Julian Smith of Hamble Marine Surveys has just returned from Montenegro having been commissioned to survey a 72ft yacht. The brand new Porto Montenegro complex offering berthing for yacht from small daysailers to mega yachts provided a suitable location for the survey to take place. A 2 hour flights to Dubrovnic and a short 50 minute transfer to Tivat is making this region very popular with boat owners and as a charter base.
Following a recent survey on a motorboat it has come to light that some craft are prone to inward deflection of the hull when lifted using a crane with twin slings without the use of spreader bars. The effect on the hull especially on modern very beamy craft can be to 'crush' the hull inwards. This problem is not new, but with the design of modern wide beam motorboats and yachts the inward force on the hull is greater and can result in structural damage.
With only a few more weeks before this beautiful example of a Najad bulit Farr designed deck saloon starts her delivery to the Caribbean, Hamble Marine Surveys were commissioned to conduct a Condition Survey on her to understand the scope of current and future maintenance obligations and to advise on her preparation for the forthcoming Trans-Atlantic crossing. We wish her owner and family all the very best for this coming season.
Following a recent survey a good illustration of the wider effects of corrosion was identified. The vessel in question had aluminium tracks bolted to the teak deck for genoa sheet cars. Over the years the stainless steel securing bolts have reacted with the surrounding aluminium tract and resulted in corrosion driven by salt water, heat and oxygen and the underlying teak deck had been eaten away as a consequence. This is a very good illustration why it is essential to monitor stainless steel to aluminium contact and to understand the effect this can have on surrounding materials such as teak decking.
Julian Smith of Hamble Marine Surveys has just recently been commissioned to carry out a survey on a Princess 33 on the Inland Waterways just near Windsor. The area is delightful being very quiet and scenic with diverse wildlife and fresh water marine life. The vessels operating on the river tend to be of all shapes and sizes ranging from traditional narrow boats to more common production motor cruisers. With a maximum speed limit on the river of 5 knots it is suprising and amusing to see powerful speed boats which are capable of 25 Knots or more berthed in the many small marinas along the river.