Moisture Meters and their readings.

[john_morris_uk]

Someone has suggested that they can set a moisture meter for 'depth'. In otherwords, they are suggested that it will ignore water tanks and bulkheads that traditionally have interfered with accurate moisture measurments.

I am somewhat sceptical and wonder whether anyone has any expert knowledge on the subject. (I have been used to using Tramex' meters but I believe that the one I saw being used was a Sovereign. However I may have remembered the name on the case incorrectly or it might have been an older model as it didn't look like any of the Sovereign meters being advertised currently.)

I am also aware that the whole moisture in a hull thing is fraught with difficulties and contradicting views. In the same way that if you ask five economics advisors what will happen to the economy, you will get six answers, so it seems with surveyors, moisture in hull readings and their prognosis.

Treatements are expensive, but we want to apply Coppercoat and I certainly don't want to apply epoxy over grp that contains moisture. That would be the road to even more expense and problems and a waste of Coppercoat!

 

[yoda]

John

I have some guidance at home and a meter you can borrow to check the hull. Call me at the weekend to discuss.

Neil

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Depth measurement is mention in Paul Steven's book "Surveying Yachts and Small Craft" in relation to how one can use deep and shallow modes to determine moisture related information and whether an issue exists or not. Refer to Chapter 5, Use and Abuse of Moisture Meters. Its also mentioned (iirc) in "Osmosis, The Myth and Reality Of Hydrolysis in FRP", which can be down loaded, legally for free. I am not an expert, so won't comment on what I have read, except to say both books describe the level of ignorance that exists amongst so called professionals on this subject. The first book is worth buying and reading to put you in the picture as it is quite comprehensive and covers the different meters and importantly, the differences in how they work, which is relevant when using the depth reading features and interpretation as they are not the same for the various makes.

 

[pcatterall]

I use a Sovereign. I surveyed my hull at 12" centres. I did find evidence that internal structures affected the readings. I discarded readings where the influence was clearly due to internal fittings and was able, then, to get a set of fairly uniform and consistent results.
I regard the meters as an representative indicator and try to test on material of known value.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Someone has suggested that they can set a moisture meter for 'depth'. In otherwords, they are suggested that it will ignore water tanks and bulkheads that traditionally have interfered with accurate moisture measurments.

I am somewhat sceptical and wonder whether anyone has any expert knowledge on the subject. (I have been used to using Tramex' meters but I believe that the one I saw being used was a Sovereign. However I may have remembered the name on the case incorrectly or it might have been an older model as it didn't look like any of the Sovereign meters being advertised currently.)

I am also aware that the whole moisture in a hull thing is fraught with difficulties and contradicting views. In the same way that if you ask five economics advisors what will happen to the economy, you will get six answers, so it seems with surveyors, moisture in hull readings and their prognosis.

Treatements are expensive, but we want to apply Coppercoat and I certainly don't want to apply epoxy over grp that contains moisture. That would be the road to even more expense and problems and a waste of Coppercoat!

John, I'm in exactly the same position/predicament. I do have a Tramex Skipper that you're welcome to borrow. Send me a PM if borrowing it would help.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I am now the proud (temporary) possessor of a Tramex moisture meter. Thank you to the forum for helping out. Yoda, sorry I couldn't get across to Plymouth to take up your kind offer, but someone on the outskirts of Exeter came up trumps!