In this video of a survey I did a couple of days ago you can see an example of a tap test. A tap test is a non-destructive inspection technique used to assess the condition of a vessel’s materials by checking the sound produced by an object hitting the surface.… Read More »Video: How does the tap test work?
This week I had the pleasure of surveying a very special boat: Guardamago II, the Italia Yachts 11.98 boat that won the 2023 Italian offshore sailing championship. This is a beautiful boat, designed for demanding sailors who want to use her for cruising or racing. In this video you can… Read More »Yachts with a history: Guardamago 2
In this video we are inspecting the engine room of a stunning 78-footer. It is an Itama, according to its creators “a villa on the sea”. As you can see, the engine room is very well maintained. In this way, the engines can immediately reveal any oil or diesel leaks.… Read More »Engine room inspection Itama 78
This video was shot during the sea trial of an Aprea Maestro 50. During the sea trip, a series of engine tests were carried out to assess the operating parameters and verify the efficiency of the boat.
In this video we are conducting a sea trial during a survey. Right now we are checking the axle seals. The seal has a packing which, while not allowing water to pass through, must also ensure that the axle does not overheat. Therefore, the tension of the packing must often… Read More »Baia 60 – packing test during sea trials
In this video we are testing the shape of a winch bell. These elements are too often mistakenly used as mooring points. In gales and other extreme events, they are subjected to significant stresses and it happens that the bells become deformed, increasing friction on the bearings due to abnormal… Read More »Maritime survey: checking the bell of a Harken winch with a dial gauge
Getting your bearings while navigating is essential. But it’s even more important knowing exactly where you are. Good news: it is enough to know how to correctly consult the terrestrial coordinate grid, made by meridians (the vertical lines) and parallels (horizontal lines). Meridians Meridians are semicircles that join the earth’s… Read More »Coordinate system and map scales: how to read nautical charts
When it comes to choosing the perfect boat, one of the most important factors to consider is the construction material. After discussing wooden hulls, aluminum boats, steel boats, and fiberglass boats in detail, I would like to provide a guide for future buyers. Although the choice of material is often… Read More »Choosing Between Aluminum, Steel, Wood, and Fiberglass Boats: What You Need to Know
Some call it GRP, others refer to it as GFK in German, but more commonly, we are talking about a material known as “fiberglass.” This material has brought massive innovation to various technological sectors and has led to the construction of excellent fiberglass boats, whether through manual lamination or vacuum… Read More »Fiberglass boat
Some say that steel boats are better than aluminum. Others argue that they are only suitable for cruising vessels. It’s time to clarify the characteristics of this type of boat and evaluate which types of steel boats make the most sense to purchase. The History of Steel Boats Steel became… Read More »“The Benefits of Steel Boats: A Guide to Choosing the Right One”