my boats a sieve!

Question
QUESTION:  Hello Ron, I've turned to the Internet in desperation tonight.I bought an 18' GRP boat in June without realising the extent to which it relied on its bilge pump! (it went off at the rate of twice an hour and if the battery went flat we found ourselves up to our ankles within 3 days). Clearly we became aware that things were serious and 6 weeks ago had the boat taken out for assessment and repair.The fittings to the rear - lockers etc were all ripped out and refitted and the boat was relaunched 4 days ago. This afternoon we reconnected the bilge pump and removed 20 mins worth of water - the problems is half as bad as it was but is still it appears serious.I now have to confront the company who did the work and challenge them about the fact they they didn't test the boat on completion of the work.I fortunately haven't paid the bill which amounts to 500.00 (exclusive of the amount I;ve paid for the refit). Am I reasonable do you think to expect a completely dry boat? How much water is it reasonable to expect in a 20yr old boat which has seen better days?I'd just appreciate your thoughts on the issue of bilge water without obviously implicating you legally. Many thanks Sue

ANSWER: Hi Sue...thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question, and I apologize for the delay in responding.

Unfortunately, you didn't mention the make or model of your boat. Regardless, one can anticipate a few problems with a 20 yr. old fiberglass craft, particularly if the exterior hasn't been refinnished. Prior to purchasing any pre-owned vessel, it's always a good idea to engage the services of a reliable and qualified marine surveyor who will explore, identify and explain all problems they've identified and provide you an estimate of repairs, which can be compared to the purchase price in order to determine whether or not it is an economically sound deal.

I don't quite follow the relationship between leakage and replacement of the stern lockers. If your boat is equipped with a stern-drive engine, there's a possibility of leakage through transom fastenings such as bolts or a defective intermediate housing/bellows or a defective drain plug.

The rate at which the bilge was initially taking on water is excessive, and indicates the likelihood of a serious problem that should be explored to the fullest and remedied as soon as possible. The cause might emanate from a hull fracture below the waterline, or rainfall leakage through the hull/deck joint which is not properly sealed or some other deteriorated deck fitting or a poorly fitted covering. Also, osmosis cannot be ruled out. This is a process whereby moisture is absorbed through deteriorating gel coat and delaminating fiberglass. The entire hull and all decking should be scanned with a moisture meter to determine the extent of moisture being retained. Repairs could range from minor to very extensive.

Unless the repairer was specifically directed to establish the source of all leaks and effect appropriate repairs, and such instructions were not stated on the workorder, you might have a problem on your hands.

At this juncture, and if economically justified, hire a knowledgeable marine surveyor to conduct a thorough examination of the work recently performed, and to identify all other sources of leakage. In doing so, the boat should be hosed down with water to see where water may be leaking into the hull.

Safe Boating
Ron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for that Ron. When the problems resolved is it then possible to paint on a new layer of Gel Coat type substance to combat the impact of any osmosis please? Thanks Sue

Answer
Hello again Sue.

No! First, make absolutely certain the boat has completely dried out, preferrably in a heated storage area, and make sure the interior of the boat is well ventillated. In other words, no convertible top, and any locker lids/covers are left open, including all floor/sole accesses. Check the condition of the stringers/framework for dry rot and delamination of the fiberglass that covers them.

I cannot stress enough the importance of engaging a qualified & reliable marine surveyor to guide you through this process. Also, you have to determine whether all the required repairs will be an economical & viable investment, given the actual cash value of the boat as it is now. Do weigh all costs associated with the restoration.

There are other surface paints such as Awlgrip, with which to refinish your boat, that will provide a lasting and protective coating. So, do your homework first, then make an informative decision.

Ron