Wood Constructed Vessels – Buyer beware

Caveat emptor – wood rot is a prevalent issue in most wooden vessels

Any prospective purchaser must fully appreciate and understand that the surveyor is NOT able to give an opinion or guarantee as to the extent or degree or equally qualify the degradation / wood rot found at time of inspection WITHOUT EXPOSING SAME.  It is for example quite normal to find sample areas of wood rot in the centre of a plank, but not the inside. And until the plank is removed the extent or degree of any further degradation is an unknown. Therefore, the extent and degree of (any) consequential wood rot penetration & spread, is an unknown and cannot be verified by the surveyor

Equally in any underlying sub-structure scantlings such as timbers, ribs, frames & bearers etc, the full extent and degree of any degradation (wood rot) of such sub-structure, will not be apparent or visible until such time as any fixed structure such as planking, furniture, decks, floors etc are removed thus exposing the sub-structure and enabling further examination

It is therefore prerequisite that any prospective buyer factors in the above when making an offer, plus the possible and consequential increased repair costs.

The following are file photos of a recent inspection highlighting a motor yacht’s wood hull – general condition and the extent of the structural work necessary to put right, plus the associated high labour costs involved

For more information contact:

European Marine Services Ltd

Marine Surveyors & Consultants | ADR Mediation  |  Expert Witness 
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: (44) 01603 327 123

Danger – No Carbon Monoxide Alarm fitted

EMS – Always strongly recommend the fitting of a CO Alarm

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its findings regarding the loss of two lives on a motor cruiser.

The bodies of two men were discovered in the cabin of the privately owned motor cruiser Diversion, which was moored to a quay in the centre of York, England in December 2019.

The boat owner and his friend had spent the previous evening in the city centre socialising with former work colleagues and were spending the night on board. But both men died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The carbon monoxide had leaked into the cabin from the boat’s diesel-fuelled cabin heater exhaust.

MAIB says it found that the cabin heater’s exhaust silencer was not designed for marine use: its connection to the exhaust pipe system was not gas tight, the installation had not been checked by a professional heater installer, and it had not been serviced.

The cabin ventilation system did not meet the requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme and this might have increased the rate at which the carbon monoxide accumulated in the boat’s cabin space, says MAIB.

The report says three men motored on the boat for a four-mile trip upriver to York city centre, where they had arranged to attend a pre-Christmas social gathering with former work colleagues.

They left the marina at about 12:30pm for York, where the owner and one of his friends, both retired power station engineers, planned to sleep on board Diversion overnight.

The three men went ashore, and spent the afternoon drinking and socialising with their former colleagues in several city centre pubs. One of the men later went home by train.

The owner and his other friend had a meal with some of the group then returned to Diversion.

At about midday on the following day, the families of the owner and his friend became concerned that they had not heard from either man.

They made several telephone calls to try to locate them, but without success, and later in the afternoon they reported their concerns to the police.

A police officer was dispatched to the quayside and confirmed that the boat was still moored there, and that its accommodation was in darkness and no one appeared to be on board.

The officer was then instructed to continue on patrol.

With no further contact from the two men, the families contacted the police once again to express their increasing concern.

At about 20:00, another police officer boarded Diversion and found the main cabin door unlocked, with all lights switched off.

The police officer entered the boat and found the bodies of the owner and his friend in the forward cabin bunk space; one was lying on the floor, the other was seated on the forward cabin entrance steps, and it was apparent that they had prepared themselves to go to bed.

Diversion was towed back to York Marina on 7 December 2019, where it was secured by the police.

On 9 December post-mortems were carried out, which found that the primary cause of death for both men was carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; both also had caffeine and alcohol in their system.

As a result of the investigation’s initial findings, MAIB previously issued a safety bulletin, which has since been referenced in Boat Safety Scheme publications and was featured in the 2020 Carbon Monoxide awareness week.

EMS received instructions in late 2019 from an International Hire Fleet Operator to undertake ‘walk through inspections’ of some 112 charter / hire craft based in Germany, Holland, Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.

The selected charter vessels being both ashore and afloat and covered all models and construction designs – aft cockpit, centre cockpit in both GRP and steel

We had specific inspection criteria governing the areas of reporting to include such as the hull & superstructure, internal presentation & condition, engine & engineering services, heating & lighting, windows & deck gear etc

To meet very tight time schedules and targets to complete the entire exercise in some three weeks. EMS had three surveyors undertaking the inspections, which project we managed to complete in some 13 working days averaging 8 vessels per day 

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. 

     Marine Surveyors & Consultants | ADR Mediation  |  Expert Witness 
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: (44) 01603 327 123

In the slings awaiting Pre Purchase Survey at Norfolk Boat Sales Brundall Marina

We recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection on this Ocean 37 c 1978 fitted with a pair of Perkins HT6.354 diesel engines on conventional drive propulsion.

