MacGregor Boat - bottom query

[Joe Eves]

I purchased a new MacGregor 26 ft. 18 months ago, and I like it's performance. I live on the lake and keep my boat in the water at the dock in my back yard during our boating season. I just pulled the boat out to store it for the winter and discovered the bottom of my boat has osmosis. I have contacted MacGregor here in Canada and I am told there is no warranty to cover repair of the osmosis (caused by the construction of the boat). THis will cost me several thousand dollars to repair, and quiet frankly, I am disappointed that the warranty won't cover it. Has anyone else out there had this problem? If so, what did you do? please contact me at mpowell_keswick@yahoo.com. Thank you

 

[Morris Rooms]

Osmosis

Osmosis is not a manufacturing problem but a usage problem. Glass fibre built boats that are going to be left in water for extended periods should have a protective gel shield applied to the underwater hull, which helps to prevent osmosis (even in fresh water). An alternative to gel coat shielding is to take the boat out of the water annually for at least a month to allow the underwater hull to fully dry out thus also helping prevent osmosis.It is unusual for osmosis to occur in an 18 month period and what you may have is some manufacturing blistering defects on the gell coat, which as the general warranty is 12months you may have difficulty convincing the factory to cover the problem.For more info on osmosis try sailnet.com and do a search for previous articles on the subject.CheersMorris