Marine Survey Analysis
1981 · Albin Nimbus 42 · 41.42 ft / 12.62 m · GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
This vessel has 17 safety deficiencies, a failed keel repair with a hole in the bottom, alarming moisture readings, an untested engine with oil in the bilge, and standing rigging of unknown age on a 41-year-old boat. Do not purchase without a significant price reduction, a clean independent engine survey, and confirmed keel repair.
⚠ Moisture Warning
Position A port reads 570, starboard 590. The surveyor's scale defines 200+ as wet. These readings are nearly three times the wet threshold.
⚠ Engine Warning — Oil in Bilge
An independent engine survey by a qualified marine diesel technician is non-negotiable before purchase. Oil in the bilge is unexplained. Engine replacement costs $15,000–$25,000 CAD — the single largest financial risk in this transaction.
⚠ Standing Rigging — Age Unknown
Standing rigging was not formally assessed. On a 41-year-old vessel, replacement should be assumed unless documented. Budget $8,000–$15,000 CAD for full standing rigging replacement. Running rigging: $3,000–$8,000 CAD.
This 1981 Albin Nimbus 42 was rated Fair/Poor by an accredited SAMS surveyor with a market value of $46,000 CAD. The survey identified 17 safety deficiencies that must be resolved before the vessel can legally go underway, including seized thru-hull valves, inoperative bilge pumps, cracked exhaust, and non-functional VHF and radar. Critically, the keel repair is detaching and leaving a hole in the bottom — a finding noted in the survey body but not formally flagged — and moisture readings at position A (570–590) are more than double the wet threshold of 200, strongly indicating advanced osmosis. The engine was not tested underway and oil in the bilge is unexplained; an independent engine survey is non-negotiable before any purchase decision.
A.1SurveyCracked exhaust hose, single-clamped connections
The exhaust hose is cracked and connections are not double-clamped. This is a fire and carbon monoxide risk — exhaust gases can enter the cabin.
A.2SurveyFuel fill system not grounded
The fuel fill system has no grounding. This is a fire and explosion risk and a Transport Canada violation.
A.3SurveyFuel lines lack flexible section
Rigid copper fuel lines connect directly to the engine without a flex piece. Engine vibration can crack these lines and cause a fuel leak or fire.
B.1SurveyStem damage and prior repair
The bow has been repaired previously, has GRP chips, and is missing fairing at a drain.
B.2SurveyForward bulkhead delaminating
The plywood wall between the chain locker and forward cabin is separating. Monitor and repair.
B.3SurveyOil in bilge under engine
Oil in the bilge indicates a possible engine leak. Must be investigated with engine running.
C.1SurveyFire extinguishers not recently inspected
Gauges show charged but no inspection tags. Schedule annual service.
C.2SurveyNo bilge water alarm
An audible bilge water alarm is recommended by ABYC.
C.3SurveyNo fixed engine compartment fire suppression
ABYC recommends fixed suppression or a dedicated portable extinguisher for the engine compartment.
✓ Hull structurally sound — no delamination
Percussion sounding showed no delamination. The GRP laminate is structurally intact despite high moisture readings.
✓ Sails recently inspected by Doyle Sails
Full sail inventory inspected and serviced this off-season by a professional sailmaker. Meaningful positive.
✓ No osmosis blistering visible on hull exterior
Despite high moisture readings, no surface blistering was noted. Moisture may be concentrated in the laminate.
✓ Interior woodwork in good condition
For a 41-year-old vessel, the interior teak and woodwork is in good condition.
Issues common to this hull/era, whether or not flagged in the survey.
Position A port reads 570, starboard 590. The surveyor's scale defines 200+ as wet. These readings are nearly three times the wet threshold.
Values this high on a 1981 GRP hull strongly indicate advanced osmotic blistering (osmosis). Treatment typically requires haulout, blister repair, full epoxy barrier coat application, and drying time — a process that can take months and cost $8,000–$20,000 CAD depending on severity. This was not formally flagged in the Findings section but is visible in the moisture meter table and should be treated as a critical finding.
Standing Rigging
Age unknown — assume replacement needed
Running Rigging
Poor — portions at end of useful life per surveyor (A.16). Full replacement recommended.
Sails
Good — full inventory inspected and serviced by Doyle Sails this off-season.
Tested underway
No — engine not tested underway
Bilge oil
Oil found in bilge — source unknown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| ~Osmosis treatment — hull blister repair + epoxy barrier coatScope unknown until hull is fully dried and assessed. | $8,000 | $20,000 |
| ~Keel repair — detaching repair + hole in bottomRequires haulout and professional assessment. | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| All thru-hull valves — service or replace (all seized)Requires haulout. | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Standing rigging replacement (full)Assume full replacement given vessel age. | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Running rigging replacement (full)Portions already at end of life per surveyor. | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| ~Engine investigation + potential repairRanges from minor leak fix to full replacement. | $2,000 | $25,000 |
| Exhaust system repair | $400 | $800 |
| Fuel system grounding + flex lines | $500 | $1,000 |
| Propane system repair | $300 | $700 |
| VHF radio replacement | $400 | $800 |
| Bilge pump replacement (both) | $500 | $1,000 |
| Battery securing + electrical fixes | $300 | $600 |
| Bonding system repair | $600 | $1,500 |
| Sanitation system — holding tank installRequired by law in Canadian waters. | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Safety equipment (smoke, CO, bilge alarm, EPIRB) | $500 | $1,000 |
| Navigation electronics (GPS, repeater) | $600 | $1,500 |
| ~Teak deck caulking + fastener repairFull teak replacement if subdeck rot found: $20,000–$40,000. | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Total estimated range | $32,100 | $96,400 |
~ uncertain scope · Wide range reflects uncertainty around osmosis, engine, and keel scope. Teak subdeck rot excluded — if present, add $20,000–$40,000.
Suggested offer range
$21,000 – $31,000