GRP Integrity

[Biggles]

Another stupid question.

Does anybody know of any way of checking the strength and integrity of the GRP on the hull and transom of a RIB.

Is it possible to carry out such a check. As I understand it most RIBs are made up of GRP laid over Marine Ply. How easy is it to check for water ingress ?

In particular I would have thought that the area around where the outboard bolts go through the transom would be an area that could let in water over time into the marine ply. This would then rot from the inside out.

It would also be a handy to be able to check on previous repair work to see if it is holding.

Regards Nick R.

[dctucker]

For a definitive answer, hire a marine surveyor who is well versed in the use of a moisture meter.

For a best guess, tap with the handle of a screwdriver, a wrench or light hammer. You should hear a sharp sound on solid areas, a much duller sound on wet areas. Probably not a good method for assessing a transom, but maybe adequate for other areas of the hull.