The styling and layout is very much a trademark of the Aquafibre / Broom Boats amalgamation back in the 70’s & 80’s. With easy stern access from the flybridge, nice wide decks all round and very comfortable accommodation. Getting on for 40 years old they are still a very popular and sought after vessel and make a reasonably comfortable sea boat.

This Ocean 37 is well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited no visible signs of osmosis, though it is thought she may well have had an osmosis treatment at some point in her lifetime. 

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. Entering the vessel from the stern you step down into a well laid out saloon / living area which also makes into a double berth. From here you can then step down into the galley, aft or forward double cabins. Both cabins have their own WC and shower. The whole accommodation area is both light and airy with good visibility.

The decks are nice and wide and you feel very safe with her having stanchions and rails around the outer edge of the decks.

Upper helm steering position

With a reputation as immensely sea-worthy and bringing together all the key layout features that have characterised Brooms boats ever since, the Ocean 37 can fairly be said to be the grandmother of “Aft Cabin motor cruisers ”

Twin v-berths in the forward cabin and two singles in the aft cabin provide permanent berths for four, whilst the settee in the saloon converts to another double berth. All boats feature interior and exterior helms and have sliding doors on both sides of the saloon giving access to the side decks.

Power is provided by twin 145hp turbo-charged Perkins 6.354 diesels.

This was a very well presented vessel which over the past 40 years had been reasonably well maintained.

On this Ocean 37, the following items required attention:

Windows:                                             Improved maintenance.

Seacock Valves:                                   Servicing & 2x J-clips fitting.

Fuel System Installation:                  Improve access to fuel tanks, filler and vent pipes.

Bilge Pump:                                        Confirm operation of the Bilge Pump.

Batteries & Battery Boxes:              Secure the batteries within their compartments.

Fire & Safety:                                     General maintenance plus install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123  

 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com

Sabre 27 yacht sitting on twin bilge keels ready for inspection, we had to navigate around the tidal pools of water

EMS undertake Insurance and Pre Purchase Surveys Any Where at Any Time and as per our motto we have recently undertaken a Survey for Insurance Purposes on a small sloop rigged yacht in Wells Harbour, North Norfolk

Very pleasant view of Wells harbour and the 1904 granary 

However, to reach the yacht which was beached on a sand bar across from the harbour wall, entailed wading across the river – fortunately on a bright and warm Autumn day and at low tide, and walking across sand / dunes to reach the vessel – being berthed on its own twin bilge keels at low tide.

On this Sabre 27  Sloop Rigged Yacht the following items required attention:

As surveyors (not sail-makers or riggers) we are unable to provide a written report or qualified opinion of standing / running rigging, sails, mast and spars, associated equipment, winches and fittings etc. We do however provide an opinion of all rigging / equipment seen at deck level

The gas installation was found to not conform to current regulations, consequently such as the stove recommended removal the unit being considered unsafe

A catalytic heater was fitted and these heaters are also not recommended

• Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings                     Require new J clips
• Fuel System                                                    Improve access to tank, filler & vent connections
• Batteries                                                          Battery isolation switch labels and new terminal connectors
• Fire & Safety                                                   Fire Extinguishers out of date 
• LPG System                                                    As above
• Rigging                                                            Replace running rigging

Wells Harbour – History

There has been a port at Wells for over 600 years. The harbour is protected by salt marshes behind a sand bar. Because it is a natural safe haven from the unpredictable North Sea weather the Port of Wells was one of England’s major harbours in Tudor times and a thriving, centre for shipping and maritime industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its greatest period of prosperity was probably from 1830 to 1860. The stone quay side was constructed in 1845 following an Act of Parliament the previous year. The coming of the railway in 1857 marked the beginning of decline though there was a resurgence from 1960 to 1989 when coasters bringing fertilizer and animal feed came in some numbers. The Granary with its distinctive gantry was built around 1904;^[3] it has now been turned into apartments. The gantry allowed grain to be transferred between the building and ships without disrupting road traffic. The railway closed in 1964 and in 1976, the Wells Harbour Railway was constructed to link the town with the beach

Wells salt marshes

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

We are baffled by what has appeared on the stern gear of an inland waterway motor cruiser

From examination it would appear to be a build up of a calcium like substance over 2″ thick in places

When removed there was No Apparent Deterioration / damage to the stainless rudder, skeg, propeller, skin fittings or the anode – All being unaffected

Equally the build up was Not Organic

If anyone has any bright ideas or has seen this before, we would be very pleased to hear back

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

EMS were instructed to undertake a full Pre Purchase Survey, river trials and engine sample oil analysis on this twin diesel engine c 1998 Broom Ocean 38 being located at the Broom Boat’s Brundall Marina 

