Fuel systems and their associated plumbing are a common source of trouble for many pre-owned vessels; however, the deficiencies often begin at the factory.
There are a variety of ways to install hardware incorrectly, everything from windlasses and cleats, to antennas and hatches, and typically only one way to install this vital equipment safely, reliably and properly.
Electrical faults are among the most common deficiencies found aboard cruising vessels, both old and new (many of the failed equipment images you see on this website were taken aboard new vessels). Because the installations may appear proper, some deficiencies are more difficult to identify than others.
SDMC advocates fluid analysis in most pre-purchase scenarios. The wealth of information this tool provides often proves immensely valuable to those evaluating and purchasing pre-owned vessels.
Running gear; shafts, stuffing boxes, couplings etc, these, along with the engines are the heart of a vessel. When they are properly installed and maintained, they are one of the ingredients for a safe passage. When they are improperly installed or ill-maintained, however, they can cause no end of grief for the vessel operator.
Osmotic blisters and wet core are two of the most common problems found aboard pre-owned, and some new, vessels. The expense involved in repairing these maladies is nearly always considerable. What’s most disconcerting about these problems is that they are nearly always difficult to identify.
Plumbing systems, both raw water and potable, are vital to the safety of both a vessel and its crew. It’s not uncommon, however, for the wrong materials to be used during installations by both new boat builders and do it yourselfers or boat yards. The results range from minor inconveniences to vessel flooding or sinking and crew illness.
In the hands of an experienced professional, tools such as infrared pyrometers, moisture meters and digital contact thermometers can reveal a host of otherwise less than obvious problems.
