's not rocket science. Nothing beats experience. I do my
own pre-survey which is more extensive than what most people do. For
the 35s5 the surveyor found 3 things I missed...a bad fuel hose clamp,
a dying sanitation hose...and most serious of all, a poorly located
thru hull for the air conditioning that will have to be relocated.
Other than that she surveyed out like a new boat.

RB