Tramex Skipper Moisture Meter 5 Non-Destructive Marine Moisture Detector

The Tramex Skipper 5 is a moisture sensing instrument that uses the latest electronic technology to perform non-destructive moisture measurements in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and wooden boats, polyester hulls, decks and coach roofs, including sandwich or core structures. It has three function scales that allow you to select the appropriate scale for the material and environment you are working in.

The instrument works on the principle that the electrical impedance of a material varies with moisture content. To measure / detect moisture, press the meter with the three coplanar conductive rubber electrodes onto the object to be measured. The instrument measures the electrical impedance of the material under test by creating a low-frequency alternating electric field between the electrodes.
This field penetrates the material under test to a depth of approximately 30 mm, depending on the material being tested and the range used, or 10 mm in Shallow Depth mode.
This very small current flowing through the field is inversely proportional to the impedance of the material. The instrument detects this current, determines the amplitude and, after processing, sends the pointer of the moving coil meter to the calculated moisture value.

With 3 function scales, the electrodes can be used to determine the possible moisture in GRP composites both shallow (10 mm) and deep (30 mm).

Wooden boats
Use scale 1 hardwood for wooden boats.
Moisture readings for wood should be read from the top scale of the gauge marked Wood% MC, which gives a percentage of moisture by weight of 5% to 30%. Excess moisture trapped in the wood itself or under layers of paint or in keel joints or in the bow etc. can lead to rot, decay and structural damage over time.
Like a GRP boat, your Skipper 5 is a useful preventative maintenance tool that can be used for the annual inspection of the hull above and below the waterline, deck, cabin and inside or outside the boat.
It can also be determined whether wood is sufficiently dry to apply paint or other coatings.

Polyester boats
Use scale 3 G.R.P. when checking GRP boats.
Osmosis is a general term used to categorize a condition where GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) breaks down underwater. This degradation is caused by water entering the gelcoat and chemically reacting with uncured resins, binders and other elements in the GRP lay-up. Once this reaction takes place, blisters can eventually form.
Osmosis is most commonly found in the underwater area of ​​the hull or directly above the waterline. If the meter gives a high reading, it could indicate osmosis.

In addition to the classic analog display, measurements can also be sent to the free Tramex app on paired Android and iOS devices.The Tramex Skipper 5 has an ergonomic design, is easy to handle and immediately deployable as it does not require prior calibration by rthe user .