Moisture readings on deck of 1996 Hunter

[Gypsy-girl]

We had a 96 hunter 37 surveyed and surveyor reported a Moisture reading of 20% along the starboard deck. No soft spots and boat was in above average shape other than this one spot. Surveyor said he would be surprised if it didn’t have any moisture in a boat of that age and said to tighten all deck hardware and reseal and it should be good. He said all boats have some moisture and he wasn’t too concerned. What are yalls thoughts? Should we still proceed with the purchase? Boat cost is $48,000.

[Creedence]

Doesn’t sound like a show stopper if you like the boat. Rebedding deck hardware is easy enough to learn as you go.

[S/V Illusion]

How did he arrive at the number 20%?

[JimsCAL]

I would not eliminate the boat from consideration based only on moisture readings with no signs of delamination. I agree with surveyor that almost all boats of that age will show at least some areas of elevated moisture. Nature of the beast.

[Gypsy-girl]

Thank you I feel better knowing it’s not a huge deal. There was literally only a few minor things that he suggested we do. Then I heard the beeping of the meter and he said it showing 20% so def need to tighten Everything down and caulk

[Gypsy-girl]

He arrived at the 20% from the reading on moisture Meter. Are those not very accurate? I’ve heard different things about them. This is our first boat and was worried if we should continue but it is a great deal and we will continue on.

[Creedence]

Their accuracy depends on a range of factors. Think of them more as an indicator than as a precise measurement. If the majority of the deck reads one thing, but a particular area varies from that a great deal, it can indicate a problem area.

Don’t worry too much about “tightening” deck hardware. If hardware is leaking, it’s more often an issue of failed sealant- which is all but guaranteed after decades in service. If anything is showing obvious signs of leaking, tackle those times first, then you can make your way around the deck as you find the time and rebed things. Plenty of books and tutorials available to walk you through the process. The hardest part is usually accessing the nuts that secure the hardware in the cabin.

It’s not a unique failure with the boat your looking at, and it doesn’t sound like the integrity of the boat is compromised. You can always use that to try to negotiate a little extra money off the purchase price, but don’t be too worried if they don’t bite on that.

[JimsCAL]

Probably more than you want to know, but worth the read. Moisture Meter Mythology and Flir thermal imager

[EdwardNilsson]

Very impressive! Looking forward to seeing more.Thanks in advance.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Gypsy-girl

He arrived at the 20% from the reading on moisture Meter. Are those not very accurate? I’ve heard different things about them. This is our first boat and was worried if we should continue but it is a great deal and we will continue on.

Moisture meters do not measure moisture and cannot determine a percentage of moisture in anything other than wood !

Learn a little about them here ... Moisture Meter Mythology and Flir thermal imager

[rgleason]

If balsa deck...

Remove all hardware, ream out balsa core with drill and Allen wrench, tape underside, and fill hole with a fiberglass mix, re drill hole, chamfer top edge, use butyl or marine sealant to re bed the fittings. Split job 1/2 over 2 years.

It is work and time, do it in early fall or spring. Not summer.or winter.

Leave time to dry out wet areas under a tarp with heat lamps.

[Tetepare]

Keep in mind that the problem will only grow worse over time. The only option to stop it is not "tighten" deck hardware, but to remove it and rebed it. That means pretty much everything above and in front of the wet area; realistically everything should be done. That means cleats, winches, toerails, clutches, screws, hatches, etc. It's a big job, and that's why almost nobody does it and why so many boats are ruined.

If it's the Hunter I'm familiar with the saturated decks aren't the biggest problem.

[bensolomon]

My boat has a similar problem because the furling line goes through the foredeck into the anchor well (below deck furler). She's a 1990 hunter legend 37.5. I bought her 10 years ago and have been rebedding and sealing a little at a time. If you like the boat, it's not a deal breaker.

[Gypsy-girl]

So what is the biggest problem? Haha so I’ll know what to keep an eye out for.

[Gypsy-girl]

Yes, it does have a below deck curler. Also we think maybe it could be the jib sheet track that runs along the starboard deck. Thanks for all the comments. It really has helped ease our minds. I know owning any boat is going to be work.