Practice Test Geeks(SAMS) Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Practice Test
← All SAMS Flashcard Decks

Hull Inspection and Materials Flashcards

7 cards from real SAMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Hull Inspection and Materials flashcards as text

  1. When inspecting a fiberglass hull, what does a 'thud' sound during sounding indicate compared to a sharp 'click'?

    Answer: Delamination or void within the laminate

    A dull thud when sounding a fiberglass hull indicates delamination or a void where layers have separated.

  2. Which coring material is most resistant to moisture absorption in a sandwich-construction fiberglass hull?

    Answer: Cross-linked PVC foam

    Cross-linked PVC foam has a closed-cell structure that resists moisture absorption better than balsa or plywood core materials.

  3. A surveyor observes blistering on a fiberglass hull below the waterline. What is the primary chemical process causing osmotic blisters?

    Answer: Hydrolysis of ester linkages in polyester resin

    Osmotic blistering results from hydrolysis, where water permeates the gel coat and reacts with ester linkages in polyester resin, forming acidic byproducts.

  4. What ASTM standard governs the testing and classification of marine-grade plywood used in hull construction?

    Answer: BS 1088

    BS 1088 is the British Standard that defines marine-grade plywood with face veneer quality and waterproof bonding requirements widely used in boatbuilding.

  5. During a steel hull inspection, what technique is used to measure remaining plate thickness without removing interior linings?

    Answer: Ultrasonic thickness gauging

    Ultrasonic thickness gauging allows non-destructive measurement of steel plate thickness from one side without removing interior linings.

  6. Which type of aluminum alloy is most commonly specified for recreational boat hull construction due to its corrosion resistance in saltwater?

    Answer: 5086 or 5052 series

    5000-series aluminum alloys (5086, 5052) contain magnesium and offer superior corrosion resistance in marine saltwater environments.

  7. When inspecting a wood hull, which structural member connects the keel to the stem and sternpost, forming the backbone of the vessel?

    Answer: Deadwood

    The deadwood is the solid timber section connecting the keel to the sternpost (and sometimes stem), forming part of the hull's backbone structure.