Yacht Surveys
Why are ballast and keel bolt checks critical in a survey?
The keel is one of the most critical structural and safety elements of a boat; corrosion or slackening in its bolts can, in heavy weather, lead to catastrophic failure. Each bolt is checked for torque, the hull-to-keel joint is examined for cracking and rust staining, and any suspicion is confirmed with ultrasonic measurement of the remaining bolt section.
Why it works this way
The keel bolts work as a group: when one fatigues, its load transfers to the others. A hairline "smile crack" from a past grounding hides easily under paint, so the joint area is specifically cleaned before it is examined.
Related services
Serkan Kotel · independent yacht surveyor · IIMS · ABYC · MCA
