On Dec 12, 10:09 pm, wrote:
Frogwatch wrote:
On a list of the top 100 things that affect sailing ability, gel coat
blisters would not even make it on the list.
One could probably come up with 100 ways to improve sailing ability on
the average cruising boat more than getting rid of blisters.

Considering the condition of the average cruising boat, you're
probably right.

A good example, most cruising boats are compromises, I happen to have
a shoal keel for cruising the shallow N. Gulf of Mexico whereas a deep
keel would give seriously better sailing performance.

Not in your area. Running aground more often is not a way to improve
performance.... in your case I'd say you made a wise compromise! A big
centerboard or lifting keel can do both, but involves more maintenance
and/or structural issues and/or reduced accomodation.

... Absence of
blisters would make an insignificant change in performance and gel
coat blisters are not a structural or safety issue so I would not even
consider them in whether to buy a boat or not.

But you'd consider the potential impact if they were serious blisters
in the laminate, and take the time to investigate. Time is money! And
if you were to consider making an offer, you'd make it less. Be
realistic!

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Even with a shoal keel I figure that if I dont run aground most times
I go "gunkholing" I am not having much fun. All the cool places are
in shallow water. Running aground abrades the barnacles off so you
get more time between bottom painting.