Tiger Moth
New member
I may buy a cheap, old, small yacht with many small osmosis blisters - should I give two hoots and just sail it, or 2-pack paint it? If paint, what sort? Advice, please. The yacht will never have any significant value.
Small osmosis blisters in a 50 y.o. yacht - so what or dangerous?
- Thread starter Tiger Moth
- Start date
Mister E
Well-known member
Just buy the thing and sail it. At that age a few blisters are not going to sink it.
Chiara’s slave
Well-known member
If they were likely to sink it, it’s had plenty of time to happen, so if it’s still afloat, you’re good to go. And the cost of the repair is out of proportion to the value of the boat. Cheap sailing, and spring is coming.
Stemar
Well-known member
Small osmosis blisters in a 50 y.o. yacht - so what or dangerous?
Very definitely so what.However, as a buyer, the right thing to do is suck your teeth and say, Hmm, she's got osmosis, that's going to cost a bit to sort out. Oh dear. Tell you what, I'll take off your hands for £3.75.
When the boat's out of the water, you can grind 'em out & fill with epoxy if you can be bothered. Otherwise, forget them. Until you come to sell, when you can expect the buyer to invoke the paragraph above.
srm
Well-known member
Make a really low offer, then enjoy sailing her. No point in painting unless you are going to do the job properly and fully dry the hull first. Hard to justify that on an old cheap boat. Just be aware that selling later may be difficult so don't spend more than it needs.
Mister E
Well-known member
When I sold my last boat I insisted that blisters were mentioned in the advert.
Some bloke then tried to make an insulting offer because upon inspection he found blisters.
I told the broker not to sell it to him as he was going to be a pain. The idiot was upset as I wouldn't sell him a nice boat.
If the price is right and you were told about them just buy it and enjoy.
Some bloke then tried to make an insulting offer because upon inspection he found blisters.
I told the broker not to sell it to him as he was going to be a pain. The idiot was upset as I wouldn't sell him a nice boat.
If the price is right and you were told about them just buy it and enjoy.
Bobc
Well-known member
A big "so what".
They all have it.
They all have it.
MisterBaxter
Well-known member
Not a big deal, Stenar's advice above is good.
Given the difference a smooth underwater hull makes to good sailing, I would probably get her out at some stage, get all the old antifoul off, grind out the blisters, fill with epoxy then do a bit of general filling and fairing before antifouling again. But only if you feel like it and have the time and energy for a rather unpleasant job.
Given the difference a smooth underwater hull makes to good sailing, I would probably get her out at some stage, get all the old antifoul off, grind out the blisters, fill with epoxy then do a bit of general filling and fairing before antifouling again. But only if you feel like it and have the time and energy for a rather unpleasant job.
Refueler
Well-known member
Pop them ... grind back ... FW flush them ..... Epoxy fill. Dab of antifoul ... Go sailing.
wingcommander
Active member
Ahhh it just provides a greater surface for the antifouling to key to.
Stemar
Well-known member
Fixed that for you
Tiger Moth
New member
Thank you all. It's a big "so what".
wully1
Well-known member
I’ve just, almost, finished that job. Of course I noticed a few blisters I’d missed when prepping to antifoul - I’ll get them next time she’s out.
TBH, cutting back and polishing the topsides was a much harder job than grinding, filling and fairing the blisters and they make no difference to the structure.
hurley
Member
I would just add it would be worth getting a small plastic hammer and sounding the hull all over to see if there is any delamination in the chop strand. With very small blisters it's highly unlikely as back in the day before much was know about grp construction they were often "over engineered". If you have a look on you tube there are several very informative videos on this. You should be able to find one with a qualified surveyor showing how it's done. Just also be sure to pay for this condition priced in. Good luck
Refueler
Well-known member
I would suggest a metal domed item that fits the palm of hand ... the idea is to listen for the different sound ... and metal is best for this ...