Phantom Deck Moisture?

[hilbert]

While rebedding deck hardware, I was suspicious of cracks near the starboard cabin bulkhead.
A moisture meter seemed to confirm it. (click on the links for a larger image)

http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachment ... dc3196.jpg
http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachment ... dc3199.jpg
http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachment ... dc3201.jpg

I opened a small area and I was surprised that there was neither moisture nor wooden core!
After closing it up, the high moisture reading went away.

http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachment ... dc3202.jpg
http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachment ... dc3204.jpg

Maybe it was water vapor trapped under the skin?

[Steve Laume]

I have heard stories about the inaccuracy of pinless moisture meters. I wish I had a moisture meter to play around with. It seems like a more foolproof method of finding delamination or bad core material is still to use a mallet and a good ear.

If you had planned to paint the deck anyway, I suppose one more patch is no big deal for the peace of mind. It would be very interesting to sound a bad spot and then check it with the meter.

One more thing that could throw off your reading is the surface of the deck not being perfectly dry, Steve.

[hilbert]

Steve, I agree with your comments.

There was a time when I would have been upset at myself for needlessly tearing up the deck.
Fortunately, it is now easier for me to take it in stride.

[Skeep]

OK so this is fascinating,,,,,a Moisture Meter??? Pinless Moisture Meter?? I have never searched the internet for that!

What is the standard in this sort of thing. Those of us with Dinosaur Cape Dories are in need of such a pal----

[Steve Laume]

Just don't believe everything it tells you or might might find yourself cutting holes in perfectly good portions of your boat, Steve.