Buying concerns & hull blisters

[Al]

My wife and I are in the market to purchase our first sail boat. We reallylike the Cat 30's for many reasons. The one we are ready to purchase isa 1985 for 25K. I plan to have it survey and the Universal 3 cyl deisel checked out by a good mechanic. The concern is that the boat has been out of water for a year. Since it is prior 87, I understand from most posts that the early 80's were subject to blistering and delamination. Due to the fact the hull has been dried out, can anyone tell if water infiltration to the hull has occured? If so to what extent, what do you look for? I know the problems with the hull could be cosmetic or costly to repair. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is the only major concern we have with this boat. If this is a big concern should we just look for a 87 or newer (due to the manufacturer barrier coat). Any help, suggestions or comments woul be greatly appreciated.From a dedicated to be Catalina owner Al

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Some ideas

If the bottom paint is in good condition, you'll see tiny circular cracks where the blisters have been

 

[Richard]

blisters???

Obviously you have not been advised that even new catalinas less than 3 years old are getting blisters?I am not sure the cause (maybe due to cheap mass production), but it is quite common.My 1982 catalina 30 had the epoxy barrier applied by a previous owner and it still has 30 or so small blisters. While annoying it is still a sound hull and is faster than most folks I sail against!They are a concern and can get the price reduced some, but they are not a show stopper. A boat that has been on the hard for a year should be not be a problem at all unless it was blocked wrong and the hull was supported incorrectly.

 

[Bob Robeson]

blisters

I just sold a Newport 30 that had a complete epoxy bottom in '94. When it was surveyrd for the new owners, it had no blisters. Epoxy is about 80% more dense than gelcoat.We just bout a c-36 that had lots of blisters, and had a complete gelcoat strip and epoxy bottom, cost 7 grand.A survyer can tell you if there is any delaminaion, and if not, then you can fix the blister is many differant ways. But only a gelcoat pell r strip and epoxy bottom will fix it.FYI, all gelcoated fiberglass boats get blisters in some stiuations, so don't think that buying a newer boat will free you from blisters. Warm water, saltwater, and other differant conditions can create blisters on almost any boat.Good luck with the C-30, they are a lot of boat for the money.Bob