If you own a boat, you know that your fibreglass or composite boat’s hull and structure are its most important parts. They keep your boat strong, handle waves, and protect everything inside. But sometimes, problems like cracks, water damage, or hidden layer separation can develop without anyone noticing. That’s why a hull and structure inspection is so important, especially if you’re buying a boat or want to keep your current one safe.

Traditionally, surveyors use the tap test to check a boat’s hull. During this process, the surveyor taps the hull with a small hammer or mallet and listens carefully to the sound. A sharp, clear sound means the hull is solid, while a dull or hollow sound can indicate potential problems.

Surveyors use this method to detect issues such as cracks, water intrusion, delamination, and weakened core areas, sometimes supplementing it with moisture meters or visual checks to confirm their findings. While effective, the traditional tap test can be slow, tiring, and dependent on the surveyor’s experience, especially for larger vessels or hard-to-reach areas (The Marine Surveyors).

Why It Still Matters in a High-Tech World

Today, shipyards and surveyors have access to advanced inspection tools; ultrasound, thermography, and even radar imaging. Yet tap testing remains a favourite because it is fast and low-cost, large hull sections can be checked in minutes. It’s Non-destructive. There is no drilling or cutting required. It’s reliable, especially effective for detecting near-surface flaws like delamination.

Tap Testing in Action

Warranty Inspections: On a Leopard 45 catamaran, surveyors used tap testing to reveal hidden voids and delamination under the gelcoat, ensuring warranty claims were backed by evidence (Travel Sketch Sailing).

Pre-Purchase Surveys: On a 50-foot sport fisher, tapping uncovered a section where the fibreglass skin hadn’t bonded to the core. Repairs were made, and a follow-up tap test confirmed the hull’s integrity (The Marine Surveyors).

These cases show how a simple hammer tap can save boat owners thousands of dollars and prevent dangerous structural failures.

How RESONIKS Makes Hull Inspections Smarter, Faster, and Safer

At RESONIKS, we’ve modernised the traditional tap test with AI-powered acoustic technology, making fiberglass or composite inspections faster, safer, and more accurate. This isn’t just good for surveyors, it’s a game-changer for ship manufacturers and boat owners. Manufacturers can inspect complex structures faster and ensure quality during production. Owners get peace of mind knowing hidden issues are caught early, saving money and improving safety. Less manual tapping means safer inspections, consistent results, and faster turnaround, without compromising accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Your hull is the backbone of your boat. Traditional tap tests can reveal hidden problems, but with AI Power acoustic inspections are faster, safer, and more precise. Detecting issues early means a safer, stronger, and longer-lasting boat. Every hull deserves a modern inspection that leaves nothing unheard beneath the surface.