Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

[sasto]

A friend is looking to buy an aluminium 32' Marinette Sportfish to live onboard. She has asked me to look at it for her. All systems are go at this point. We are hauling her (vessel) soon to look at the bottom and write a check. Having worked with fiberglass all my boating life I have no knowledge of an all aluminium constructed boat.

What am I looking for? She appears to be built in WI by shipbuilders and of good quality...then again...I have no knowledge. She has been sitting at a marina in saltwater for awhile and ran occasionally pending a sale. Dosen't appear to be taking on any water at rest.

All opinions are welcome.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Back away and recommend a true survey on a boat that size. It will relieve you of any future blame in the event something big goes wrong.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Marinette owners have a site. I would go there and ask owners that live in a salt water area. The problem is bottom paint will cover up pits. I would find out what areas to check and then remove some paint and look at the hull. I am a fan and have thought about the Marinette for years. I live on salt water and believe I will pass. Any boat near you can really mess up a live aboard because you will need to have the shore power plugged in all the time.

 

[sasto]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Back away and recommend a true survey on a boat that size. It will relieve you of any future blame in the event something big goes wrong.

I'm with you on that..Bob. She does understand my knowledge about this matter, but she want's to only deal with me. I will take your advice and discuss it with her. ...I should come up with a waiver.

 

[sasto]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Marinette owners have a site. I would go there and ask owners that live in a salt water area. The problem is bottom paint will cover up pits. I would find out what areas to check and then remove some paint and look at the hull. I am a fan and have thought about the Marinette for years. I live on salt water and believe I will pass. Any boat near you can really mess up a live aboard because you will need to have the shore power plugged in all the time.

Thanks Lyle. I gained some info from the site. I traveled on an aluminium yacht.. seemingly without any electrolosis problems. What should she do at a marina to help prevent his problem?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

What am I looking for?

Ayuh,... Ya gotta go deep, Deep into the bilges/ hull/ motor room/ etc. looking for Corrosion...

At any Joint of Any kind are the finer points to inspect...
Sheets, beams, 'n structures won't corrode, except at the points they meet another component...

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Thanks Lyle. I gained some info from the site. I traveled on an aluminium yacht.. seemingly without any electrolosis problems. What should she do at a marina to help prevent his problem?

Not much. Some problems just dont have answers. I think she should pass.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

I learned from putting bottom paint on smaller aluminum boats we kept moored in salt water that you have to use the right one or the metals in the wrong paint will react with the aluminum. But you can't tell from looking at the paint job. I'd want some back-up that the right paint is on there.

I also learned that even though you're 15 and know everything, you have to listen to your dad, pay attention and read the labels, or else you will also learn how to remove all the bottom paint, how to prime, and how to repaint.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Well........ perhaps you should "guide her and hold her hand" when you help her find a reputable survey person.

 

[sasto]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

Well........ perhaps you should "guide her and hold her hand" when you help her find a reputable survey person.

Good advice, Bob.....again. In the process of locating an aluminium surveyer in the area of Ft Lauderdale. should be easy. I'm having fun.

Bondo.....I crawled thru the bilges and I'm amazed. Welds appear to be solid ....visually . I have found a diagram of the bulkheads and structural supports. These areas appear to be ones that must be looked at fron the exterior. Either good or bad. Am I correct?

Can't pay back for how much I've learned here......Thanks Guys!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inspecting Aluminium Hull ???

These areas appear to be ones that must be looked at fron the exterior. Either good or bad. Am I correct?

Ayuh,... Donno,.. I can't see any of it...
In my experince,... Problems are Always where you Can't normally See 'em....

My main point is/ was to dig Under/ behind/ below everything, 'n Look at things that can't be Easily seen.....