Today's survey took place with the vessel afloat and on her pontoon berth at Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Hampshire, UK. In a few weeks the boat will be lifted ashore for maintenance work. When she's ashore I can continue with the rest of my survey, but t.oday's inspection concentrated on the below-decks structure and systems.
This Swan 36 was designed by German Frers and built in 1989. She benefits from having been re-engined less than two years ago with a Volvo Penta D1-30F. Here inventory was mostly up-to-date, but as with most boats, there are always items that get neglected because they are thought to be serviceable. With a boat that is over 30 years old and has been well used, there will also be items that are wearing out and are due for replacement. For example, one of the flame heads on the galley cooker was distorted, giving a very poor flame pattern.
Inspection of the Eberspächer diesel-powered space heater was difficult as the exhaust pipe was mounted high up inside the transom space, behind the aft cabin. This space was only accessible through a narrow hatch. The exhaust pipe of this heater was secured to the skin fitting with a rusty carbon steel clamp. These should always reconstructed from stainless steel. The stainless steel pipe was corroded too, indicating that it was overdue for replacement.
Beneath the sole boards of the saloon and just aft of the keel supporting structure, one crack in the laminate was found to be extending aft from a limber hole. This crack extended into the laminate to a depth of 2 to 3 mm. Once the vessel is lifted ashore, I will be taking a close look at the underside of the hull in this region.
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