I've got a '26 that has always sailed in fresh water (Great Lakes and inland lakes) I'm soon to be moving to Seattle, where she will be in salt water for the first time. Is this reason to barrier coat, or does the 1985 '26 not have blistering history?
Barrier Coat
- Thread starter AircooledPatriot
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26 does have blister history in southeast
I have a 26 which I bought at fire sale price because of the condition of the bottom. Extensive small blisters. Many hours of grinding, filling and fairing. Used multiple coats of sealers and marine primers before coats of antifouling. I also view an O'day 23 whose bottom was worse than mine, but owner just paints antifouling over everything and sails on.
I have a 26 which I bought at fire sale price because of the condition of the bottom. Extensive small blisters. Many hours of grinding, filling and fairing. Used multiple coats of sealers and marine primers before coats of antifouling. I also view an O'day 23 whose bottom was worse than mine, but owner just paints antifouling over everything and sails on.
Blisters
I've heard that blistering is an issue with many boats built in the '80s, it is not unique to any make or model. One explanation is that the chemistry of the polyester resins was being modified to make the them less dangerous to use and less damaging to the environment. It wasn't until a few years down the road that boat owners and manufacturers got to feel the pain of those modifications. Many manufacturers now use vinylester resin under the gelcoat instead of polyester to prevent blistering. I think it would be hard to make a case against applying an epoxy barrier coat other than the cost of it. As far as I know it is recommended by both boat manufacterers and the producers of bottom paint. And, besides, the O'day 26 is such a nice boat it would be a real shame to see any harm come to it!
I've heard that blistering is an issue with many boats built in the '80s, it is not unique to any make or model. One explanation is that the chemistry of the polyester resins was being modified to make the them less dangerous to use and less damaging to the environment. It wasn't until a few years down the road that boat owners and manufacturers got to feel the pain of those modifications. Many manufacturers now use vinylester resin under the gelcoat instead of polyester to prevent blistering. I think it would be hard to make a case against applying an epoxy barrier coat other than the cost of it. As far as I know it is recommended by both boat manufacterers and the producers of bottom paint. And, besides, the O'day 26 is such a nice boat it would be a real shame to see any harm come to it!
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