Earlier this year Broom Boats took the decision to concentrate on new builds and marine services and no longer act as Yacht brokers. Thus this Broom 38 being possibly the last of many second hand Pre Purchase boat surveys that we have undertaken at Brundall. However all is not over as EMS undertake British Registration – Tonnage Surveys Part 1 and perform this service for new builds at Broom Boats

The Pre Purchase survey was considered good with no deal breakers and the underwater surfaces were clear of any osmotic condition with acceptable moisture meter readings. However osmosis was evident in the added exhaust pods being quite usual

For more information on osmosis visit    https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/2014/06/pre-purchase-survey-what-is-osmosis/

The Accomodation

Saloon layout with the aft raised cockpit over the rear double cabin. This boat was reasonably well appointed but requires some updating in the interior with new carpets, upholstery curtains etc

In typical Broom Boats design the aft cabin has an island bed with en-suite plus two singles forward and another en-suite shower toilet etc, plus a make up double in the saloon

The Propulsion / Engineering / Trials

The Broom 38 we inspected was fitted with twin Perkins Sabre M265 diesels which gave a very respectable top speed of 24 mph on trials at 2550 rpm. Despite these engines being some 20 years old they performed well at all speeds as did the vessel undergoing slow speed manoevering, emergency stops, figures of eight steering etc. The buyer requested two oil sample analysis which results came back with good wear, chemistry and contamination results, but we always recommend regular oil changes and a flush through.

One criticism of the older Broom boats is that inspection of seacocks / skin fittings in the engine space is always difficult with items tucked away and impossible to access

     Respectable top speed of 24 mph

On this Broom Ocean 38 Aft Cabin the following items required attention:

• Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings                      Access
• Fuel System                                                    Access to filler & vent connections
• Fire & Safety                                                   Maintain extinguishers 
• LPG System                                                    Secure cylinders

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

  Similiar vessel

To add to our ever expanding list of Fairline Boat surveys EMS recently carried out a Pre Purchase Inspection at Norfolk Boat Sales Brokerage Wroxham on a Fairline Mirage 29 Aft Cabin c 1983. Fitted with a single Volvo Penta MD21 four cylinder inboard diesel engine on conventional shaft drive propulsion

In an 11 year production run from 1975 to 1986, Fairline Boats based in Oundle produced 528 Fairline Mirage 29’s. Although not many of these were the Aft Cabin design as we see here. The boats were designed by John Bennett.

The normal accommodation for  the Aft Cockpit Fairline Mirage 29’s is for five people, two berths in the forward cabin and three berths in the saloon. This vessel has two berths in the aft cabin.

The hull is medium-vee with a very shallow box keel and in this case there is a mild steel extended skeg that runs aft to support the bottom of the I bracket.

Her centre cockpit styling is very popular on the inland waterways with easy side access from the cockpit, reasonable width decks and very comfortable accommodation.

This Fairline Mirage Aft Cabin is well built and despite her age and being currently moored in fresh water exhibited only a small amount of osmosis

For more information on osmosis visit    https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/2014/06/pre-purchase-survey-what-is-osmosis/

The Propulsion

This particular model is fitted with a single Volvo Penta MD21 Diesel engine on conventional shaft drive propulsion and is designed specifically more for inland waterways cruising.  Some aft cabin models were also fitted with two larger Volvo Penta diesel engines with outdrive propulsion, where performance was greatly increased.

Engine installation – Plenty of working space

The twin petrol engine models commonly fitted in the aft cockpit models were capable of speeds up to 26 to 29 knots.

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is well presented. Entering the vessel from the cockpit, you step into a reasonable sized cockpit area. With a large lift up hatch, this allows very good access to the engine and tanks. You then step down into the saloon area which has a reasonable sized dining area to the port side and an equipped galley and wet room / WC opposite. Further forward and you make your way towards front cabin. The aft cabin consists of another two single berths with a vanity unit and wash basin in between. The aft cabin roof makes for a suitable sun-pad for those brighter days. The whole accommodation area is both light and airy with good visibility.

This was a reasonably well presented vessel which over the past 35 years had been subject to fair wear and tear, the condition being commensurate with age

On this Fairline Mirage 29 Aft Cabin the following items required attention:

• Seacock Valves / Skin Fittings                     Require servicing
• Bilges & Pumping                                          Confirm bilge pump operation
• Fuel System                                                    Improve access to filler & vent connections
• Batteries                                                          Install battery isolation switch labels
• Fire & Safety                                                   Maintain extinguishers & install auto ext in engine space
• LPG System                                                    As recommended

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

EMS have inspected several Fairline Targa 50 GTs and generally found this Fairline model to present very well with no undue structural problems.

