Best guess on bottom condition?

[GaryC5551]

I Know this question has a lot of variables, but I would like to ask those who have an early P Seacraft (70’s-87) what is the normal condition of the bottom of these boats in regards to blisters? I’m currently looking at a 1985 37 and just wanted to get an idea on what to expect when we pull it for survey; or what you’ve found to be the norm for these boats. As far as I know it’s a stock bottom (no barrier) that’s been in Florida its entire life.
Thanks
GaryC

[mondofromredondo]

My 88 PSC 34 has had no blisters at all.
A friend with an 89 had blisters shortly after purchase and the factory did the repairs.

[GaryC5551]

Thanks, I thought they changed the type of gelcoat used in 1988 forward and had solved the blister problem, I guess not.

[wmjr]

My 87 model (made in September 87, first hit water in mid 88) has no blisters. I had heard that they first started using Vinylester around 87/88 and that solved problems they had earlier. Pacific Seacraft searched their records but could not determine if mine was made with Vinylester or not.

John
Watermark
psc 31 #28

[GaryC5551]

Thanks John,
The change to Vinylester around 87/88 is what I was thinking. I've seen a little blistering on some boats and that is not a big concern, then again I've seen an entire bottom (not PSC) covered with silver dollar size blisters that raise the worry level.

[niftynickers]

When we purchased NiftyNickers a 1982 Crealock37 in Punta Gorda,Fla.she had been in warm water with no barrier coat for over 6 years.She has less than 100 blisters none more than nickel size.We ground out-dried out and epoxy filled all blisters and then epoxy barrier coated the hull.That was 16 years ago and we have not had a single blister since then.I personally have never seen a PS hull severely blistered nor have I heard of one.
Hope this gives you some idea of what to expect.
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

[GaryC5551]

Nifty,

Good news, with the history of these boat and never hearing of one being "severely blistered" is just what I was looking for. I've made an offer on the boat, so the process has started, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Thanks Again!

[brokesailor]

My Crealock 37, 1983 vintage, has a lot of blisters, 100+ per side. Planning to do a Nifty Nicker bottom job this off season.

[okapi3]

GaryC, best of luck with your offer. Should be a good time to buy. Hard to go wrong with a Pacific Seacraft.

[wmjr]

Gary,

My understanding is that if the boat you select does not have blisters by now it likely never will. Treat it like the rigging or the engine - something to look at carefully before you buy.

John
PSC 31 #28