Are blisters common?

[Dave]

Hi. I am a possible future 26X owner. I currently have a 1983 Catalina 30. I subscribe to the sailnet 26X list, and there has been some discussion on blisters. I understand that MacGregor does NOT cover any kinds of hull blistering, even for the first year. While I understand that the 26X is designed to be an inexpensive, entry level boat, the lack of proper hull warranty coverage worries me. So, how common are blisters on 26Xs that aare left in the water year round?

 

[Mike]

If I had a dime for every Blister!

I have a 99 Mac and found about 12-15 blisters----i stopped counting after ten. Most of them where about the size of dimes, but one in the centerboard trunk was 3"x1"xquater inch deep----i had to fill it wiht resin. Sure i should have called Roger Mac. himself and bitch him out, but i dealt with him about the leaky deck hardware. Mac's response--"well , about half of our boat leak when is rains--it's because of the bounding during high speed." thats b.s., because i just bought the boat! Very Apathetic and unconcerned response from Mac. corp. I spoke to a few Mac owners and it seems that the blistering problem seemed to increase in the 1999,2000 boats---not sure about current. From my experience, i don't think they will address the problem until sales drop and Q.A. is improved. Good luck friend  I have to say, i like the boat, even though it's not perfect. One good thing came from the leaky cabin-----the boats name: THE SOGGY SCOT (thinking of sending a picture of a drunken Scot.in a kilt to Roger Macgregor, drenched with water and standing in front of my boat with her name in big letters--The Soggy Scot)------hehehehehe...