Look, knock, prick and measure...
The underwater hull made of wood.
Wooden boats require specific care to keep them in good condition. Each type of wood has unique properties that affect maintenance.
Oak is strong and durable, making it very suitable for structural parts of a ship. However, it does require regular maintenance to prevent wood rot. For example,
mahogany is naturally resistant to water, but is one of the more expensive types of wood.
To ensure the quality and longevity of the underwater hull, regular inspection of the hull is essential.
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Have your vessel inspected regularly and in good time.
A wooden vessel is usually taken out of the water once a year for a thorough inspection. Compared to a steel vessel, wood is considerably more vulnerable and requires more attention and care.
The inspection usually starts with systematically tapping the hull with a wooden hammer. This allows soft spots or incipient rot to be detected. If in doubt, suspicious areas are examined more closely, for example by testing for wood rot or weak spots with a probe.
The interior of the ship is also visually inspected for damage, leaks or mould, as far as accessible.
If necessary, an additional moisture measurement can be carried out. This provides more insight into the condition of the wood and helps to identify hidden defects in good time.
Condition of wood
In order to accurately determine the condition of the underwater hull of a wooden vessel, we carry out measurements that reach deep into the core of the wood. This allows us to gain insight into the moisture content of the material, which is essential for the early detection of incipient damage such as wood rot.
For thicker or less accessible parts of the wood, we use a resistograph. This specialised measuring instrument enables us to measure the resistance of the wood during fine drilling. This allows us to determine whether there is internal weakening or rot without causing significant damage to the material.
These measurements are a valuable addition to the regular inspection and provide a reliable picture of the actual condition of the ship.
What else
During the survey, not only is the underwater hull assessed, but attention is also paid to:
- The connections and construction details
- The overall condition of the wood
- Play on the propeller shaft
- The condition of the propeller and, if applicable, the bow thruster
- The rudder bearings and rudder blade
If desired, an inspection report can be printed out on site. Important documents can also be scanned and made available digitally for your further use in connection with the inspection.
Reporting
Immediately after the measurement, the findings will be discussed with you, the client. You will receive a clear explanation of the findings on the spot.
A clear expert report will then be drawn up. This report will include a starboard and port view of the underwater hull, on which the measuring points are clearly indicated.
The report we draw up following the inspection is prepared in accordance with the applicable norms and standards within the maritime sector. It is generally accepted by insurance companies as an official expert assessment or inspection document.
This allows you to use the findings for purposes such as (re)acceptance by your insurer, claims settlement or as supporting documentation for a purchase or sale.