Bottomjob

[Richard G.]

How often is bottomjob required. What are long term effects of skipping if there are already quarter size blisters.

 

[Michael Bell]

Yikes

I freaked-out when I saw blisters half the size of a pencil eraser on my boat.

 

[Clyde Lichtenwalner]

Don't Skip

The value of your boat will suffer if these are not attended to. I doubt if it will sink, but if you ever do the job right the dry-out period for the laminate will be longer. At quarter size I would not be too concerned, but would not let them go either. It will only get worse and be more expensive to fix.

 

[Mike Cummings]

34 Blisters

Just purchased a 84 34 with dime size blisters. Luckily, when we took the boat out of the water for surveying, the survey and I both noticed it. I wont kid you there are several, but they are all located from about the keel back to the rudder. We talked for a while and both agreed its not a big deal if you treat the bottom right. Went back to the owners and discounted the boat more for the time and expense of it.Email me at mpcsail.com for more info on repair job. Best advice, I'm pulling mine out in two weeks, sand the bottom down to the white jell coat and let it sit out till spring to dry out.

 

[David]

Hunter 34 Blister Repairs

Mike, I would suggest you buy a copy of the booklet,"Gelcoat Blisters; Diagnosis, Repair, and Prevention". The booklet is puplished by Gougeon Brothers/West System Fiberglass and can be purchased inexpensively from West Marine. You are going to have to strip the gelcoat and open the blisters to properly repair. It is imperative to dry the hull completely, fill and fair the pock marks that the blisters have caused, and seal the hull with a PROVEN barrier coat system. I would urge that you talk to several yards to determine who will take the necessary time to properly facillitate the repair. I am speaking from experience---I had a blister job completed in 1998 on my 33.5 and the blisters are back one year later due to inferior repair techniques and an inferior barrier coat product. Contact me if you would like to hear more.