Are You Making the Right Decision Purchasing a Blistered Boat? Those who are looking for a salvage boat for sale at an auction may rarely come across any option that doesn't have blisters. It is always recommended to buy a boat with no blisters, but that's hardly a case when you plan to buy a salvaged or used boat. Let's read more about blisters and find out if it is a good idea to leave the option of buying a boat with blisters.
What is a Blister? Water absorbed through fiberglass laminate and gel-coat in the hull causes blisters on the boat. The water reacts with solvents and plastic to create a weak solvent solution, which softens the gel coat and combines with fluid pressure to form a blister. The absorbed water has an impact on the hull and reacts with resins to build up residues and create blisters. The phenomenon usually starts appearing from fifth to the tenth year after manufacturing the boat, but it could happen to a boat before the said time period. When the boat remains in the water (more frequently in fresh water) for a long time, it could become prone to blistering. Harmful Effects of Blisters Occasional blistering isn't a serious problem. Blistering is present only in the gel coat and surface mat of the boat in most of the cases, as the third layer made of structural laminates has better saturation level. There is a less chance of water penetrating beyond the mat, which is also one reason why structural laminates hardly have any blisters.