In appraising a sailboat, analysis of the condition of the nuts and plates supporting the bulbous bow is of paramount importance.
Obviously, not all sailboats will have plates that can be inspected, because, for example, due to their construction technique they have been covered with fiberglass and resin.
In this case, only anomalies in the laminate coating can be analyzed.
Some clues might lead us to think that the material under encased is deteriorating. However, in the absence of unequivocal signs of deterioration or anomalies such as outcropping rust drippings, it will not be advisable to remove the fiberglass for visual investigation.
This is because you would be altering the metal’s insulation from the air, exposing it to corrosion hazards.
The plates and nuts will be either stainless steel of various grades or galvanized steel depending on the builder’s site.
I will not tell which is the best material or at least the most suitable one; it is my intention to tell the point of view of the ship surveyor who will be judging the state of things on the boat, and suggesting to the client the possible intervention.
If the material is stainless steel we would probably have less to evaluate, given its stainless characteristics. During the survey I would simply check for deformation, poor sealing, or material anomalies such as cracks or veining.
What is often the case with galvanized steel, however, is that often a bilge left damp or wet can have signs of the onset of oxidation that can quickly turn to rust.
If there is rust on nuts or plates, the appraiser should conscientiously assess the extent and residual thickness, without creating undue alarmism but also without taking lightly the risk of rust advancement.
What can be done to prevent or stop the process?
Certainly keep the bilges clean and dry, brush plates and nuts and paint them with rust inhibitor, and if the galvanizing is now compromised perhaps coat nuts and pins with grease once everything is cleaned.
What if the deterioration has gone further?
In this case one can proceed only with specialized yards to replace the nuts and plates, and in the best case scenario, that is, without the studs unscrewing, the operation will not be expensive.
When I am faced with this circumstance, it is my habit to accompany the client to the end of the work supervising the work and certifying its successful completion.