Geri izmack wrote:

I knew I'd be opening a can o' worms!

The Tramex reading he go on the cockpit was virtually zero, to give an idea
of calibration. The foredeck was a spotty 60-100, but Trojans have always
been weak in this area. All soundings were good (including the hull),
except for two small foredeck spots w/ compromised soundings.



The foredeck may be cored, while the hull may be (and should be) solid
below the water line.

Therefore a comparison between the two is fairly meaningless since they
both differ in density.

In other words zero on the deck and higher in the hull means nothing
more than...the hull is more dense than the deck. And that is normally
the case.

Just think about a moisture meter as what it REALLY is... a density
meter. Just doing that one thing will allow you to apply logic and
reason to the results that they give.

I'm afraid I don't have time to debate the matter with those who are
uniformed but stubborn.

Hope this info helps!

Best of luck
M

P.S. - if you are wondering why I know htis it's because I am an
engineer and designed non-invasive "moisure meters" for a living some
years ago.

Phew! Thanlks everyone for your responses. I can honestly say I'm now more
educated on the matter, yet still pretty indecisive on the purchase.

Cheers!!

Geri


"Izmack" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Everyone,

We are looking at at late 80's Trojan F32 with very high moisture
readings in the hull, but zero signs of blistering either currently or
in the past. Our surveyor, who was VERY thorough, said the following:

"Bottom was found in above average condition, having no signs of
blistering,crazing or delamination. High moisture levels were noted,
ranging between 80-100 and some crusty deposits were noted, indicating
laminate hydrolysis. Recommendation to dry store vessel each winter off
season to maintain current good condition. If vessel is left overboard,
some blistering or delamination could be expected over time."

I know I'm asking for a barrage of opinions, but, considering it's a 16
year old boat and the fact we are first time boat buyers and that the
rest of the survey was above average, what do you all think? And -
will future buyers balk at resale?

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:02:52 GMT, "Geri"
wrote:

Phew! Thanlks everyone for your responses. I can honestly say I'm now more
educated on the matter, yet still pretty indecisive on the purchase.

================================================== ====

If everything else is good, you like the boat, and the price is right,
I'd go for it. If the high readings are only on the foredeck, look
for secondary indications such as mildew, cracking, flex, crackling
noises when you walk over it, etc. If there are no secondary
indications of delamination or soft core you are probably OK, just
something to keep an eye on in the future.

Buy the boat. If it doesnt have blisters after 18 yrs, it probably
wont get them. Blisters are only cosmetic nearly all the time anyway.
Blister repair, even the gelcoat peeling type is a great scam for boat
yards and rarely solves anything. If you are worried, please show me
one documented case of hull failure from simple osmotic blistering. It
simply doesnt happen.

Here are a bunch of articles on blistering and repairs (if needed).
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/blisters.htm
http://www.marinesurvey.com/yacht/BlisterRepairFail.htm
http://www.hotvac.com/
http://www.osmosisinfo.com/
http://www.daviscoltd.com/nams/Docum...er_Report.html

--


Keith
__
The smoothness of your docking varies inversely with the number of people
watching.
"Geri @earthlink.net" izmackdelete wrote in message
nk.net...
Phew! Thanlks everyone for your responses. I can honestly say I'm now
more
educated on the matter, yet still pretty indecisive on the purchase.

Cheers!!

Geri


"Izmack" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Everyone,

We are looking at at late 80's Trojan F32 with very high moisture
readings in the hull, but zero signs of blistering either currently or
in the past. Our surveyor, who was VERY thorough, said the following:

"Bottom was found in above average condition, having no signs of
blistering,crazing or delamination. High moisture levels were noted,
ranging between 80-100 and some crusty deposits were noted, indicating
laminate hydrolysis. Recommendation to dry store vessel each winter off
season to maintain current good condition. If vessel is left overboard,
some blistering or delamination could be expected over time."

I know I'm asking for a barrage of opinions, but, considering it's a 16
year old boat and the fact we are first time boat buyers and that the
rest of the survey was above average, what do you all think? And -
will future buyers balk at resale?