#30 - It's all about where you put your probe : Ultrasonic metal thickness testing

Welcome to the 16th of Season 2
It's all about where you put your probe.

This week we finally get to do a proper ultrasonic metal thickness test using the Olympus 38DL!
NDT or Non Destructive testing is a term which covers a number of methods of testing which do not cause damage to the thing which is being tested.
We have our own Ultrasonic Thickness Tester which is a Panametric DL25 but to use that we need to expose some metal and test by placing the probe directly in the exposed steel. The amazing thing about the DL38 is that it will read through paint and even through epoxy fairing to an extent.

But it only reads that exact spot so vital inspection of the steel is still a crucial part of the process.

We have now checked the entire hull, from a few inches above the waterline, right down to the underneath of the keel, and along the entire length of the hull using the DL38 and we're super happy.

We know the areas we need to focus on and having done this we are confident there are unlikely to be any major nasty surprises down the line.

We're still going to wet blast the entire hull from the waterline down later in the spring, but for that we need a few days good weather so we can treat and paint the metal straight away.

We're doing the major welding jobs first so the new and old steel will all get blasted to the same texture and "key" making for better paint coating adhesion globally.

We are Andy, Melissa and Jack, a sailing family based in North Wales, and for the past couple of years we have been looking for a bluewater sailing yacht to take us around the world.

Well we've finally found her. Our new sailing yacht is a John Teal designed 38ft Steel Pilothouse Cutter. She has been standing ashore for at least 15 years and now we're embarking on the huge challenge of refitting her and doing her up ready to go sailing around the world.

Follow along with our journey and help us with any advice and tips you have along the way.

Our equipment
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless DSLR
FeiyuTech a1000 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
GoPro Hero 7
GoPro Hero 3
Iphone 8s Plus
Samsung S20
DJI Mavic Air

Our links

If you would like to make a regular contribution to help towards getting us started on our adventure you can use this link to go to Patreon

or make a one time contribution via PayPal using this link

We would like to say a massive thank you for all your support so far!!

KO-FI is a website where you can support us buy buying us a "coffee" which would really help us out.
We would love if if you bought us a coffee or Jack and ice cream, click the link below :)

We also have a wish;ist now on Amazon if you'd like to help us out that way......

Other links to our contributors and friends

Great Dane 28 Website
This is the official website for the Great Dane 28 owners. Here you can find the history of the GD28 and a full list of all the owners.

Dudley Dix
Legendary yacht designer Dudley Dix! Dudley is world famous for some of the best racing and cruising yachts ever seen.

Mylor Yacht Club
Lovely people and a stunning place to have a mooring, or just a stop over. Mylor yacht club are very friendly and have all the resources and help you could wish for.

Lincoln Electric - Quite simply the best welding equipment money can buy. And if that wasn't enough, a super lovely and helpful company!

[yellowstonenaturerc]

Your restoration videos are amazing. What strikes me as most important, and educational, is that your videos, unlike some others, are truly a "Family" project. Each member of your family share in the restoration, and that you always show Jack as an important part of the ongoing adventure. To 'Jack' I say 'high five kid' you are awesome! I can only imagine how proud your parents are of you. ... Your friend in Cody, Wyoming

[langbangnz]

Probably the most positive and optimistic person I have ever seen, wish I was more like that! Good on you guys 👍

[lydiaajohnson]

19:10: Boy and dog walking along. Beautiful. Glad you got that on video. You will absolutely cherish that 20 years from now. My little boy is grown now. Happy-sad. Actually, that whole video of the family together on a walk is superb.

[PMMM]

I’m so happy for you all. Having the reassurance of the ultrasound renews your confidence and confirms your intuition regarding your gem in the rough.
As the weather improves, and the days hold more light, your enjoyment will allow tasks to tumble.
Please make time for outings and walks together; Such a lovely family.

[maryjnorwood]

Truly loved the ending with the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Really enjoying your channel. Thank you!💕

[MrELOIGOMES]

I liked the video, but I missed Captain Jack's always pleasant participation in this episode. Surely he'll be back more often soon, won't he? Go ahead and all the happiness in the world for the three of you!

[angeloys]

Great news. Must be really reassuring to know now. Keep safe and can’t wait for next episode.

[keithfletcher]

Money well spent for a peace of mind.Stay safe.Best regards.

[TheDobby]

Family project. Family time. You cannot put a price on it. Well done and keep up the good work. Dave in Canberra Australia.

[paulscott]

Good job you done there, and pretty much explained everything txt book good job. I forgot to tell you the biggest trade secret to UT inspection, a wall paper scraper, quick little tickle of the area before putting your gel on...lol, looks good, well done

[johnbrown]

well done, guys great video again, love the little ship, very good find, roll on spring, missing wales keep up the good work, thank you.

[bobuncle]

That sure is a handy piece of kit. It’s really nice that you knew someone who had one that you could borrow. There are some cheap ones available, but it’s too important to use a cheap tool on a job like this.

[Kathleensailorgirl]

Looks like good news, definitely nice reassurance using the ultrasound. Stay safe ⛵️⛵️💕

[lancedaniels]

Really good news from using the ultrasound. Nice to see a little more of the area around the marina.

[clairepapadatos]

Absolutely brilliant, if not painstaking, work!
So glad that the old girl hadn't any hidden nasty surprises! 👍
Beautiful footage at the end!
Where are you?
All love, and best wishes, Claire, Sally the older Goldie, and Lucy the cat, Berlin 😘 😘 😘 ✌ 👍

[almath]

Thanks, this will give you peace of mind👍🏻 To carry on the theme of the video title... guy in work went to site with a ultrasonic clamp on flow meter to do a test. When he started setting up he released the last person to use the meter had used all the coupling gel! After a 2 hour drive he wasn't going to give up so went do to the nearest supermarket and bought some KY jelly. Worked a treat and he got the job done however when he handed in his expenses the woman in accounts questioned him on his receipt for KY jelly so he had to explaine 😂 Gave us all a good laugh and he still get the odd dig about it😅👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⛵

[Mylifelovingit]

Doing a repetitive job like that is not always fun but the peace of mind afterwards makes it all worth it

[jimmcdonald]

Splendid job Andy & Melissa, and of course Jack. I live in New South Wales, Australia. I've always wanted to know what the south Wales coast looks like. Thank you for the views.

[jimmac]

that's a nice bit of film work there at the end... well done.

[brianbevington]

that is very good news, ..no surprises later on !!