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.
How to Repair Blisters? It is not mandatory to repair blistering, specifically, if it is not causing significant damage to the boat. Salvage boats usually have blisters and epoxy resin and hardener can treat the problem. It is advised to avoid using polyester resin for blister repair as epoxy provides stronger adhesion and more water impermeability. Individual can repair blisters by loading the disk grinder with 36-grit disk and opening the blister to a shallow depression. Make sure the depression is 20 times as wide as it is deep. Scrub the blister with hot water and TSP, rinse it and allow it to dry for 48 hours. Mix epoxy with paint and fill the depression completely with the solution. If there are too many blisters on the used boat, seek the help of a professional to get the job done. Is It Alright to Buy a Boat with Blisters? Boats are expensive and their cost depreciates quickly. Individuals who have a low budget, but wish to own a boat shouldn’t hesitate to buy salvaged or used boats. Most of them would come with blisters and if the problem isn’t severe, it won’t impact the life of the boat. If required, seek the help of a marine inspector to evaluate the salvaged boat to avoid making a wrong decision. Summary Individual often consider the decision to purchase used boats, as they are cheap and within the budget. Salvaged and used boats do have blisters, a more hyped problem than it is in real. The post explains blisters and reasons behind it.