From Bow to Stern: Your Complete Boat Hull Inspection Checklist

Routine hull inspections are at the heart of any thorough boat servicing schedule. Whether you skipper a BRIG, IRON or a GALA RIB, a systematic walk-through helps you spot minor issues before they become major repairs. Follow this step-by-step guide to inspect your hull from bow to stern.

Preparation and Safety

Before you begin:

• Secure your vessel on stable cradles or have it lifted by a professional boatyard.

• Wear protective gloves, safety glasses and non-slip boots.

• Gather inspection tools: a strong torch, extendable mirror, soft brush, paint scraper, gelcoat thickness gauge and a camera for photos.

It’s recommended to complete a visual hull check at least every six months or after 100 engine hours. Regular inspections form a core part of preventative boat servicing and help maintain warranty compliance.

Inspecting the Bow

Starting at the bow, look for:

• Gelcoat cracks or crazing: Run a clean cloth over suspicious lines. Even hairline fractures can admit water into laminate layers.

• Delamination: Gently press around rub rails and the bow toe rail. Any soft or spongy areas may indicate core breakdown.

• Antifouling wear: Check coating thickness with your gauge. Most manufacturers advise a minimum of 200 µm on boats operating in saltwater.

Document any damage with photos and note locations in your logbook.

Scanning the Port and Starboard Sides

As you move aft along each side, focus on:

• Through-hulls and fittings: Inspect seacocks, skin fittings and anodes for corrosion, leaks or looseness—crucial on boats exposed to open-sea conditions.

• Transverse cracks: Shine your torch at a low angle to uncover stress lines in the gelcoat.

• Hull-to-deck joint: Tug gently at cleats and rub rails. Movement here often signals sealant failure or loose fastenings.

A clean hull makes defects easier to spot, so wash away grime and salt before the inspection.

Examining the Underwater Hull

Once the boat is out of the water and dry:

• Osmotic blistering: Look for small, circular blisters beneath the gelcoat. Early treatment prevents deeper laminate damage.

• Marine growth: A well-maintained boat should show minimal barnacles and weed. Heavy fouling increases drag and strain on the engine.

• Propeller and shaft: Rotate the propeller by hand to check for lateral play or stiffness. Misalignment can lead to vibration and gearbox wear.

If you spot blistering or heavy fouling, schedule a professional antifouling application as part of your next boat servicing appointment.

Checking the Stern and Transom

At the stern, inspect:

• Outdrive or sterndrive fastenings: Ensure all mount bolts match manufacturer torque settings. Replace any anodes eroded beyond 50 %.

• Transom integrity: Press around engine mounting pads. Water ingress into a plywood core may rot structural supports, risking serious damage.

Record any concerns and, if necessary, consult a naval architect or structural specialist.

Cleaning and Documentation

After locating issues:

• Rinse off cleaning residues and debris with fresh water.

• Apply a suitable hull polish to protect against UV degradation and make future inspections simpler.

• Photograph all areas of concern and log findings, dates and any corrective actions taken.

Accurate records streamline future boat servicing visits and can strengthen warranty claims.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Inspect your hull at least twice a year or after intensive use.

• Address gelcoat cracks, delamination, blistering and loose fittings promptly.

• Maintain detailed inspection logs with photographs and measurements.

• Balance DIY checks with professional services to cover complex repairs.

Ready to keep your boat in peak condition? Discover how The Wolf Rock Boat Company can handle everything from routine inspections to in-depth hull repairs. Learn more about our comprehensive services and book your next dry-dock appointment.

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