The definitive guide to Boat Surveys and Buying a Power Boat or Sailing Boat

BOATSTATS

The definitive guide to Boat-Surveys and Boat-Buying

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Defect Categories

Topsides
The part of the boat hull between the waterline and the edge of the deck. The topsides are vulnerable to impact damage but can also show damage related to internal reinforcing structures.
Hull below the waterline
The part of the boat hull between the waterline and the bottom of the keel. This area is subject to similar problems as the Topsides. Additionally, sailing boats can get stress cracks caused by keel loads and motor boats can get stress cracks from slamming into waves at high speeds.
Internal Structure
This is the internal framework of the boat that supports and strengthens the hull. This framework is subject to all the loads from rigging, keel, engines and waves. The internal structure of the boat can suffer from cracks and separation between mating parts.
Keel
The keel or keels are weights attached to the bottom of the boat to give it balance and stability. These are generally found on Sailing Boats. Keels are vulnerable to grounding damage as well as problems with corroding or loose bolts and stress cracks between the keel and the hull below the waterline. Problems are often related to Internal Structure.
Rudder
The rudder is used to provide a means of steering a boat. Rudders can be damaged by grounding or impact with submerged objects. Problems can also occur because a rudder is a high load part of the boat when in motion. Corrosion and wear of bearings need to be considered.
Skin Fittings
Openings in the Topsides or Hull below waterline of a boat, these are usually outlets for water drainage and pumps or inlets for fuel, seawater and fresh water. Some skin fittings below the waterline are for echo sounders and speed logs. Skin fittings can suffer from mechanical damage or corrosion defects.
Stern Gear
This is the term given to the external fittings that form part of the propulsion for the boat other than the engine. They include any mechanical devices at the back of the boat such as the propeller shaft, propeller tube, and the stern bearing.
Stern gear is subject to damaged by grounding or impact with submerged objects. Problems can also occur because stern gear is a high load part of the boat when in motion. Corrosion and wear of bearings need to be considered.

Using BoatStats

Defect Categories

Deck Structure
Any part of the deck, coach roof or cockpit which is part if structure of the boat. The deck structure can suffer from stress cracks due to the shape of the mouldings and movement of the boat when under way or at mooring. In some cases the core material can separate from the rest of the deck structure it is attached to.
Deck Fittings
Deck fittings are any mechanical devices that are attached to or go through the deck of the boat. Usually associated with the mooring of the boat and include cleats, Running tracks and winches. Deck fittings are generally highly loaded and can suffer from failure or stress cracking of the mounting areas. Corrosion of fastenings is common.
Chainplates
A chain plate is a piece of metal which acts as a foundation to which the rigging wires, that support masts, stanchions, the pushpit or the pulpit to the boat’s structure. These are highly loaded fittings and suffer from similar problems as deck fittings.
Hatches, Windows and Portholes
Hatches, Windows and Portholes are openings in the boat that provide access for crew, light and ventilation to the inside of the boat. They form part of the watertight seal of the boat. Seals, glazing and fastenings associated with these parts can have problems with age and wear.