Minor Blistering in Gelcoat of Hunter 380

[sandiegosailor99]

Does anyone have any experience with minor blistering in the gelcoat of a large Hunter? I believe the warranty from Hunter is 5 years, and this is a 2000. Looking at buying this boat and just wondering if any of you have seen this and/or addressed it on your boats? If so, did it require a complete hull painting (gelcoat, etc.)?
The blistering doesn't seem to be isolated in one area. It's intermittent on both sides, fore and aft, above the wateline.

 

[Sailgunner]

Pretty normal at and below the water line. A lot written on the subject. I prefer to fix them with epoxy. Also recommend the bottom paint be removed to fiberglass and go back with a barrier coat, then new paint. But if they are all above the waterline then don't know about that. That sounds a little more serious. Recommend a surveyor check it out and make sure the hull is not saturated.

 

[Butch23065]

Are they blisters or voids under the gel coat? I have found a number of voids in the deck, cockpit, sea hood and a few other areas. These range in size from 1/8" to 3/16" x 1/2" and do not penetrate the glass, just the gel coat.

 

[sandiegosailor99]

I'm not sure I know the difference, Butch. I guess the void would be air and the blister water?
I am guessing voids, but I'm always suspicious of water, especially in that area near the waterline. But the funny thing is they are not at the waterline, rather just above it. Anyway, the bid from the marina was $8k to make it all go away, but they're tallking about a new paint job. This is a boat I'm looking to buy and the surveyor caught this. They are about half the size of an eraser on a pencil.

 

[sandiegosailor99]

Sorry forgot to add that it's only in the gelcoat.