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Loosely connected with the previous (24) regarding
surveyors, and without disclosing any names (these comments are
based on some recent approaches made to me in the USA). I thought
I would give prospective ferroboat purchasers the benefit of
some further time saving points to look for...before getting
involved in the costs of actually engaging the services of a
surveyor. Case 1/...an approach
a few months back by a USA gov't agency regarding the certification
of a 90ft ferro schooner for charter work. The vessel had two
previous acceptable survey reports from so called 'certified
surveyors'. Without needing to cast my eye on the vessel, I was
able to condemn it as structurally unsound after just a few questions....q..'who built it'..a..'unknown'..q..'who designed it'..a
'an unknown amateur'..q..'do
you have any of the original drawings and specs'..a..'yes'..q..'what is the lay-up of the armature'..a..'four layers of mesh over pipe
frames'..q..'what 4 in and
4 out'..a..'no four layers
total'..q..'that's not enough
for a 32ft hull let alone a 90ft one, it is not structurally
safe and will collapse under it's own weight when hauled out,
is it on the hard now'..a..'yes'..q..'are there large cracks running
fore and aft in the area between the turn of the bilge and the
keel'..a..'yes, and there
is water dripping out of them'..q..'are
there cracks in the areas where the masts are stepped in the
keel'..a..'yes'........it
is collapsing under it's own weight and the masts are pushing
their way out through the bottom ! Case
2/...I am considering driving over to look at a 50ft
ferroboat that is being offered for sale, it sounds good (again
in the USA and a long drive for the prospective buyer). Is it
worth you coming to survey her for me, I have had some quotes
from several qualified surveyors, but their prices vary enormously?..q..'I can travel to the USA and survey
the boat for about the same as the middle group of charges you
have been given, who designed the boat'..a..'the
yard that built it is no longer in existance but it must be good
because it was designed by Colvin and he is well known in the
States. One thing that does bother me is that the owners are
not keen to haul the boat out for inspection, and the engine
is only 40hp. Isn't that a bit small for a 50ft boat.......Colvin
is a well recognised designer, but not to my knowledge in ferro-cement,
and with the added feature that it has been fitted with an obviously
underpowered engine, I suspect it is an amateur adaption to ferro-cement
of a Colvin design !
Colin Brookes....colb@xtra.co.nz |
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