I've got a leak in my house and want to do some of my own poking around before a roofer gets here. Is it worth me buying a decent one, and is it same or similar that I could use to test some spots on the boat?

My moisture meter is used on long weekends not my house .

It's funny, half the people I talked to when I was first looking at boats (supposedly knowlegable people) told me they didn't exist and the other half told me that it was a critical part of a survey. Made me laugh every time. Just reminded me of that when I saw the thread and the minimal response.

Maybe i can get Ed to come by and poke around for me
I would've thought by now "somebody" on OSO has acquired one and would share an idea. It's not like they're some magical wand or something....

I used to be in process controls. These guys dont always have the most quality stuff, but it might work for you.
http://www.omega.com/pptst/HHMM690.html

Go to Google and punch in Marine Moisture Meters. Lot's of opinions as to effectiveness....

does work, but, if there is carbon fibre in any layup, it will show moisture present when there is not. trust me i know by expierence