The Tramex Skipper 5, the updated Skipper Plus, is an instant, precise, dual-depth, analog, non-destructive marine moisture meter which detects excess moisture hidden in GRP boat hulls, decks and coach roofs, including sandwich or cored structures.

The Dual Depth feature of the Skipper 5 makes it possible to determine where the moisture is located within GRP composites. Shallow-depth readings of up to 3/8 inch (10mm) and deep-depth readings of up to 1 1/4 inch (30mm) can be used to compare surface moisture and core moisture and eliminate the influence of the substrate when testing coverings.

Moisture readings can be visualised with the Tramex Meters App and turned into moisture maps, reports and charts for sharing. Bluetooth connectivity to mobile devices also allows GeoTagging of test results and the creation and sharing of photos. The Skipper 5 is the new and improved version of the well-established and trusted Skipper Plus (SMP) moisture meter.

Features

• 3 ranges of non-destructive sensitivity: Hard Wood / Shallow Depth / GRP
• Dual-Depth penetration allows comparison of surface and core moisture to help establish the depth of any moisture within GRP composites
• Deep signal penetration, up to 1 1/4 inch (30mm) in wood and GRP, detects elevated moisture at depth without damaging the materials being tested
• Shallow Depth scale with a field penetration of up to 3/8 inch (10mm)
• Shallow-depth scale is comparable to pin readings, reading in a smaller, more precise footprint
• Wide range of readings: 5% to 30% on the Wood scale and 0 to 100 on the comparative scale for GRP
• Detects excess moisture hidden in GRP boat hulls, decks and coach roofs including sandwich or cored structures
• Bluetooth connection to the accompanying iOS and Android app for GeoTagged, image-based documentary evidence of moisture measurements and readings
• Hold function to freeze the reading where the meter face may not be visible
• High moisture audio warning tone which can be enabled or disabled
• Large, clear, easy to read analog display
• Rugged, ergonomically designed enclosure

How It Works

GRP composites and hardwoods are non-conducting materials, but their electrical properties change with increasing moisture content. The Skipper 5 determines moisture content by applying a high audio frequency signal between a pair of soft rubber electrodes on the instrument base. A third electrode provides genuine shallow range measurements on a smaller footprint. Capacitive coupling between the electrodes and the sample allows impedance to be determined, which is interpreted as a moisture value and displayed on a large, clear moving coil meter. Meter readings may also be sent instantly to the Tramex App on Android and iOS mobile devices by Bluetooth.

Applications and Suitable Materials

• Identifying osmosis problems before blisters appear
• Identifying wet cores in sandwich or cored structures
• Monitoring hulls for drying before repairs and osmosis treatments
• Checking timber for excess moisture before painting, sheathing or varnishing
• Reads through paints, varnishes and sheathing such as Cascover without causing damage
• Finding and tracing leaks above and below decks
• Suitable materials: GRP (fibreglass) hulls, decks and coach roofs, cored and sandwich structures, marine timbers and hardwoods

Specifications