"yusuf" wrote

I have a question:
my boat has a high level of moisture in the hull but I don't see
blisters.
Somebody saya that in this situation is better dont do any treatment, any
epoxy barrier coat, because it can be even more dangereuse.
Others say to apply a thick epoxy barrier to decrease the volume of water
coming in the grp.
I'm a bit confused. What is your opinion and suggestion?

Fair wind.

Yus,
I see you are posting from Italy, so presumably you are in salt water?

You say you have high moisture content. Is that determined by using a
moisture meter? If so, these have been known to give misleading numbers.
Sometimes metals such as cobalt used to promote curing of the resin can
cause the meters to read high. Antifouling paint can also cause misleading
numbers.

If you are using a meter, take readings on the hull well above the waterline
at various places around the hull. Then take readings below the waterline at
regular intervals so you get a map of the moisture readings.

If the readings above and below the waterline are about the same, then you
likely do not have a problem.

If the below waterline figures are significantly higher, you may have a
problem or it may be the antifouling causing the higher readings. Sand the
paint off in say a 30x30cm area. Tape on a piece of clear plastic film being
sure that it is sealed around the edges. Leave this for a day and overnight.
Assuming nights are colder than days, you will see a lot of condensation on
the film if the hull is saturated with water. If you see no condensation, or
very little then your hull should be OK.

Puting an epoxy barrier in place is a good idea on any boat and especially
on new boats. But, you should strip off the antifouling and again check for
any bubbles. You may want to even sand or off the gelcoat but then most
important, leave the hull to dry in a dry climate (natural or otherwise).
Maybe you ahve colder areas where you could winter the boat ashore? Then
recheck moisture in Spring and if satisfied it is dry, coat with epoxy using
manufacturers instructions for filling bubbles and priming and then at least
4 coats of something like Interprotect .

If you have no bubble at present, give her a coat of A/F and get through
this season. Blisters won't sink your boat!