Repaired? blisters

[Bill Wilkes]

I am looking at several Catalina 25s which are for sale. One which is otherwise apparently a good buy has numerous (lets say 40-50) small (1/2" dia or less) blisters on the hull which appear to have been "repaired." The owner says he drilled each blister and filled it and has had no problems with them. Each "repair" looks about as one might expect - an area with some discoloration and a hole or crack in the middle which has been filled and is flush with the rest of the surface. If I buy this boat, I would expect to do an overall sanding on the hull and then put a coat of VCTar or other epoxy to cover the entire thing so as to prevent future blistering. I would appreciate comments on the degree to which I should be concerned about these blisters and my proposed solution.

 

[Greg]

Catalina 25/250 National Association

Hi Bill, just a quick note to let you know about the Catalina 25/250 National Association web site and sailors Forum. I am sure that if you do not get a good response on this forum you will certainly be able to get help at this one. Here is the addresshttp://www.catalina25-250.org/index2.htmlI own a Cat 25 and really enjoy it but have not had any experience with this problem.Greg

 

[J Simmonds]

Been there, Done that !

I repaired the bottom on my old C25. If the repair job has been done well, which any accredited surveyor could tell you, the application of VC Tar should seal it up for many years to come. You will undoubtably find some other blisters when you strip the bottom, but proper application of VC Watertight before the VC Tar application will fix that. The C25 is a great boat and the work will be worth the effort. Enjoy. JS

 

[Louis Plaisance]

SAME HERE

Me Too Bill,I repaired over a thousand small blisters in my C22 two years ago. After 13 months in the wet he came up looking great.I used Interlux products. Check their site for lots of helpful information.ljpMan....I love that little boat.