Survey Report | Camala

1. General Particulars

Intended cruising area: Mediterranean
Hull type: Two hulls, moulded stub keels, solid fibreglass
Survey prepared for: Condition & Valuation

2. Circumstances of the Survey

The yacht was available for survey while ashore at Margarona boat yard. Moisture readings were taken with a thermographic scanner.

Owner's Note: The original survey included a lot of photos making the survey file large (over 400mb). I've extracted the survey details here in text, and included what images seem relevant that aren't overly redundant against images already included elsewhere, or needless detail (for example there was about 20 photos of the hull and antifouling, all telling the same story, but have since been blasted, sanded and repaired). I've tried to remain honest to the survey and include as much detail as relevant without overwhelming the file size of this page.

I've tried to include notes about work that has been done, and work that still remains. There's still a number of points that need to be reviewed, and I've tried to be honest, but I'm also some-what ignorant as to what might be important to you. A new survey would likely be very valuable.

3. General Limitations of the Survey

The survey was limited to a non-destructive inspection. Unexposed parts of the yacht were not inspected unless specifically commented upon. Inaccessible parts of the yacht were not inspected. It is possible that dismantling or destructive testing may reveal other defects not possible to be noted by the surveyor.

Unless an item was specifically commented upon it should be considered that the item was not inspected. If an item was operated or operation witnessed it will be noted as such in the report, any other items should be considered as untested.

The report concerns condition of the yacht at time of survey and future condition cannot be anticipated. Dismantling of machinery may reveal a different condition than was possible to determine within the constraints of a typical inspection.

It is always recommended to have any machinery inspected and serviced by a specialist engineer. The rigging was inspected from deck level only. For further inspection of any rigging, inspection by rigger is required.

5. Certification

6. CE Marking

7. General Construction

Fibre reinforced plastic.

8. Hull Below Water Line

Hull below waterline surfaces were fair, checked with thermographic scanner, with cracks and crazing showing through the antifouling. We did find delamination and voids. There were osmosis blisters. There were no repairs seen but repairs generally cannot be identified and analysed with antifouling present if they are fair to the hull surfaces.

Owner's Note: Both hulls have now been completely stripped back to the gelcoat, osmosis blisters ground out, filled with epoxy filler, and barrier-coated. See the Hull zone for the full photo documentation of this process.

9. Keels

There were no signs of any impact.

10. Topsides

Fair condition. The hull above water line:

A. The white paint is dull
B. Many deep scratches

Owner's Note (March 2026): Have sanded back above the waterline, filled and repaired scratches with epoxy filler. See the Hull zone for the full photo documentation of this process. Painting is unfinished.

11. Frames, Bulkheads, Internal Structure

Bulkhead edges were tight and there were some cracks to bulkheads found. The inner liner with cracks. The stringers of the liner were with cracks. Many of the above areas have been unprofessionally badly repaired. Salt deposits by the transducer and the intake water valve (cracks around them).

Owner's Note: Have made some repairs and strengthened some areas, but needs to be reviewed again.

12. Deck Moulding

Deck with structural damages. Walking heavily on the deck did produce cracking sounds and deflection. Teak rail cracked in places.

Owner's Note: Deck repairs are ongoing. Several areas have been reinforced. See the Deck zone and Aft Deck Repairs zone for progress photos.

13. Moisture Readings

Atmospheric humidity at time of survey: 69%, Temperature 26°C
Humidity 40cm around keels: 7.5% starboard, 8.2% port
Humidity all other areas: 6.1–7.3%
Humidity at lower part of rudders: 8.0%
Humidity at upper part: 6.5%
Acceptable readings: up to 10%

Owner's Note: The boat has been on the dry for over 18 months, and through at least 2 Greek summers. A lot of work has been done to fix leaks and make the boat water tight, so the moisture readings should be potentially lower now. The boat has also been through 2 winters, including one where I was living aboard the boat for much of it. Through various storms and torrential rain, the boat has not shown any water leakage from the outside elements. Clearly this still needs to be testing in the water!

14. Coachroof

Did find areas with delamination and voids.

15. Cockpit

Cockpit was in fair condition. Wooden retractable floors are collapsing on any weight.

Owner's Note: See the Bimini, Cockpit & Arch zone for current cockpit photos. Retractable floor has been replaced and now strong.

17. Rudders & Steering

Fibreglass rudders without split between the two mouldings. Port side rudder has been crushed. Play of the rudder not acceptable. Upper rudder base is broken. Autopilot powers on and the electric linear drive works. The autopilot is operational. Starboard side rudder in fair condition. Steering has excess play. Hydraulic system of the steering is leaking. The brackets of the rudder shaft are dragging on the rudder moulding. The beam connecting the two rudders has been welded and the ball joints are stiff.

