Blisters on fiberglass hull - how urgent?
 

I have a 48' Catamaran Cruiser houseboat, which is basically a big camper
sitting on two fiberglass catamarans. The two catamarans are each about
2.5' to 3' wide, about 45' long, and draw about 12" to 18" of water. (It's
really a great boat. Bought it new about 3 years ago & we have had a BLAST
with it!).

THE PROBLEM - I now see what I assume must be the "blisters" I've heard
about - a raised circular place about 2" in diameter that protrudes out from
the hull about 1/8" or so. There are about 5 or 6 of them down the length
of each catamaran. Smooth & hard to the touch - no cracking or peeling at
all.

Are these "blisters"? If so, I assume they DO need to be repaired (or
they'll get worse?).

How exactly is the repair done, and how URGENT is this? Do I need to do
something in the next few weeks? Few months? Within a year?

What should I expect this to cost (not counting the cost of hauling the boat
out of the water)?

Will it happen again?

Is there any way to stop it from happening?

The hull is white gelcoat... and some have said that after repairing,
painting it with "anti-fouling bottom paint" will prevent it or at least
help - comments? Pros? Cons?

Thanks for any opinions & ideas....

bugman

This will tell you everything you need to know:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/blisters.htm


"cc0080793" wrote in message
...
I have a 48' Catamaran Cruiser houseboat, which is basically a big camper
sitting on two fiberglass catamarans. The two catamarans are each about
2.5' to 3' wide, about 45' long, and draw about 12" to 18" of water. (It's
really a great boat. Bought it new about 3 years ago & we have had a BLAST
with it!).

THE PROBLEM - I now see what I assume must be the "blisters" I've heard
about - a raised circular place about 2" in diameter that protrudes out
from the hull about 1/8" or so. There are about 5 or 6 of them down the
length of each catamaran. Smooth & hard to the touch - no cracking or
peeling at all.

Are these "blisters"? If so, I assume they DO need to be repaired (or
they'll get worse?).

How exactly is the repair done, and how URGENT is this? Do I need to do
something in the next few weeks? Few months? Within a year?

What should I expect this to cost (not counting the cost of hauling the
boat out of the water)?

Will it happen again?

Is there any way to stop it from happening?

The hull is white gelcoat... and some have said that after repairing,
painting it with "anti-fouling bottom paint" will prevent it or at least
help - comments? Pros? Cons?

Thanks for any opinions & ideas....

bugman

Ditto, I just have pulled out, ground out the blisters, filled them it, and
sealed the bottom of the vessel.

Not a major problem as you may think. Call me if you are really concerned at
305 853 5161