Hull Construction > Safety > Teaching > First-Time Buyers

Hull construction isn’t just about performance; it’s about survival. I specialize and focus heavily on hull materials and build quality, whether it’s solid fiberglass, cored laminates, metal, or wood. Improper layups, delamination, hidden rot, or corrosion don’t just affect resale value; they jeopardize safety at sea. My job is to spot those structural vulnerabilities before they become your problem.

Think of the hull as a boat’s backbone; if it’s not solid, nothing else matters. From the outside, all boats look sleek. But the hull’s construction tells the real story. Fiberglass? Aluminum? Wood? Each has its quirks. I dig deep to make sure what’s beneath the surface is built to last, so you don’t end up with a lemon that leaks or sinks your wallet.

For first-time yacht buyers, understanding the structural integrity of the hull is essential to making an informed purchase. The hull bears the brunt of all hydrodynamic forces and directly impacts performance, safety, and long-term durability. My surveys include a thorough evaluation for issues such as osmotic blistering in fiberglass, core saturation or delamination in composite construction, impact-related stress fractures, and evidence of substandard repairs. I also assess thru-hull fittings, string bonding, and hull-to-deck joint integrity.

The hull is where safety and smart money meet! A fractured core, or a botched repair job, isn’t just a liability on the water; it’s a serious hit to resale value, and that my friends, is sets many boat owners’ ownership longevity. Let’s face it, large and small boats alike are expensive enough on a good day, let’s keep it that way!

Hull Inspection Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Structural Evaluation

  • Look for osmotic blistering (common in fiberglass hulls), documenting the size, location, and frequency

  • Inspect for impact damage, stress cracks, or flexing. Check high-load areas (around chines, keels, bulkheads) for gelcoat or structural cracking.

  • Delamination: Use percussion sounding and moisture meters to detect separation between hull layers.

  • Core Condition: For cored hulls (foam or balsa), check for saturation, especially near penetrations (e.g., stanchions, through-hulls)

  • Stringers & Frames: Inspect internal support members for bond integrity and signs of fatigue or separation.

Thru-Hulls & Seacocks

  • Confirm all seacocks are operable and properly installed (ABYC standards recommend bronze below the waterline, not plastic).

  • Inspect for corrosion, poor bedding, and inadequate backing plates

Previous Repairs

  • Look for evidence or fairing compound over repairs.

  • Use sounding and IR thermography (if available) to check for concealed damage.

  • Document any filler inconsistencies, mismatched paint or gelcoat, and secondary bonding attempts.

Record & Report

  • Photograph and document all notable findings

  • Note severity, location, and implications (cosmetic vs structural).

  • Include recommendations for repair, further investigation, or reevaluation post-repair.

Moisture & Integrity Testing

  • Moisture Mapping: We perform moisture meter readings to detect water intrusion, especially below the waterline and around hull penetrations.

  • Use percussion sounding to indentify soft spots or voids

Fittings & Fastenings

  • Evaluate hull-to-deck joint for seal integrity and structural bonding. We check for signs of movement, leaking, or inadequate bonding, inspecting fasteners and any bedding compounds used.

  • In metal hulls: Look for corrosion, pitting, and weld integrity

  • In wood hulls: Check fastener corrosion, wood rot, plank movement, and caulking condition.

Keel & Underbody

  • Keel-Hull Joint: Check for signs of movement (e.g; cracking or rust weeps).

  • Encapsulated Keels: Inspect for hidden impact damage or water intrusion.

  • Shoal or Wing Keels: Pay close attention to grounding history.

Interior Indicators of Hull Issues

  • Check bilge areas and below the sole for signs of hull flexing, cracks, or seepage.

  • Examine tabbing on bulkheads and frames for separation or fatigue.

Transducers & Thru-Hull Sensors

  • Confirm proper installation and no sign of water ingress around cutouts.

Electical Systems

Saftey

When it comes to boats, safety isn’t optional - it’s everything. Whether you’re offshore or dockside, knowing your vessel is structurally sound and mechanically reliable can mean the difference between a great day on the water and a dangerous situation. As a marine surveyor, I take a safety-first approach to every inspection. My job is to uncover the issues you can’t see - the ones that could compromise the safety of you, your passengers, or your investment. As I mentioned above via the Hull Integrity, here are a few sections that I focus on critical details that keep people protected and vessels seaworthy.

  • AC/DC Systems compliance and proper labeling

  • Corrosion, wiring condition, fusing, and load handeling

  • Bonding systems and grounding paths

Steering & Control

  • Helm operation and cable/hydraulic conditon

  • Rudder integrity and stuffing box leakage

Navigation & Communication

  • VHF radio function and antenna mount

  • Running lights and navigation equipment status

  • Compass alignment and basic electronics check

Fuel & Propulsion Systems

  • Fuel tank condition, venting, and fittings

  • Engine mounts, shaft alignment, exhaust systems

  • Visible leaks or signs of overheating

Fire & Emergency Systems

  • Fire extinguisher condition and placement

  • Smoke and CO detectors

  • Bilge pump operation and automatic switch testing

Safety Gear Compliance

  • Life jackets, flares, throwable devices, and EPIRBs

  • Anchor system and ground tackle inspection

  • Signage and labeling for safety equipment