Owner's Note: See the Rudders zone for photos of current rudder condition. Lots of work done to repair the rudders.

18. Stern Gear

Three-blade propeller is in fair condition, driven by a sail drive.

19. Cathodic Protection

Anodes are to be replaced.

20. Ports & Windows

All windows and hatches are in fair condition. Side windows also.

21. Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines, Jackstays

All stanchions are rigid with some surface corrosion. Pulpit secure and without damages. Guard rails were secure.

Owner's Note: Many of the guard rail connections have been reinforced with metal plates internally, bolts replaced and re-sealed.

22. Ground Tackle & Mooring Arrangements

Galvanised DELTA type main anchor of 20kg in bad condition. Anchor roller in fair condition. Anchor chain with excess rust. Manual brake worn over limit. Gipsy in bad condition. Rust around securing bolts. Windlass is not secure as it is.

Owner's Note (March 2025): The windlass has been completely removed, the mounting base reinforced and rebuilt, and a new windlass installed. New chain and anchor. See the Windlass zone for the full rebuild documentation.

23. Davits, Boarding Ladders, Passerelle, Platforms

Stainless bathing ladder found without damages. Suitable for recovery of man overboard.

24. Spars

Roller furler and drum in poor condition, with free movement of the drum. Aluminium mast bolted on deck. Looking up, the extrusions were fair and the spreaders looked secure. The boom looked straight.

Owner's Note (March 2025): I believe a roller furler is in a spare parts box, but was never fitted to the boat and I never really looked into it.

25. Standing Rigging

There are signs of galvanic corrosion at the first spreaders of the mast
The mast is stepped on the hull, and is supported properly
The mast is straight, without being cocked to either side or bowed in the middle
Chainplates aligned with the turnbuckles, stays, and shrouds
There are signs of leaking around chainplates
The terminal fittings were with bends, only some, and rust
All turnbuckles were with rust and bends
All turnbuckle barrels were not secured to the threads; split pins were missing
The spreaders bisect the shrouds at equal angles
The spreader ends are secured to the shroud
The spreader ends are supposed to be protected with a rubber boot, which are worn
Cotter pins — most of them are missing
The "T" terminals do not show any indication of stress
All halyard fittings are in poor condition
The masthead mounts for wind indicators and radio antennas were tight
Upper and lower shrouds are bent and are overstretched
Forestay and cutter stay in same condition

Owner's Note: See the Mast & Rigging zone for current rigging photos. Standing rigging replacement is a known requirement before any bluewater passage.

26. Running Rigging

Running rigging ropes are in poor condition.

27. Winches

Winches are in fair condition, need the annual service.

28. Sails & Covers

Sails are in fair condition. They were only checked visually.

29. Bilge Pumps Arrangement

Owner's Note: There are various bilge bumps as spare parts, but none of fitted permanently.

30. Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire extinguishers were on board, expired.

31. Life Saving & Emergency Equipment

EPIRB — not available on board
Adult life jackets — available on board
Lifebuoys — not available on board
Parachute signals — not available on board
Hand flares — not available on board
Smoke signals — not available on board
Life raft — not available on board

Owner's Note: There is a life raft for the boat, but needs an inspection or replacement.

32. Navigation Lights

All lights should be checked.

Owner's Note: Have checked and replaced with LEDs. All appear to be working.

33. Engine & Installation

The engine is a Beta Marine. The engine drives an unidentified sail drive.

Engine S/N: B388V1505

34. Engine Compartment

The engine compartment was not clean — salt and oil deposits. The sound proofing was in poor condition. Hours of the engine on display are 1706. Engine with severe electrolysis particularly around the heat exchanger. The water strainer is placed below the level of the top of the engine. Also there is no installation of back pressure relief valve. The sail drive has excess galvanic corrosion.

Owner's Note: See the Engine zone for current engine bay photos. 10mm high temperature closed cell insulation is on the boat, ready for installation.

35. Fuel System

According to the builder a fuel tank of 132L is provided. On this boat a plastic tank is installed under the cockpit sole which is connected to the primary filter with many joints, without a shut-off valve and without an external breather. The tank is secured with squeezed-in plastic containers.

36. Accommodation General

All interior is in fair condition considering the age and neglected maintenance.

Owner's Note: The entire interior has been stripped of old insulation and lining and replaced throughout with new materials. See the cabin zones for before/after documentation: Master & Main Cabin, Aft Port Cabin, Aft Starboard Cabin, Forward Starboard Cabin.

37. Gas System

Single cylinder installation. Gas hose with deterioration. Also copper pipe with corrosion.

