Catalina 22 blisters on gelcoat: problem?

[Dave]

I am considering puchasing a 1986 Catalina 22. The surveyor noted that there were gelcoat blisters on the hull bottom and topside. He used a moisture meter and did not detect any moisture. However the boat has been sitting on a trailer for probably 6-8 months. He does not seem to think that the blisters are much of a problem. I don't think they are very big, but at least topside there a lot of them. I am not so sure that I agree with the surveyor that this is not a problem. Does anyone have an opinion? Thanks.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Could be Not A problem

You can learn more than you want to know about blisters at some other sites on the internet.They can be a minor nuisance or a big problem. Generally if your surveyor is aying they are not a problem I would believe him. My boat had about 20 small blisters per side on the hull that I was able to grind out, fill in and paint over. This job at the boat yard would have cost $1300 to $1500. I did it myself for about $350 including all the paint, a sander and the dremel tool for grinding out the blisters. If you have time and patience and access to a hoist, you can do this job.