This Targa 50 inspected in Essex is currently in the workshop undergoing a quite extensive interior refit with numerous panels / lights / flooring & equipment etc removed. Consequently access is both limited and difficult and many items / equipment were not accessible. Equally fitted floors are screwed in place and though some access was provided by workshop staff to such as batteries and steering by removing crew cabin side lining panels, most bilge spaces and hull sides / areas are inaccessible behind paneling and structure

Accommodation

The Targa 50 accommodation is in our view excellent with an enormouse and well appointed forward en-suite master double cabin (island bed) with twin double cabins aft with en-suite family showers and shared facilities

The Targa 50’s saloon has an electrically actuated sliding roof and optional sliding panoramic windows (which option failed to work on this Targa being a common fault) which can transform the area into a quasi-outdoor deck

A very large bathing platform can accommodate a Williams 325 Jet RIB on the swim platform, and launches via Fairline’s proprietary Tender Launch System

Propulsion

This Fairline Targa is offered with a choice of two engines, namely twin Volvo Penta D11-670 Shaft Diesel 670 hp ea. (32 knots) fitted to our model (or) twin Caterpillar C12-710 Shaft Diesel 710 hp ea. (33 knots) units.

Key Features

• Electric retractable glazed roof with one-touch operation and pneumatic seal
• Enclosed fully-furnished upper saloon
• Single-level living with aft galley area
• Hinged aft window from galley to cockpit option
• Power-drop saloon windows option
• Spacious forward master cabin with king size bed and overhead glazing
• Port and starboard mid-ship guest cabins (starboard with double bed conversion)
• Lazarette or crew cabin with full-width aft glazing option
• Powered tendalino sunshade option
• Tender Launch System option

On this Fairline Targa 50 GT the following items required attention:

• Bilge Pumps:                                                        Confirm manual function
• Seacock Valves:                                                   Service seacock valves 
• Fire Safety:                                                           Service all Fire Extinguishers
• Bow thruster / Trim tabs                                  Access & serviceability

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123

This Sealine 390 Statesman  c 1992 was surveyed for the purpose of pre-purchase and a river trial was also requested. Sealine produce a large range of sports cruisers for the inshore and offshore market. This 390 Statesman has a pair of Volvo Penta TAMD71B 380hp inboard diesel engines on conventional drives. She has both an internal and external helm position. However, the somewhat more important gauges are only visible from the lower helm position.

The River Trials

Out on the water she handled very well, both engines pulling strong all the way up to around 2700 rpm, giving her a top speed of approximately 30 mph. Noise from the engines is kept to a minimum with a good layer of sound proofing within the engine space and minimal exhaust note from the transom. At low speed she also handled well, turning on a sixpence in those tight spots. This vessel also benefits from having both bow and stern thrusters.

EMS record / action the following  speed / engine trials when requested

• Max rpm / speed trials run in both directions / against wind & tide
• Satisfactory operation of forward and reverse gears
• Emergency stop – passing from full ahead through neutral to full reverse
• Steering response / handling – Figure of eight steering performance
• General steering, control and gear operation

All engine gauge readings recorded at determined RPM and photographed

Max Speed obtained             30   MPH            With tide

                                                 29   MPH           Against tide

Exhaust Smoke:

There was limited white smoke at start up from cold and on the first wide open throttle pass made, both dissipated quickly.

For more information on diesel engine exhaust smoke generation – Refer to:

https://www.europeanmarinesurveys.com/marine-surveys/engine-oil-sample-analysis/

Comments:

• The vessel performed reasonably well through all operations.
• The throttle levers require synchronisation
• Large variation in recorded engine hours
• The max rpm achieved being 2600 on the port and 2700 starboard

The Accommodation

Inside, the accommodation is reasonably well presented. The upholstery is starting to show signs of wear, although, with some minor updating, she would be a well presented example.

There is an open plan saloon with large seating area on the starboard side. This goes up to the lower helm seating position. The large galley is found forward of the saloon on the port side. There are two main cabins, firstly the master which is towards the rear of the vessel and the second up in the bow. Both benefit from having their own ensuite WC and Shower rooms. The Flybridge is a very large area which can also be used as an area for entertaining as well as somewhere to take in the scenery whilst cruising at a comfortable 22+mph

The decks are reasonably wide for a vessel of this size which does not appear to affect the accommodation size inside. Stanchions and hand rails give you that sense of security as you pass round the boat whilst she is under way.

All told, this was a very well presented vessel which had been well maintained.

On this Sealine 390 Statesman the following items required attention:

• Fuel System:                                                         Improved access
• Bilge Pumps:                                                        Confirm manual function
• Bow & Stern Thruster:                                       Label battery master switches
• Steering and Rudders:                                       Replace damaged hydraulic hose
• Seacock Valves:                                                   Service loose seacock valve in aft cabin
• LPG System:                                                        Carry out LPG Soundness Test
• Fire Safety:                                                          Service all Fire Extinguishers

For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd.  Marine Surveyors & Consultants 
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections

www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123