Expert sought for osmosis, but on the superstructure

[Bandit]

This is a genuine "its for friend" and it definitely not my boat, I have no rashes of this type.

I have a friend who has a nice boat built by a reputable builder on a boat under ten years old that has what appears to be areas of light bubbling of the gel coat almost like osmosis?

He is looking to engage a "real expert" in this field to firmly establish what the possible cause is and what can be done about it?

I would be grateful if anyone knows of an expert in this area rather than any old general boat surveyor to let me know either by pm or on the forum.

 

[boatmike]

Cant help you in Guernsey but strictly speaking while this is not osmosis, the cause can sometimes be the same. If a laminate is poorly laid below the waterline it can promote osmotic transmission of fluid through the laminate which can cause classic osmotic blistering to form prematurely. Above the waterline, especially on foam or balsa cored laminate, voids are often formed between the core and laminate where the adhesive layer of resin bonding agent is not complete. When subjected to high temperatures in sunlight these can "boil" a cocktail of chemicals (styrene etc) in these voids which cause blisters. Very difficult to generalise but the only cure usually is to remove the blistered outer layer and repair it which is often cosmetically difficult. As a general rule if its a fairly new boat I would suspect poor layup. If its of a certain age, and has lived say in the Med sun a lot it's sadly not uncommon.

 

[rafiki_]

Try Wayne at www.gelbrite.com

Wayne used to do warranty repair jobs for Sealine. He is based in the West Midlands, but can travel. I have used him in the past and does fantastic repairs.

 

[Bandit]

Thanks for the replies but my friend is not looking for someone to undertake the repair but an expert in the field to analyse the problem, define the likely cause and propose a repair strategy.

 

[rafiki_]

Thanks for the replies but my friend is not looking for someone to undertake the repair but an expert in the field to analyse the problem, define the likely cause and propose a repair strategy.

I guess then he needs a structural surveyor.

 

[volvopaul]

I recently found some osmosis blisters on a well know Italian make of flybridge boat, surely this is not acceptable on any boat of that age and in an area well above the waterline.

 

[CharlieAlpha]

I recently found some osmosis blisters on a well know Italian make of flybridge boat, surely this is not acceptable on any boat of that age and in an area well above the waterline.

Hence the OP's request, not acceptable means taking some action and you need an expert witness.

 

[volvopaul]

Hence the OP's request, not acceptable means taking some action and you need an expert witness.

I am making a wild guess at the make but the one I'm referring to had its bottom done at 5 years old, not really acceptable although the manufacturer paid out .