One of our regulars, who is a bit shy about himself and his boat, asked me
some questions privately that I can't amswer. My experience and knowledge
concerning fiberglass boats is pretty much limited to owning one.
Professionally, I'm a metal boat designer.

Now, I'd like to know the answer.

If you have your boat surveyed and the moisture meter shows high readings in
an area of cored deck that otherwise seems solid, is that really a problem?
How can the meter read moisture in the core under 1/8 to 1/4 inch of
fiberglass and determine that it is not just surface moisture? Do these
gadgets have anything useful to tell you about fiberglass condition? Are
they any use on a solid glass hull?

When I was looking for my E 32, which has solid glass decks with plywood
bonded underneath in critical spots, I didn't look at one that the broker
said had some high moisture readings in the decks. I've often wondered just
what that meant. The boat we ended up buying was reported to have very dry
decks so I didn't give the subject any further thought until this.

--
Roger Long

Yo Roger .. it is ok to tell the group it is me...

I was on the boat today. After your thoughtful reply, and some other input,
as well as my close examination of the areas of high
moisture .. I plan on rebedding all hardware [ I was doing this anyway ] and
I am also going to seal the deck with epoxy two part paint. Then paint with
a non skid deck paint.

I will also drill some holes in a few spots, let out the moisture and apply
acetone .. the acetone will suck out moisture according to
someone on my other boat group.

The deck is sound, no mushy or with any give.

The surveyor who looked at my boat on Saturday told me his professional
organization recommends sealing the deck is tight as possible before any
surgery. He said moisture without oxygen is not going to do much of
anything. According to him it is the oxygen that is the culprit.


Let's face it, my boat is 32 years old. After 32 years, it isn't going to
be perfect. Add to this a previous owner who didn't rebed the hardware. He
was a good owner, don't get me wrong. He loved the boat, did many upgrades.
He just didn't get around to rebedding.

I am taking off all the hardware. Should have her clean by Sunday. Then,
drill, epoxy, redrill, seal,, etc.

It is always something with boats.

-
"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
One of our regulars, who is a bit shy about himself and his boat, asked me
some questions privately that I can't amswer. My experience and knowledge
concerning fiberglass boats is pretty much limited to owning one.
Professionally, I'm a metal boat designer.

Now, I'd like to know the answer.

If you have your boat surveyed and the moisture meter shows high readings
in an area of cored deck that otherwise seems solid, is that really a
problem? How can the meter read moisture in the core under 1/8 to 1/4 inch
of fiberglass and determine that it is not just surface moisture? Do
these gadgets have anything useful to tell you about fiberglass condition?
Are they any use on a solid glass hull?

When I was looking for my E 32, which has solid glass decks with plywood
bonded underneath in critical spots, I didn't look at one that the broker
said had some high moisture readings in the decks. I've often wondered
just what that meant. The boat we ended up buying was reported to have
very dry decks so I didn't give the subject any further thought until
this.

--
Roger Long