I pulled my boat out of the water to do some blister repair and realized that the problem is much worse than I had suspected. There are several hundred blisters at various locations on the hull. My first reaction was that I would need to grind away all of the gelcoat. However, a local marine store advised me to avoid removing all of the gelcoat and suggested that I treat the blisters individually and in groups. My questions are: 1. If I do repair only the blisters and preserve the good gel coat, will this be a good repair job or will I have a new set of blisters next year? 2. Is removing all of the gel coat, sealing the hull and barrier coating too big of a project for a non-professional? Thank you for your help
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David McKie
Blisters
It is a good job IF after repairing all the blisters you then apply several coats of barrier protection to the entire bottom.
It is a good job IF after repairing all the blisters you then apply several coats of barrier protection to the entire bottom.
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Bryan C.
Complex question
The reasons for blisters are varied and not completely understood. If you have blisters all over the bottom of your boat, it probably indicates there were some problems in the layup of the fiberglass; perhaps the resin in the exposy was old or had too much solvent which is now seeping out. Check out the articles on blisters at www.yachtsurvey.com. There are several articles on the causes of osmosis and some suggestions on how to fix them. Unfortunately none are particularly easy or cheap. Good luck
The reasons for blisters are varied and not completely understood. If you have blisters all over the bottom of your boat, it probably indicates there were some problems in the layup of the fiberglass; perhaps the resin in the exposy was old or had too much solvent which is now seeping out. Check out the articles on blisters at www.yachtsurvey.com. There are several articles on the causes of osmosis and some suggestions on how to fix them. Unfortunately none are particularly easy or cheap. Good luck
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Dave Condon
Oh Boy
Dan; Apparently, you have a complete blister repair job to do. You need to do the whole hull versus sections. There are several ways. Have the hull peeled, sand blast, grind with a grinder or the dremel. Fill with expoxy fillers. Allow the hull to completely dry before adding 5-6 coats of barrier coating. It is a nassty job and you may want a marina or repair facility to do the job for you if you do not have the time. Crazy Dave
Dan; Apparently, you have a complete blister repair job to do. You need to do the whole hull versus sections. There are several ways. Have the hull peeled, sand blast, grind with a grinder or the dremel. Fill with expoxy fillers. Allow the hull to completely dry before adding 5-6 coats of barrier coating. It is a nassty job and you may want a marina or repair facility to do the job for you if you do not have the time. Crazy Dave
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Joe
Ditto
Got the same thing going on right now. I just purchased a 23, the previous owner had pulled it out and ripped the gelcoat off down one side. I have spent a lot of time and energy getting her ready to paint. I think I will be starting to actually paint tomorow. I think that you'll find areas that you will have to take the gel coat off, or at least there were on my boat. The gelcoat seemed to crumble and was quite loose in spots. Be sure to use the interlux system starting with the 1000 if you do have bare fiberglass. Lots of work ahead, I'll let you know how it turns out.
Got the same thing going on right now. I just purchased a 23, the previous owner had pulled it out and ripped the gelcoat off down one side. I have spent a lot of time and energy getting her ready to paint. I think I will be starting to actually paint tomorow. I think that you'll find areas that you will have to take the gel coat off, or at least there were on my boat. The gelcoat seemed to crumble and was quite loose in spots. Be sure to use the interlux system starting with the 1000 if you do have bare fiberglass. Lots of work ahead, I'll let you know how it turns out.
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Joe
Ditto 2
Well, I have just completed the first step in the interlux system for blister/bottom repair. What a job getting the boat ready. Fortunately the boat had been out of the water long enough for hull to dry. The 1000 was a sticky mess, if you decide to do it, keep lots of rags and rollers (unless you can spray it). I could not imagine what it would be like just brushing it all on.. The bottom is looking better already. Will keep you posted. I think most anyone who is relatively good with their hands can do this. Granted I have someone who had done about 30 or so hulls giving me advice. see you later
Well, I have just completed the first step in the interlux system for blister/bottom repair. What a job getting the boat ready. Fortunately the boat had been out of the water long enough for hull to dry. The 1000 was a sticky mess, if you decide to do it, keep lots of rags and rollers (unless you can spray it). I could not imagine what it would be like just brushing it all on.. The bottom is looking better already. Will keep you posted. I think most anyone who is relatively good with their hands can do this. Granted I have someone who had done about 30 or so hulls giving me advice. see you later
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Ward
Update on mast raising tripod
I just wanted to let people know how the mast tripod was working out now that I have used it more. GREAT! We trailer for each use so I have had LOTS of practice this summer raising and lowering the mast and the tripod has sure helped me out a bunch. With my wife along, we can put up the mast, bend on the sails, mount the outboard and be in the water in 20-30 minutes total. By myself it takes me 30 - 40 minutes for the whole process. The best thing is I no longer have to worry about the mast falling sideways and crunching stuff. Just thought I would report since when I did the photo forum, I had not used the device very many times and have since used it in all kinds of conditions including high crosswinds. Ward
I just wanted to let people know how the mast tripod was working out now that I have used it more. GREAT! We trailer for each use so I have had LOTS of practice this summer raising and lowering the mast and the tripod has sure helped me out a bunch. With my wife along, we can put up the mast, bend on the sails, mount the outboard and be in the water in 20-30 minutes total. By myself it takes me 30 - 40 minutes for the whole process. The best thing is I no longer have to worry about the mast falling sideways and crunching stuff. Just thought I would report since when I did the photo forum, I had not used the device very many times and have since used it in all kinds of conditions including high crosswinds. Ward
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