Hull Blisters

jmorpeth · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2002

I''m considering purchasing a Catalina 34, 1988. It appears to be in really great shape except for about 35 smaller than a dime blisters. What''s the scoop -- the surveyor says "no problem" -- what do ya''ll say. Should I ask for repair or just enjoy the boat? I expect to keep the boat about ten years. Thanks.

Don Foley · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2002

Get an estimate on the cost of the repairs and then factor in the cost in your negotiations. It''s not uncommon to ask for the entire cost to be covered, and then negotiate to split the costs.

At least, that''s my experience. I would recommend taking care of them ASAP so it won''t detract from your sailing experience.

Don

JEFryar · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2002

JM
If these blisters are below the wasterline I would get a new surveyor. As has been stated in the past, osmotic blisters will only get worse over time. Eventually they will cause seperation in the glass fibers and most likely failure in the hull. If this is "no problem" for you Good Luck.
Get some better advice from someone who can evaluate the blisters and tell you exactly what is causing them.
JEF

Pangaea · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2002

I wouldn''t say it was "no problem" but I don''t think it''s the end of the world either.
You could buy the boat, fix the blisters and go.Thats not the problem. The problem is, will there be any more? How deep are they? The depth is important. If there into the laminate it''s more serious. Maybe much more serious. Also, do you know the history of the boat? Does
the boat have a history of getting them?
I''m not as scared of blisters as I once was...but...I probably would shy away from
a boat with them.
Theres alot of Catalina 30s out there,
take your pick!

Dennis L.

windancer1 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2002

A wise old surveyor told me once, "There are two kinds of boats, one''s with blisters and one''s that are goning to get them" . I have found this true for most boats out there. Get them fixed and then enjoy the boat.

Pangaea · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002

windancer1
I don''t think thats true. I think most boats don''t get them.

Dennis L.

T37Chef · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006

Pangaea must not keep the boat in a marina, or ever been to a marina, you would see all the boats with blisters. Most older boats, especially built in the late 70's & 80's will get blisters unless they are kept on a lift. There are hundreds of articles on the internet you can read and become very confused. I have been boating for 25 years; I have never heard of or seen a boats hull that failed due to blisters. Most are gel coat blisters and rarely get into the structural layers. They should be repaired and there are several approaches. Blisters repair has become big business, and in some cases well worth the money, but if they are not into the fiberglass you can do it yourself...provided you have the time. I had to wait till mid summer to do mine. I hope to post how its doing in the spring. Feel free to send me email and I can describe my approach, supervised by my marina.