When looking at a boat with any serious intent, I do a pre-survey. It's
more extensive than most folks would bother with, but it saves me money
and trouble. Here's some of what I use when I do a pre-survey:

GRP 33 Moisture Meter
This is one of the more popular meters and in tests tends to lead the
pack. It's important to know how to use the meter. Many folks,
including bad surveyors will rush a meter across the GRP surfaces too
quickly. But if you want to spot voids and moisture, you need to move
slowly. Some prefer a grid technique, I use a circular system, starting
at the bow, working in spirals. I note any touble spots on a overhead
sketch of the vessel. Using the meter inside the hull and under the
overhead liners can be time consuming but worth piece of mind.

Sounding Hammer
Use what you like. Some folks use a tiny hammer, some use the end of a
screwdriver or other improvised tool. Uncompromised deck will give a
sharp report. Moist deck will give a dull sound and voids may sound
hollow if they are large enough. You MUST use a sounding technique in
conjuction with the meter if you plan to accurately learn the state of
the glass and core.

D70 DSLR with 80-400VR
Sure, this an expensive tool, but it's not like I won't use it for
other stuff. Going up the mast on a presurvey is not exactly invited by
owners and brokers. With an effective 600mm and VR I can shoot the
mast, fittings and part of the masthead, then enlarge and inspect. This
is NOT a subsitute for sending a rigger/surveyor up, but it's worth
doing to catch a more obvious corrosion problem or rig damage.

Canon A95 Camera
I noticed several surveyors using this cheap little 300 dollar camera.
It has a flip out swivel screen and you can inspect and photograph
areas that are tough to get a light on. It's one of my best tools. I
know one surveyor who uses a video snake as well!

LED Pen lights
Pretty obvious, but always carry more than one and the smaller the
better! Do you know that you can sight a penlight along windowframes
and spot mineral deposit marks from leaks even if an owner has tried to
clean them up?

Part 2 Coming up!


Robert B
35s5...a properly surveyed vessel and also the fastest!
NY