I have a MacGregor 26X with blisters on the hull and have had 2 estimates to repair. One recommends Interlux Interprotect 2000 barrier coat and VC17 paint. The other suggests Se Hawk Toughstuff and VC17 offshore. Have had hull previously bottom painted w/ VC17. Anyone have opinion on which is better or other ideas?
bottom paint
- Thread starter JCT
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Can't comment on which epoxy barrier coat is preferable but wanted to make sure you are aware the blister repair method and making sure the hull is dry is more important than the choice of barrier coat. Otherwise, this becomes an annual event.
JCT, The correct repair is to "peel" the gelcoat and any laminate that has been affected by the blisters. The boat is allowed to dry until the moisture content is less than 3% then the necessary coats of glass and barrier is re-applied to build the hull back up to where it should be, with all fared, the bottom paint is applied.
How bad?
How bad is your blister problem. If its a few dozen blisters you can open each one, dry them out, repair, fair and bottom paint. I believe West System Epoxy have a bulletin for blister repairs. Interlux Interprotect 2000 is a great product for preventing additional moisture absorption into the laminate. The hull must be dry before you apply the moisture barrier though. This can take a couple of months of good drying conditions. Start the process early or you'll miss the sailing season. You'll need at least 5 costs of Interprotect to achieve proper thickness otherwise you're just wasting your time and money. As far as bottom paints go, VC17 and VC Offshore are meant for different environments. VC17 is for fresh water and VC Offshore is for salt water I'm pretty sure but check it out for yourself.
How bad is your blister problem. If its a few dozen blisters you can open each one, dry them out, repair, fair and bottom paint. I believe West System Epoxy have a bulletin for blister repairs. Interlux Interprotect 2000 is a great product for preventing additional moisture absorption into the laminate. The hull must be dry before you apply the moisture barrier though. This can take a couple of months of good drying conditions. Start the process early or you'll miss the sailing season. You'll need at least 5 costs of Interprotect to achieve proper thickness otherwise you're just wasting your time and money. As far as bottom paints go, VC17 and VC Offshore are meant for different environments. VC17 is for fresh water and VC Offshore is for salt water I'm pretty sure but check it out for yourself.
The method can vary depending upon how extensive the blisters are and how much moisture is captured in the hull core glass. It isn't something which can be precisely defined here as we have no idea how extensive the problem may be. The repair may be as minimal as opening the repairing the blisters individually or a much more expensive and extensive hull repair.
As I infer you may be new to this, the take-home message here is to find someone knowledgeable locally who can guide you through the process since simply fairing the holes and barrier-coating the hull will make the situation worse.
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