Croftie
Well-Known Member
Took possession of my new (to me) boat just under a month ago. The vessel is a mid 1970's 32ft Dutch steel Pedro style boat.
It came with a BSS that was done less than a year ago (valid to 2018) and I commissioned a pre purchase survey.
I knew there was work to be done and that was one of the reasons I liked her. Being retired it was to be a "project". I didn't expect it to be a potential death trap....
The Survey indicated the fridge (gas, 12v, 240v) wasn't working. Actually it was on 240v BUT had I tried it on gas (I didn't) and found it working and used it I may not be writing this. The flexible metal exhaust hose between the fridge and hull vent outlet was lying on the floor behind the fridge. Not only was it not connected but was so corroded that it fell to dust in my hand. Guess it had been in that state a number of years.
Survey on the 240v electrics said "The Wiring appears serviceable although in places it needs securing to the boat"
Hmm, What comes next was visible without removing any panels etc., just by looking into cupboards.
2 x 13amp sockets had no earth wire, just connected with 2 core cable. The sockets had been "let into" the woodwork so the backs of the sockets were not only visible but it was clear to see (and touch if you wanted) 2 core wire going in.
Today I ripped out the wiring going to these 2 sockets replacing it with 3 core back to the RCD. Strange the supply from the RCD to the sockets was 3 core but there were numerous joins in the cables ending up with only 2 core. Again these joints were visible without dismanteling. Picture below of just one of the "joints" after removing 1 layer of tape. There were two like this.
Yes that's correct, 240v wires twisted together and covered with insulating tape....
So if I (or some other not so experienced buyer) wasn't gassed by the fridge I could have been electrocuted.
It came with a BSS that was done less than a year ago (valid to 2018) and I commissioned a pre purchase survey.
I knew there was work to be done and that was one of the reasons I liked her. Being retired it was to be a "project". I didn't expect it to be a potential death trap....
The Survey indicated the fridge (gas, 12v, 240v) wasn't working. Actually it was on 240v BUT had I tried it on gas (I didn't) and found it working and used it I may not be writing this. The flexible metal exhaust hose between the fridge and hull vent outlet was lying on the floor behind the fridge. Not only was it not connected but was so corroded that it fell to dust in my hand. Guess it had been in that state a number of years.
Survey on the 240v electrics said "The Wiring appears serviceable although in places it needs securing to the boat"
Hmm, What comes next was visible without removing any panels etc., just by looking into cupboards.
2 x 13amp sockets had no earth wire, just connected with 2 core cable. The sockets had been "let into" the woodwork so the backs of the sockets were not only visible but it was clear to see (and touch if you wanted) 2 core wire going in.
Today I ripped out the wiring going to these 2 sockets replacing it with 3 core back to the RCD. Strange the supply from the RCD to the sockets was 3 core but there were numerous joins in the cables ending up with only 2 core. Again these joints were visible without dismanteling. Picture below of just one of the "joints" after removing 1 layer of tape. There were two like this.
Yes that's correct, 240v wires twisted together and covered with insulating tape....
So if I (or some other not so experienced buyer) wasn't gassed by the fridge I could have been electrocuted.
