Is this Normal??

[Calvin Smith]

I am interested in buying a 1980 Catalina 25. The owner says there are some blisters on the bottom and that they have been there for years without getting any larger. He also said that he was advised not to have them fixed because the fix would be less durable than the blister. They are approx the size of quarters. Is it normal for a 20 year old boat in good condition to have this problem and is it something that should cause concern. Thanks.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Not *ab*normal

It's not abnormal for boats of any age to have blisters. What *is* abnormal is not having them fixed. I don't think you're going to have major problems from quarter sized blisters but if they're fixed properly, they'll never come back. I'm assuming the boat's in the water. Have it hauled & surveyed. If the survey comes out ok (as in no major damage from letting blisters go), just keep the boat out & fix the blisters (you probably need a new paint job anyway). Use this as a bargaining chip. Blisters aren't typically a major problem but they *should* be fixed - that just standard boat upkeep. If the guys doesn't want to help pay for the fix, or doesn't lower the price, find another boat.LaDonna

 

[Calvin Smith]

Thanks

Again , Thanks.

 

[F Sondergaard]

This is normal

My husband and I recently purchased a 1982 25. It had over twenty blisters! We fixed them ourselves and the boat is very solid. Any boat in water for a long time could get blisters. But this is easily fixed!!