Detecting moisture in the stringers

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Max_L

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I'm looking at possibly purchasing a 1988 Wellcraft 43 Portofino. I have read there were problems with water intrusion in the stringers and to take notice of this. The boat has always been in freshwater in the Great Lakes. It has not been in the water this year. When I inspected the boat I noticed some standing water in the center bilge between the engine stringers. Not a lot, less then a 1/4 inch from rain water or left over snow melt. My question is how would a surveyor be able to detect if the stringers had water intrusion with standing water. I wouldn't think a meter would be able to read it.
 
Yes, a moisture meter will work on the stringers, and tapping with a hammer is important also. Drilling a small hole is the best way, but it shouldn't be done without permission from the seller.
Brian Stetler
 
So, even though there is water below it the meter will still pick up moisture? Thanks for the reply.
 
the water could give false positive... probably want to tell the seller to rain/dry the bilge before survey day.

tapping as well as careful examination of the laminate near limber hole (look for cracks) will tell the surveyor what's going on ...

take a look around limber holes, are they sealed? that's where the water will come in.

the biggest problem is often just getting to the stringers on some boats where so much of the cabin floor is sealed up.
 
I would want the bilge area dryed-out so i could check the areas with a Thermal Imager and a Moisture Meter.
 
Will a moisture meter or imager detect a stringer that is wet but not rotten and if so, how would you proceed if moisture is detected? Would a wet, solid, but not rotten or punky stringer be considered a problem?
 
If moisture is detected, A core sample can be taken to see if theres rot. If there is no rot, depending on the vessel it could still be considered ok. Wet wood will only rot if air can get to it. Alot of the builders have reflected this information to me over the years.
 
Thanks Al, I have seen this and wondered how the professionals would ultimately categorize that finding.
 
You can look for any screws or bolts fastened into the stringers, including the motor mount bolts and remove the screw or bolt and probe the stringer with an ice pick. If the ice pick sinks right in, you have stringer rot. Of course only remove the screws/bolts if it doesn't cause damage. Usually you can remove 1 motor mount bolt without issue. Also, look for cracks in the fiberglass and water staining on the gelcoat.
 
Thanks for everyone's reply. I will definitely make sure our surveyor looks at everything he can see.
What does a surveyor do when there isn't access to the stringers? Does it then become a "crap shoot"?
 
The surveyor can only report on what he has access to. In that case he reports that access was limited and that the stringers were in good or bad condition where accessible.
Brian Stetler
 
best method is a drill bit.

If the seller is sure they are fine, a small hole won't hurt a thing and can be immediately filled with resin. Sure is sure.
 
I used to own a 1986 Wellcraft Coastal. The limber holes will be a dead giveaway for moisture in the stringers so look and poke at them. For everything else get a hammer and knock everywhere on the stringers. If it all looks, feels and sounds OK then go for the high tech stuff but if it fails this test, walk away and save yourself some money.
 
Makes sense to me and I will check them out when I go back for another look at the boat.

Thanks.
 
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