WHAT WE DO. HOW WE DO IT

During a routine insurance survey on a 50' Sport Fisherman, (that the owner had recently purchased), our United Marine Services' surveyor noticed that during hull soundings with a phonomic hammer - inconsistencies were noted. Moisture meter readings were normal. Machinery and equipment spaces were thoroughly checked for anything unusual. Nothing was found. Careful examination of the waterline stripe revealed it had been painted over. The surveyor advised the owner that he thought something was "not right". 

After sounding all accessible areas of the stringer system, some areas produced "hollow sounds". These areas were too numerous to be defects. The owner-with our surveyor by his side-cut into one of the areas we had identified. Yup...narcotics!

The Coast Guard and the DEA were called. Later findings showed over 500 pounds of narcotics were molded into the hull of the vessel. The owner admitted that he bought the boat on eBay and did not have a purchase survey. As of this writing the vessel is still impounded and the current owner has a bad situation to get through.  -8/09 Cracker Boy

 

Recently our Stuart FL. Office inspected an older twin I/O express cruiser. Both engines were newly painted and looked in exceptionally good condition with little usage.

It is United Marine Services normal practice to have a sea trial, but in this case the buyer was happy to know the engines "sounded" OK. The owner had convinced him that the vessel was in top shape, so the sea trial was out. The engines "sounded" very good.

United Marine Services always gets down next to an engine to closely inspect for leaks and rust. Our surveyor found what appeared to be spot repairs on the bottom of the (4) exhaust manifolds, between the manifold and the head, just beneath a fresh coat of black paint.

After a complete inspection, evidence was found that the manifolds had been repaired with BONDO, sanded and painted. The owner admitted he did the job. He also admitted he has little mechanical knowledge or background. I'm sure he thought he was making a "good repair," but everyone else saw it as a "cover-up." - 6/09 Sundance