Yacht survey Oyster 68 in Muggia (Italy)
Extract from a yacht appraisal for an Oyster 68 in Porto San Rocco, Muggia, Italy
Assignment data
Yacht type
SAILING YACHT
Make | Model | Year of manufacture
Oyster 68
1991
Location of the survey
Porto San Rocco
Muggia, Italy
Survey Scope
Seaworthiness inspection
SEAWORTHINESS
Not seaworthy
Technical Condition Index (TCSI Score)
Summary of the report
As part of the contract in question, a seaworthiness inspection was carried out on an Oyster 68 (built in 1991). The assessment included an inspection on land (Cantieri San Rocco, Italy) and a sea trial between Muggia and Izola to check the drive, steering system and rig under load.
The yacht was then to be sailed to Dubai, which is why the structural integrity and functionality of all critical on-board systems had to be ensured.
The hand-laminated GRP hull was largely dimensionally stable above and below the waterline, with no evidence of extensive osmosis or serious grounding.
However, critical findings were found in the rudder, keel/stub connection, sea valves, bilge installations, exhaust systems and electrical/bonding system.
All in all, these points led to the yacht being classified as “unseaworthy”.
A comprehensive refit plan was therefore also included in the report.
The checkpoints
- Visual inspection of hull, deck, superstructure and underwater hull on land.
- Inspection of keel, rudder, rudder bearing and steering, including play and moisture measurements on the rudder.
- Inspection of the sea valves and on-board feedthroughs, including function test and leakage check. Evaluation of bilge installations, pipes and hoses.
- Inspection of drive, shaft system, propeller, gearbox and shaft seal. Inspection of main engine and generator, in particular cooling and exhaust systems.
- Inspection of electrical systems (AC/DC) and potential equalization.
- Rig check: mast, boom, spinnaker poles, standing and running rigging.
- Carrying out a sea trial to assess the drive and steering behavior.
- Structured classification of all relevant findings into defect categories with prioritization of repairs.
Yacht profile and gallery
The Oyster 68 is a classic cruising yacht from the renowned British shipyard Oyster Yachts, which became particularly well known in the 1990s for its ocean-going, comfortably equipped blue water yachts. The model was designed for owners who want to cover long distances safely and in comfort.
- Length overall / width / draught: 20.57 m / 5.26 m / 2.36 m
- Hull material: Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP)
- Rig: cutter rigging
- Propulsion: Perkins M2656Ti (265 BHP) on Hurth 630 reversing gearbox with rigid shaft and three-blade rotary blade propeller
- Planned area of operation: Worldwide travel
- Special feature of this boat: Sale from first ownership
The yacht is characterized by its voluminous, robust hull design, an extremely stable construction and a layout designed for long journeys. Typical of Oyster is the combination of solid structure, sophisticated technology and luxurious interior fittings with a maritime quality finish. Thick laminate, reliable fittings and a well-protected cockpit make the 68 a serious ocean-going yacht.
Identified defects
Category A Defects
Category B1 Defects
Category B2 Defects
Category C Defects
The main safety-relevant deficiencies (categories A and B1) included, among others:
- Rudder: Partial delamination of the rudder shell from the foam core, increased moisture and increased rudder bearing play.
- Keel/stub connection: Cracking in the filling between keel and stub, water leakage, possible corrosion of the keel bolts (not accessible).
- Sea valves / onboard passages: Partially stiff or tight, one onboard passage broke off completely with moderate operation.
- Bilge installations: Brittle hoses and heavily corroded hose clamps on seawater-bearing installations below the WL.
- Exhaust systems: Defective insulation and water leaks in the exhaust pipes of the machine and genset.
- Electrics & bonding: Chaotic cable routing, corroded connections, ineffective potential equalization system.
Recommendations
- Lowering of the keel, visual inspection and, if necessary, renewal/treatment of the keel bolts; professional resealing of the keel/stub transition.
- Rudder: Core samples for assessment, repair of the delamination, renewal of the rudder bearings, overhaul of the steering including new steering cables.
- Complete renewal of all sea valves and on-board feedthroughs (e.g. on Trudesign system) and replacement of all seawater-bearing hoses and clamps.
- Replacement of the shaft seal and overhaul of the gearbox, shaft coupling and shaft bearings.
- Complete replacement of the exhaust systems of the machine and generator, including new insulation.
- Complete overhaul of the electrical installation by a certified marine electrician, including a new bonding system.
- Rigger work: Replacing the standing rigging, repairing/rebuilding the cracked spinnaker pole, rebuilding the paint system on the mast and boom, sealing the chainplates.
After completion of the shipyard work, a follow-up survey was recommended to verify that the refit was carried out professionally and to reassess the condition and seaworthiness.
Gallery of defects
Definition of defect categories
Category A defects
Defects that acutely endanger seaworthiness, navigational safety and/or the safety of persons and require immediate rectification.
Category B1 defects
Defects that represent an incipient failure mode in a primary structural system (e.g. keel-hull connection, standing rigging, propulsion engine).
Category B2 defects
Defects that only restrict the convenience or usability of secondary, non-safety-critical systems (e.g. insufficient freezing capacity or minor electrical faults).
Category C defects
Defects that do not pose a safety threat and are predominantly cosmetic.
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Links
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Further reference surveys
Your valuer in Porto San Rocco, Italy
This yacht appraisal in Muggia was carried out by
Ing. Ingolf Schneider, MASc (AffIIMS)
Certified Marine Surveyor for Boats and Yachts up to24m. (LLoyds Maritime Academy, American Boat and Yacht Council). Member of the International Institure of Marine Surveying and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.
