Hull
Description
 The MS Watergeus is constructed of steel plating with single riveted seams and double riveted butts, stiffened with approximately 50 x 50 mm riveted angelbar side frames and 150 x 50mm riveted floor frames. The frames are spaced out 350mm apart within the hold area and about 200mm apart in the way of the forward shaped end.
When she was a water supply vessel, the following description was correct:
The original cargo hold has been fitted with a steel roof and subdivided into six water tanks, each entered through individual hatchways fitted on the roof.
Layout
From bow to stern, the layout consists of:
- Chain locker, accessible from the forepeak
- From a storage space forward, just below deck level, steps lead forward into the forepeak space and aft into a void space (when water supply vessel).
- The original cargo hold has been fitted with a steel roof and subdivided into six water tanks, each entered through individual hatchways fitted on the roof (when water supply vessel).
- Accessible through a trunk from starboard side deck is the engine compartment, containing the main and auxiliary machinery, fuel and domestic water tanks and electrical equipment.
- Above the engine room is the small wheelhouse containing the steering position.
- From the wheelhouse steps lead down aft, to the captain's accommodation consisting of a galley, toilet compartment, saloon and, aft of this, a sleeping cabin.
Hull reports
I'm aware of two hull reports:
- 2003: Peter J. Geoffrey (A.M.R.I.N.A.)
- 2006: Euroclass report
2003 report
A full and comprehensive survey was commissioned and carried out on 24th and 25th March 2003. The survey happened when the ship was out of the water at shipyard Swets Marine Services in Terneuzen.
This survey was used as the base for the conversion into a clothes shop in London (see history).
The summarized options writes about the hull:
| Examination of the hull indicates that, despite the vessel's age, the hull remains in generally satisfactory order. Nevertheless, given that the hull below the waterline is affected by some pitting and surface corrosion, it is recommended that it is short blasted and protected with a good quality coating. |
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The report mentioned 27 recommendations. These items are not exclusively for the hull. Some of them mention accommodation issues such as the broken toilet, the technical installation, etc...
2006: Euroclass
On the 16th May 2006, Euroclass did a hull survey.
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