Blisters

[Randy]

Do we all suffer with hull blister problems ?

[RayNWanda]

 I don't think it is a common problem with these boats.

[ishmael]

Don't know how common it is but Matchmakers, 1980 hull 311, blister issue has gotten lots worse since we have been anchoring in mostly fresh water rivers in Florida.  We had many small, up to a quarter sized blisters so managing them individually, as we had done, was not a good option.  We are out of the water now and I have just finished completely peeling the gel coat below the water line.  That took care of 99+% of the blisters without further grinding.  I had a few on the rudder that were deeper and needed bringing out and filling with epoxy.  After a couple of months drying out it is now ready to apply the barrier coat and new bottom paint.  I know this is not always foolproof but it seems like the best approach to me.  I will let you know in years to come if it was a wise decision.

Ron

[Sta-Sea-Dawn]

I agree...  I have not heard anyone discussing it...I do not have a problem with them

[Dale Tanski]

None...

Dale

[S/V Laelia]

I had some minor blisters when I hauled out in Dec 2011 for my pre-purchase survey. The surveyor said they were not bad enough to require immediate attention but I should plan to fix it in my next haulout. I have hull 206, built '78.

I have heard that blistering is a bigger problem in fresh water than salt water.

[ishmael]

We had very few blisters until we started staying long term in fresh water. 

Ron

[S/V Deo Volente]

Our boat came off the Chesapeake and the bottom was covered in pinhead sized blisters. We had the bottom shaved/peeled, dried and barrier coated. No blisters now after 19 years, except a few just above the barrier coat at the stern. They are pin sized and never seem to get bigger. I think the year the boat was built may have something to do with it. 1980 was a time of rising oil prices and manufacturers changed resins to save costs.

[INCOMMUNICADO]

About twentytwo years ago I discovered about fifty small blisters (about a quarter inch in diameter)located all over the bottom except the rudder.These were only in the gellcoat.I found this out by grinding away all the gellcoat under the waterline away.I used West system barrier coat six layers the last coat we put bottom paint on while the epoxy was still tacky.This has worked out well.I pull the boat every two years and have repaired about ten small blisters.Not bad for a boat that stays in warm water year round.I must add I dive and clean the bottom every six weeks.I hope this info helps.  Allen

[INCOMMUNICADO]

Just a thought,You know your spending to much time with your boat if you have paint ,epoxy,cetol and glue stains on your bathrobe and slippers.This is yachting.You gotta love it.  Allen

[Jim Cozy]

Talaria, #284, 1979, always been in fresh water, no blisters. Jim