SAMS Yacht and Small Craft Surveyors 2

Question 1

When surveying osmotic blistering on a fiberglass hull, which instrument is most appropriate for measuring moisture content?

Accepted Answer

Capacitance-type moisture meter

Answer

Capacitance-type moisture meters are the standard tool for non-destructive assessment of moisture content in fiberglass laminates.

Question 2

A surveyor finds that a vessel's keel bolts are made of silicon bronze while the keel itself is cast iron. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals

Answer

Dissimilar metals in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (seawater) create a galvanic cell, causing accelerated corrosion of the less noble metal.

Question 3

Under the ABYC standards, what is the minimum wire gauge required for DC circuits up to 15 amperes in a marine environment?

Accepted Answer

14 AWG

Answer

ABYC E-11 specifies that 14 AWG is the minimum conductor size for most protected DC circuits carrying up to 15 amperes.

Question 4

When inspecting a vessel's standing rigging, a surveyor notes '1x19' wire rope. What does this designation indicate?

Accepted Answer

19 wires in a single strand construction

Answer

1x19 wire rope consists of 19 individual wires twisted into a single strand, providing high strength and low stretch ideal for standing rigging.

Question 5

A surveyor discovers that a boat's through-hull fitting below the waterline is made of plastic (PVC). What is the correct recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Recommend replacement with a seacock and bronze or Marelon fitting

Answer

ABYC and SAMS standards require seacocks on below-waterline through-hulls; PVC fittings are not approved for this application due to brittleness and UV degradation risk.

(SAMS) Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Practice Test

(SAMS) Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Practice Test

SAMS Yacht and Small Craft Surveyors 2