Every material that goes into a boat ends up somewhere it cannot later be changed. Material acceptance means confirming, before use, that the right material has arrived with the right paperwork and has been stored correctly.
What is checked
- Steel and aluminium plate
- Grade, thickness and size; the marking on the plate matching the maker's certificate (EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate). The heat number must be traceable.
- Resin and gelcoat
- Type, batch number, manufacture and expiry dates; storage temperature.
- Reinforcement fabrics
- Type, weight and orientation; stored away from damp.
- Core
- Material, density and thickness, checked against the specification.
- Welding consumables
- Wire and electrodes matched to the welding procedure and stored dry.
- Equipment
- Engines, shafts, valves and electrical gear; model and serial numbers must match the specification.
The acceptance process
- Paperwork. Order, delivery note and maker's certificate compared.
- Physical check. Dimensions, markings and visible damage.
- Storage. Temperature, humidity and shelf-life conditions.
- Record. Accepted or rejected, with photos; rejected material is marked separately.
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- Local equipment supply: Advantages and checks.
Which documents are requested?
When materials arrive at the yard, documents are requested showing they match the specification. For metal plate and sections, the mill certificate shows grade and chemistry; the heat number on it must match the marking on the plate. For resin, fibre and core, the data sheet, batch number and production date are checked. For timber, species and moisture content are checked, and for marine plywood compliance with the relevant standard.
Shelf life and storage
Resins, hardeners and some adhesives have a limited shelf life. Material past its date or stored in the wrong conditions may not reach its expected strength. So store temperature, humidity and protection from sun are checked. Core materials and fibre should be kept closed and off the floor so they do not take up moisture.
Records and traceability
Which batch was used in which part of the boat is recorded. If a problem appears in one area later, the other areas built from the same batch are known. The record is part of the build file and keeps its value for the boat's whole life.
Non-conforming material
Material with missing papers, damage or not matching the specification is marked and set aside unused. Its replacement goes through the same check. If the yard proposes an equivalent, the change is approved in writing with its data sheet.
Local supply
The same principle applies to locally made equipment and materials: papers, dimensions and quality are checked on delivery. The advantage of a nearby supplier is that shortfalls can be put right quickly.
Timing
Material acceptance is not a one-off at the start of the build; it repeats with every delivery. Cable, hose and valves arriving for systems installation get the same attention.
Owner-supplied material
An owner may buy some equipment or material and send it to the yard. The same check is made on delivery, and a delivery note is signed with the yard: model, serial number, condition and any shortfalls. It prevents later arguments over warranty or damage. The installation interface, and who holds the warranty after installation, are settled at this point too.
Acceptance is the last chance before material goes into the boat; an error found later usually means removal and rework.
Every check is logged with a date.