Telling if a hull is sound

[SC_Mac]

I came across a great deal on an old (73) MacGregor and decided that I just had to have it. Well a year or so later it is still sitting under the tarp waiting for me to start cleaging it. So my question is what is the best way to make sure the boat is still "sea worthy" without risking actually putting it in the water? I know the boat has had water sitting in its bottom for sometime now and wanted to find a way to make sure the hull was still sound.

 

[bob G.]

Tap Test

Let me qualify this by saying that you should hire a marine surveyor to be sure. However to get a good idea for yourself you can do a tap test on the hull with a rubber mallet. Tap your way around the entire hull. You are looking for a consistent sound through out the hull indicating a consistent density in the fiberglass material. Delamination and dry rot areas wil have a different sound as you tap them. Be consistent with the force you use on the mallet to keep things uniform. This should give you a rough idea and identify any areas you need to take a closer look at. good luck!