Vancouver Island Marine Surveying Blog

In the world of marine surveying, we often say that a surveyor is only as good as their eyes. But even the most seasoned professional can’t see through a fiberglass hull or detect a loose wire buried deep inside a main distribution panel. That’s where Infrared Thermography (IRT) comes in. Over the last few years, thermal imaging has transitioned from a high-end luxury to an essential tool in my kit. It allows us to perform Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by capturing the heat signatures emitted by an object. If there’s a problem, there’s usually a heat signature associated with it. Here is how we are using thermography today to keep vessels safe, efficient, and seaworthy. 1. Identifying Moisture and Delamination in Hulls For FRP (fiberglass) boats, moisture is the silent enemy. Traditional moisture meters are great, but they are one data point.  Surveys are most effective when multiple data points can be assembled to make a fulsome assessment of the vessel.  A thermal camera a...

In the world of sailing, the rudder is more than a steering mechanism; it is a primary control surface that dictates the vessel’s "feel," its ability to track upwind, and its safety in heavy weather. Designing a sail boat's rudder requires a specialized understanding of how heeling forces and hydrodynamic lift interact with various construction materials. The Dynamics of Helm and Balance Unlike motor vessels, which generally remain upright, a sailing vessel operates at varying angles of heel. This change in geometry shifts the center of effort and affects the rudder’s efficiency. The "balance" of a sailing rudder—the percentage of surface area forward of the stock—is a critical design choice. A balanced spade rudder (20–30% area forward) reduces the physical effort required by the helm, providing a light touch even when the boat is powered up. Conversely, a less balanced or unbalanced rudder provides more "feedback," allowing the sailor to feel the p...

A vessel's keel is not merely a counterweight; it is a critical structural appendage that defines the vessel’s hydrodynamic efficiency and ultimate stability. Understanding the nuances of keel design and the rigors of its maintenance is essential for ensuring both the longevity of the hull and the safety of the crew. The following guide outlines the primary keel configurations, material considerations, and the technical protocols for maintaining structural attachment. Primary Keel Configurations Keel selection is a balance of lateral resistance, center of gravity (CG), and wetted surface area. Full-Length Keels: Common in traditional blue-water cruisers. The keel integrates directly into the hull's lines, providing superior directional tracking and protecting the rudder and propeller from debris. Fin Keels: Characterized by a high aspect ratio, fin keels offer reduced drag and improved maneuverability. However, they exert higher concentrated loads on the keel-to-hull joint ,...

  Having additional measurements add to your ORC club certificate or obtaining an ORC International certificate can in many cases improve your outcome on the race course. The first step is to visit the ORC – Canada website and submit your application. Once this is done a measurer will confirm with you the date and time to conduct all your measurements.   You will require a crew of at least 3-4 depending on vessel size in order to support the measurer.   An ORCi certificate isn't just a piece of paper; it makes our local racing as fair as possible.   ORC Canada has dedicated and well qualified staff to support competition in BC and across Canada. To get the most accurate rating possible, the boat must be in its "purest" form. If the measurer arrives up and your boat is still full of half-eaten sandwiches and soggy dock lines, it will be a long day. 1. The "Light Ship" Standard The most common mistake owners make is failing to reach Measurement Tri...

Hull inspections frequently center on the integrity of underwater penetrations. The choice between traditional alloys and modern fiber-reinforced composites is a decision that impacts not only the vessel's maintenance schedule but its long-term structural security. The marine industry has seen a shift from the historical dominance of bronze to high-performance polymers. Below is a comparison to assist owners in making an informed decision when replacing their boats thru-hulls. Fiber-Reinforced Composite (Nylon/Polymer) Modern composite fittings, such as those manufactured from glass-reinforced nylon (e.g., Marelon or TruDesign), have gained widespread acceptance in both recreational and commercial sectors. Key Advantages: Electrolytic Neutrality: Being non-metallic, these fittings are immune to galvanic corrosion and electrolysis. This eliminates the need for bonding to the vessel's sacrificial anode system. Weight Efficiency: Composite assemblies are significantly lighter th...

  The condition of a vessel’s underwater profile is a primary indicator of its overall maintenance history. A "fouled" bottom is more than an eyesore; it increases hydrodynamic drag, compromises fuel efficiency, and can lead to engine overheating by obstructing raw water intakes. When choosing a bottom coating, owners must navigate the technical trade-offs between Ablative and Non-Ablative (Hard) paints. Selecting the wrong product for your operational profile can lead to premature coating failure or a costly "strip-to-gelcoat" restoration down the road. I. Comparative Analysis: Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Coatings The choice between these two systems depends entirely on how—and where—the vessel is used. 1. Ablative (Self-Polishing) Coatings Ablative paints are designed to wear away over time. As the vessel moves through the water, the outer layer of the coating "erodes," constantly exposing fresh biocides. Best Suited For: Coastal cruisers, seasonal boat...