Case study: GRP Motor Yacht

The following defects were noted on a GRP Motor Yacht.

Blisters are evident below the gel coat and where investigated were found to contain acidic breakdown fluid. These blisters were mainly below 10mm in diameter, with the largest 25mm, they are unevenly spread with individual blisters………
At the transom, part of the bathing platform has been cut away leaving a sharp and ragged edge to ……
The paintwork on the starboard outdrive has blistered and investigation of the oil in this outdrive indicated clearly that it has been subject to severe overheating. It is……
The duo prop has edge damage to all of the blades with a number of the blades being noticeably bent……
Below the waterline at the port side of the transom there is a disused plastic fitting this is degraded and is not of a type suitable for use below the waterline
The boat was designed to have a self draining cockpit and to this end there are two scuppers through the transom just above the water level and the opening for the engine hatch has a low upstand surrounding it. Unfortunately this upstand is woefully inadequate being just 2 inches in height and at its forward end it has been cut away altogether to allow for the fitting of a larger engine. The height above water level of these scuppers could not be accurately determined as the boat was seen ashore and had been pressure washed. The fitting of a larger and therefore heavier engine is likely to have adversely affected the designed height above water level of the scuppers. It can however be seen……
There are a number of cracks in the decks and structure including the following……
Both wheelhouse windscreens and the port side wheelhouse window are broken. A wood strip below the latter is weakened by rot……
The port side forward corner of the plywood engine hatch is broken and the hinges at the aft end are insecure as the plywood paneling and supporting woodwork at the aft end to cockpit to which they are attached is weakened by rot
The grab rail on the port side of the cockpit coaming and the starboard side of the transom are both loose as are the forward pulpit mountings
The helmsman's seat is mounted on a box, this box is loose.
The forward lockers below the V berth are wet, the plywood hatch covers and locker bases have a moisture content at saturation point and the bottom edge of the small chain locker bulkhead has weakened with rot.
The GRP foreberth molding has blistered. The blisters are up to 15cm in diameter……
The nuts securing the through deck bolts for the port bow cleat have corroded and this fitting should not be relied upon.
The base of the furniture and adjoining sole board below the galley sink have weakened with rot.
The copper fuel supply pipe is unsupported in the engine bay and two short lengths of hose join the pipe part way along its run. The movement of the unsupported pipe has loosened the connection to the primary filter and there is a leak at this point.
There is only one gas appliance, a two burner stove with grill. The gas system and the stove in particular are in a dangerous condition……
Two batteries are located beneath the cockpit sole, they are loose and could move at sea damaging the connections
The battery isolation switch is mounted adjacent to the plastic fuel tank and is difficult to operate due to the fuel supply and return pipes obstructing the switch. It is recommended that the battery isolation switch is moved away from the fuel tank and fuel lines.
It should be noted that electrical components mounted below the unsealed cockpit sole hatch could be compromised by water entering via this hatch.
The stern light lens and top light casing are broken and neither are operational.
The two dry powder extinguisher are discharged……
Plus a number of less serious defects. It was also found that the boat had little safety equipment.

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