BLISTERS. Opinions and Thoughts?

[capttonyf]

We own a 1990 45 Conv. that we love and take great pride in. As with most Hatteras Yachts of this era the bottom has Dime and Quarter sized blisters spread out evenly with a slightly higher concentration around the keel area. Most of these blisters disappear within an hour or two of being hauled out each year for Maint. It also has Approx. 25 +/- larger blisters as small as a silver dollar and the largest being maybe as large as a Hockey Puck. The bottom has been checked by the yards, surveyors and even myself who used to be a full time delivery captain. Everyones opinion is that they are cosmetic in nature and NOT structural at all. The only problem is I know they are there and like I said I take pride in our family's boat and knowing the bottom has blisters bothers me. The yards are obviously willing to do a peel but they say they cant promise that they will never come back and most tell me why not just Grind, Repair and Paint some of the larger Blisters a few at a time at each Haulout as they appear and let it ride dont worry about it. Anybody else that has gone through this and has any advice on what you did and how it turned out would be greatly appriciated. Thanks. Tony.

 

[Boatsb]

Do you have paint buildup? Is there a barrier coat on the bottom?

Fixing an area and re applying the protective barrier is fine. If the bottom was not barrier coated it should be as soon as possible to prevent further damage. They may not be structural now but as time goes on they do get deeper.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Our 1986 36C was a fresh water boat until 2006. We removed all the old paint and the few blisters 1n 2004. We also rolled on 7 coats, 12 mils, of Interprotect 2000. When we haul for re-painting here in Miami I do see quite a few quarter size blisters. After the hull dries I can't find them at all. We re-paint every 3 years with Petit Trinidad Pro. This is the year so I will know more by February.

 

[captddis]

I have lived with blisters on my 38 Bertram and every haulout would hire a glass guy and let him spend a day or two reglassing the worst.
My 46 Hatt had eraser sized blisters all over the bottom. It had a peel job done in 1997 and there has not been any blisters since.
I had a Chris Craft blasted, blisters repaired with West epoxy then barrier coated. That was in 1992 and there has been no reccurence.

The trick is to leave the boat out long enough to dry as long as it takes. [ 8 months for the Hatt]

 

[capttonyf]

Do you have paint buildup? Is there a barrier coat on the bottom?

Fixing an area and re applying the protective barrier is fine. If the bottom was not barrier coated it should be as soon as possible to prevent further damage. They may not be structural now but as time goes on they do get deeper.

Since we have owned the boat we have only painted the bottom because the paint was in overall good condition and not built up excessivly so I'm not sure if it was ever barrier coated. This winter we are going to strip all of the old paint and either repair the larger blisters then barrier coat and repaint or do a full peel, Barrier coat and repaint. Trying to make that decision now. Anyone have recommendations on additional Fort Lauderdale Yards that would do the job right at an affordable rate. I will be getting quotes from most likely Cable Marine, Apex, Marine Max, Sailfish and Lauderdale Marine Center etc.

 

[captddis]

I would not barrier coat until the bottom is dry via a moisture meter. It can cause it to blister more.

 

[capttonyf]

I would not barrier coat until the bottom is dry via a moisture meter. It can cause it to blister more.

Yes I agree.

 

[bobk]

The best barrier coat will be vinyl ester based. I had real bad performance from that famous epoxy based brand.