Blisters... should I run or buy ?

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Brian Gregg

I know this this is a well worn topic ....but I have to ask. We've just finished the survey on a 1982 Hunter 33 that my wife and I are interested in. Fairly long list of items including motor mounts, some electrical issues etc. But , at haulout we found blisters...dime to 50 cent piece size, distributed over the bottom. My surveyor's comments were "On a scale of zero to ten, you have about a 6 here" Is this a common problem with Hunters of this age? If so, is there any history or experience of the problem worsening or stopping? I guess the bottom line is ....Should I run away this boat or can I feel comfortable for the next five /ten years?
 
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Dave Busby

You are ok....if

you are interested in this boat and the hull is sound. This is a common problem of the type resin used in the 80's. But it should not be too big of a problem, just have a good yard man (experienced) sand the blisters down, reseal with new resin, and then paint the bottom. This is done all the time. Good luck.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
If the seller foots the tab.

Brian: If the seller is going to foot the tab for the repair and you have a good hull, I would not worry about it. You could find a boat tomorrow that has no blisters and when you pull it next year it will have them. The problem is the actual cost to have the repair done. Many yards low ball you and then when it comes time to pay your yard bill it is a lot more than the initial quote. This is the reason I would only purchase the boat IF the seller is fixing the problem.
 
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scott

Brian can you determine whether prior fix

was ever done? Does this hull have signs of blister repair? If so then you know you are going to continue to have this problem. Scott
 
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Brian Gregg

No signs of previous repair...

Does the apparent evidence that there are no previous repairs indicate that the blisters I see now are the only ones I'll ever have/see if I have them repaired? Also...is it typical for the seller to either pay for the repair or reduce his sale price for blister repairs ? My broker flip flops on this answer...beginning to have an integrity issue with him... BG
 
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scott

Brian, I have little knowledge re blisters

beyond my previous post, which was that prior repair would be a bad sign. I do know that a barrier coat is often discussed as part of blister repair. I do know from first had experience that a barrier coat will merely trap moisture in the hull if the hull is not "dry" and a moisture meter must be used to determine the moisture percentage. I forget what an acceptable moisture number is. What is of significance is that the time to "dry" a hull is in the range of days to months, so keep this in mind. On the broker issue, I am well versed. Unless you are the exception and had a contract with "your broker" to find you a boat, the broker is working soley for the seller. Anything the broker tells you, unless it is written into the purchase/sale agreement as a representation of fact is mere "puffing" and salesmanship, which you would expect of the broker selling your boat. Assuming that if the seller insists on the original agreed price, you are going to walk, then tell the broker "no deal, unsatisfactory survey". And having made your best guess as to the repair costs of all issues you know you will need to correct, make a "new" reduced offer. If your best guess on repair costs are based on a repair yard's estimate, add 30% to estimated costs. Other than perhaps paint work, yards rarely will give you a bid or fixed price offer. A yard "estimate" is usually just a best guess as to what the labor and materials will end up being. I would never do a deal where I was obligated to purchase contingent on seller making repairs. Remember, repairs usually don't add value (above cost) to a boat. Be a hard ass in the purchase process. You mantra is " I can walk away" unless you've already been smitten and bitten w/the love bug.. Scott
 
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David E

Shop smart and pay a fair price

Brian, play hard ball and walk if the seller will not reduce his price to cover the cost of blister repair. I believe this boat you are considering is the same boat I offered $22K, they countered with $27K, and I did not know of any blisters. In addition to blister repairs, consider spending another 30% of the sale price for taxes and other repairs and upgrades you want. I too hope to find a good Hunter 33 to buy. Good Luck!
 

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Brian Gregg

Might be the same...

The $ numbers are right on. The photo looks very familiar...same crack ? Based on all the good response from this forum I'm 99% sure I'll walk. Life is too short to suffer charlatans !
 
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