Hull inspection question

[Oceanlove]

I was wondering if there is any way to inspect our hull from the surface, or better yet, from the deck of our boat? We only launch once a year, taking her out in the fall. Once in a while we will dive when the water permits but it is pretty difficult to do a proper inspection without tanks on. Has anybody come across a device/way to perform such an inspection? Any info. would be much appreciated.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Hull inspection question

Underwater camera????

 

[Philster]

Re: Hull inspection question

How big is the boat?

People haul their boats out after a few months for cleaning and such. Depends on the size of the boat and the types of growth certain waters are known for.

If it's a 26' boat with an 8' 6" beam, you can see how this is not such a big deal. If you have a 60' trawler... well, that kind of changes the scenario a bit...

 

[Oceanlove]

Re: Hull inspection question

Thanks for the input guys. She's a 34 footer. We only haul once a year and I thought maybe there was a product on the market that would allow routine inspections. Also, several times (not with me at the helm of course !) we've had the propeller fouled and it would have been nice to carefully inspect the situation before sending somebody over the side.

 

[Oceanlove]

Re: Hull inspection question

Well, does anybody else feel funny with only inspecting their hull once or twice a year? With many moving parts and things to go wrong, it seems like it would be worthwhile to be able to do routine inspections. That is what spurred me to get on here in the first place. Also, we've had a few fouled props in our day and again, would have been nice to inspect before jumping over!

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Hull inspection question

+ 1 on the underwater camera. Their under 200.00 now days.

 

[Oceanlove]

Re: Hull inspection question

Found this guy:

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-g...10-Meters-DWL60C-from-amay86-wholesalers.html

Has anybody used this? Does it work well/can you see well underwater? Seems you still need to find a suitable mounting device.

 

[riptide09]

Re: Hull inspection question

Swim mask, snorkel and fins?

 

[Oceanlove]

Re: Hull inspection question

Ha, I suppose this would work. But in ice cold water this doesn't cut it...

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Hull inspection question

Ha, I suppose this would work. But in ice cold water this doesn't cut it...

Well, it gives you motivation to move quicker!! Dry suits aren't that expensive though...

 

[oops!]

Re: Hull inspection question

yeah....a wet or dry suit is the best......cameras can miss stuff because you cant move the growth out of the way.

suit up......and jump over !

i did it on a wood 43 every month for 2 years !