Small blisters on O'Day 22

[Gene Kauffman]

I'm in the process of doing a bottom job on my 22. When we took off about 5 coats of bottom paint, hundreds of pinhole blisters appeared, some are as big as pencil erasers. A local fiberglas restoration specialist says its just some minor blistering in the gel coat. He said to just paint over them. Anyone have a similar experience and how did you repair it?

 

[David]

Blisters

Since the bottom is already stripped of paint I would consider filling all the holes using an epoxy filler and then a couple of coats of epoxy barrier. I did this procedure this on my present boat about 4 years ago with great results. Also, you have already completed the most difficult part.

 

[Doug T.]

$$$

If the local expert actually SAW your boat and inspected it carefully, I'd go with what he/she recommended. Unless you're racing and need a fair bottom, why spend the money on filler and a barrier coat?If the local expert didn't actually see the boat, I'd have him or her take a look. Severe blisters can be very bad news. Trust me on this one.

 

[Ric Shultz]

Me too

I agree with David. A little extra time now will keep the hull great for the next 10 years. I just did my second boat bottom (100 blisters) and used Interlux 2000. I can recommend it as a barrier coat.Ric

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Do it right the first time

I'd dry, fill and fair now, then do the barrier coat trick. Your boat will perform better, you'll be safe from future blisters and you will improve your resale. I wouldn't consider a boat that had had blisters that went unrepaired. YMMV,Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Jim WIllis]

Take a look at Fiberglass Trilogy III ..

On the Gelcoat and Plastics forum. I did a little essay on the subject both causes and repair.ThanksJim W