38. Fresh Water Tanks and Delivery

Water tanks of 280L.

39. Grey Water System

Water from the shower is pumped out to the sea with the use of a pump.

Owner's Note: Water from the kitchen sink (and previously installed bathroom sink) drains directly to the sea.

40. Heads & Black Water System

A manual toilet is in fair condition. Black water is driven to the holding tank.

41. Electrical Installation

Electrical installation was in a poor condition, installed unprofessionally. Many interference issues.

Owner's Note: The electrical system has been significantly reworked, including a major solar installation and new battery bank. See the Electrics & Solar zone for the full documentation.

42. Electronic & Navigation Equipment

All electronics are in fair condition.

43. Heating & Refrigeration

Owner's Note: 12v fridge has been installed. Diesel heater is included, but not installed.

44. Other Equipment

Solar panels are placed and do function well. Starboard side solar panel installed on the frame is broken. Also the frame is bent.

Owner's Note: Complete solar array has been redesigned and reinstalled. See the Electrics & Solar zone.

45. Sea Trial

Sea trial is pending.

46. Recommendations

Remove all paints, preferably by blasting. Repair all damaged areas and either epoxy or, in case of leaving the boat for long periods in the water, apply copper coat. The works should be done under supervision by certified personnel.

Owner's Note: Largely completed

Repair damaged areas on the hull above water line.

Owner's Note: A lot of work done, needs to be reviewed to determine what is remaining.

Replace wooden toe rail.

Owner's Note: Replacement started, have the rubber, just needs doing.

Remove all areas covered under the deck and repair/reinforce weak areas. The works should be done under supervision by certified personnel.

Owner's Note: Some of this has done and needs review to identify remaining work.

Remove all floors and repair all damaged areas. The works should be done under supervision by certified personnel.

Owner's Note: Some of this has done and needs review to identify remaining work.

Engine and sail drive should be checked and repaired. Sail drive should be secured.
Replace insulation with certified fire-proof material. The works should be done under supervision by certified personnel.

Owner's Note: Should be completed

Have all lifesaving equipment checked/repaired/replaced.
Have all fire extinguishers checked, refill/replace as necessary.
Change all anodes.
Remove both rudders, check, replace bearings and seals. Port side rudder shaft should be checked.

Owner's Note: Partially done. Bearings and seals need replacing / repairing.

Repair hydraulic system of the steering.
Ball joints of the rudder connecting beam should be replaced. The brackets should be checked also.
Standing rigging should be replaced and certified.
All electrics should be checked and repaired in order to avoid short circuits and/or fire.

Owner's Note: Should be completed, but needs reviewing

Fuel tank should be secured in place. Breather of the tank should be installed.
Replace the existing pipes with certified fuel pipes and install a shut-off valve.
Replace all flexible pipes.
Check the gas cooker.
Repair water leaks on transducer and fresh water intake for the engine.
Replace the missing starboard side cleat at bow.
Replace the anchor and anchor chain.

Owner's Note: Complete

Windlass should be removed and repaired. Reinforce the base of the windlass and replace the slider.

Owner's Note: Complete

47. Suggestions

We suggest the installation of gas leak detectors in conjunction with an automatic shut-off valve.
We do suggest to install an automatic fire extinguisher in the engine room.
For 220V supply it would be wise to install on the main board a voltage drop sensor.

48. Conclusions

The yacht has no visible structural defect. The yacht also was with some mostly cosmetic neglect and various maintenance items are required to be completed to bring the yacht into excellent condition. The yacht was generally operational. The yacht should not be more than a normal insurance risk. "CAMALA" cannot be considered safe and seaworthy. (Seaworthiness classifies whether a boat has passed the required tests and safety checks to be able to sail without any mishaps. It determines whether or not the boat has been properly assessed, outfitted and maintained in accordance with international marine laws.)

Owner's Note: This survey was conducted in September 2024. Since then, significant work has been completed addressing many of the recommendations above. Browse the boat explorer zone pages for detailed photo documentation of all work completed. The goal is to bring Camala to a condition where she can be safely sailed and enjoyed by her new owner.

49. Statement of Evaluation

The following is the accepted marine grading system of condition:

Excellent (Bristol) Condition: A vessel maintained in mint or Bristol fashion — usually better than factory new — loaded with extras — a rarity.
Above Average Condition: Has had above average care and is equipped with extra electrical and electronic gear.
Average Condition: Ready for sale requiring no additional work and normally equipped for her size.
Fair Condition: Requires usual maintenance to prepare for sale.
Poor Condition: Substantial yard work required and devoid of extras.
Restorable Condition: Enough of hull and engine exists to restore the boat to usable condition.

Overall Vessel Rating at time of survey: Restorable Condition