How To Moisture Map Your Vessel
Learn how to properly moisture-map your vessel to determine the full extent of any moisture issue.
Moisture mapping is the foundation of every job we do at Dryboat International® because it tells us the extent of the moisture before a single hole is drilled or a single dollar is spent, ensuring that the solution we propose is the solution that will pass survey!
A full moisture mapping typically indicates where the intrusion begins, how far it has traveled, and which areas of the vessel are affected. Without this step, repairs are based on guesses, which is why so many tear-out and replace jobs go over budget, fail surveys and ruin sales.
Here Is The Step by Step Process
Step 1: Use Your Moisture Meter and "Tap Out"
Start with using your moisture meter to get your initial readings of the saturated areas. After that, use a small phenolic hammer to "tap out" the surface. Wet wood produces a dull, heavier sound, while rotted coring typically sounds hollow.
Step 2: Label The Wet Areas
Next, you are going to label each area with the readings you got from your moisture meter. We recommend using blue painter tape for hull sides, bottoms, and decks. We recommend using sticky notes for stringers. See photos below.
Step 3: Take Small Core Samples (Optional)
To confirm your findings from your moisture meter. Take a 3/16" or 1/4" drill bit and drill into the highest reading areas that the meter finds. Large core samples are not necessary. See photos below.
Step 4: Take Clear Photos
Take clear, high-quality photos, that shows us your findings. See example photos below.
Step 5: Take Clear Videos
Take clear, high-quality videos, that shows us your findings. Take your time here, so we can get the best view of the saturated area(s). See example videos below.
Step 6: Submit Your Moisture Mapping
Once your moisture mapping is complete, email your photos, videos and notes, to jace@dryboat.com and scott@dryboat.com, so our team can review and advise on the next steps.
Please answer this important question on your final report...
Is there anything obstructing access to the affected areas? For example… hoses, wiring, flooring, or other components that would prevent us from getting access to the moisture? Please identify any such areas and provide clear photos and/or videos.
Video Examples
Photo Examples
Click to expand the photos.
