Could someone lend me a moisture meter?

RhythmDoctor · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

I've read a number of articles on moisture meters in this section and at other locations linked from here, and have pretty much decided to pick one up for myself. I will probably get the CT33 that is so popular. I think it will be especially useful to look for moisture gradients in the vicinity of deck fittings, stress cracks, etc. Hopefully I will be able to detect problems and fix them before they become major - once I actually get my boat.

Here's the current problem: It looks like I may have to pay a second visit to a boat on which I have an offer pending. There is some pressure to increase my offer, and I am reluctant to do that for a boat that has been neglected for the last couple of years. There are some small signs of moisture penetration on the boat, so my willingness to increase my offer would depend strongly on what any moisture readings say.

This boat is 5 hours away from me, but I will be in the vicinity when I visit my father on Christmas Day. I am considering going by to have a second look on Dec. 26. I called Electrophysics last Friday, and they cannot get the moisture meter to me in time for this visit.

I live in Swarthmore, PA. Is there anyone out there in SE PA, south Jersey, or Delaware who might have a moisture meter that they could lend me for a few days? I would be willing to drive to you to come get it, and would return it very promptly.

Alternatively, I could pick it up (and return it) enroute to/from the boat between Fredericksburg and Norfolk, VA, on Dec. 26.

I would be grateful to anyone willing to help out a beginning boat buyer.

Thanks,

Rick

Jasper Windvane · #2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

where is the boat ??

RhythmDoctor · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper Windvane

where is the boat ??

Norfolk.

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Moisture meters are a good aid but get a survey. The surveyor will likely have a meter he knows how to use and will probably save you money.

blowinstink · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

You didn't ask but:
Resist the pressure to increase your offer. The market is weighed heavily in favor of the buyer right now. Use the moisture meter to reduce the purchase price (not keep from increasing it).
BS

mitiempo · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Or use a surveyor to lower the price more and at the same time possibly find issues you might miss. As a seller I think a surveyor's report carries more weight than a buyer's opinion.

RhythmDoctor · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Make no mistake, I will absolutely not buy any boat without a survey as a contingency of sale. However, with three possible boats in play right now (including the one with my expired offer), I am not going to pay for three surveys prior to making offers. If I can do my own moisture readings, it can help me narrow down the field and prioritize the relative value of each boat.

boatpoker · #8 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Moisture meters are not nearly as easy to understand as some would have you believe. I sounded and metered dozens of boats and saw dozens more of those decks and hulls opened up after metering before I understood what I was seeing on the meter.

mitiempo · #9 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Herre's a very good link on calibrating (necessary) and using a moisture meter on a boat. Understanding the Moisture Meter / Electrophysics CT-33 Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com

boatpoker · #10 (**permalink**) 12-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Herre's a very good link on calibrating (necessary) and using a moisture meter on a boat. Understanding the Moisture Meter / Electrophysics CT-33 Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com

Mine is a somewhat more critical view from "real world" testing. Try this one .... moisture meter mythology