Hull Blistering Info

[MalibuTime]

I was looking for something else and came across this article. This is from a marine surveyor and he really lays out the dirt on hull blistering. Bottom line, If your boat doesn't blister after about 5 years, it probably never will, if it is blistering, it will forever. His experience is primarily with yachts, but all of the info applies regardless. He has seen "thousands" of examples over his career.

The main thing I got out of this is if I ever get a lake place, the boat is going on a lift to keep it out of the water when it's parked.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/moreonblisters.html.htm

Edit - this article was written in 1997, and at the end he comments that he has not seen a lot of blistering in boats less than 24'. This could be because he is not surveying them, and most of them don't sit moored, but none the less, there certainly seems to be a lot more commenting on blistering problems on recent model hulls. My guess is two things, quality if resins (maybe low VOC are less effective?) and the fact that it is a lot easier to publicize your problems with the web.

Edited August 13, 2009 by TheBlackPearl

[JeffS]

I was looking for something else and came across this article. This is from a marine surveyor and he really lays out the dirt on hull blistering. Bottom line, If your boat doesn't blister after about 5 years, it probably never will, if it is blistering, it will forever...

My guess is two things, quality if resins (maybe low VOC are less effective?) and the fact that it is a lot easier to publicize your problems with the web.

Hey there. I've read a lot from this author. David Pascoe is really, really, really well known. Some vehemently agree with virtually everything he says, others vehemently disagree at the same level. Many read his stuff, especially first time buyers hoping (praying) they don't make a huge mistake and love what he writes. Boatyard owners also love what he writes (big money repairs that were marginally, if at all, necessary). Many an old-salt has said he writes to sell books and articles - at the expense of some pretty good builders out there. And he kills legit sales on quality yachts, with exaggerated opinion on common issues.

Personally, I read as much as I can - David Pascoe included. I know enough to know when to throw the BS flag though. Lots of readers don't. So read with caution.

Oh, and another school of thought on the blistering - many an engineer thinks it will be getting worse and worse here in the near future. Emissions restrictions are forcing builders to create less and less durable gel coats - and a vinylester barrier coat is tough to apply when the EPA is watching you closely day to day.

But for boats on lifts, or trailered, it's not an issue anyway. Just my $.02.

Edited August 14, 2009 by JeffS

[MalibuTime]

..... Some vehemently agree with virtually everything he says, others vehemently disagree at the same level....

I didn't read any of his other stuff. Everything in this article made sense so I posted it up.

[JeffS]

..... Some vehemently agree with virtually everything he says, others vehemently disagree at the same level....

I didn't read any of his other stuff. Everything in this article made sense so I posted it up.

Oh...I may have come across wrong there. I think it's great you posted it up. Sorry if it sounded any different.

On many of the big boat forums - he gets quoted - and a big discussion on whether he's a legit and fair assessor of quality and craftsmanship, or if he's an over-sensationalizing journalist that wants to sell books...that's what I'm used to seeing when I see his name come up.

Just wanted to let folks know up front that he's been around for a while and that he's an inarguable expert, but is often perceived to have an agenda of his own.

Sorry if it sounded any different. I agree with you - it's a great article to read and consider.