Did you cut and paste that out of my survey? It’s almost word for word what you wrote in there. 😉

The cracks in the gelcoat will probably improve with the polishing as Robert mentioned. I’ll do some before and after shots.

I think I’m just going to live with the blisters unless they can do something for less than $1000.If I want to reapir them later I’ll hopefully be at a point where I have infinite time or in a place where the labor is so cheap it doesn’t matter.

For what it’s worth I dont’ think the yard is trying to gouge me. They have been very helpful, and pointed out things I can do myself to save a buck or two. It’s hard though when it’s dark at 4:30pm and I’m working. Ah work, hate to do it, love the money. 😉

Thanks for all the tips
-p

—-
s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 Hull #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.com

From: “Syringa” <>
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:47 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Waterline Blisters and Gell Coat Cracks

Small cosmetic blistering on the water line like this is not uncommon for vessels of this type and seems to be a design and age problem. They are not structurally significant. I don’t believe you will be able to get the boat dry enough to do a good paint job this time of year in Seattle unless she is in a heated building.

I don’t much like to repaint the hull or top side as any chips, cracks, or abrasions stands out like a sore thumb. The Pearson has very thick gelcoat you should be able sand buff and wax the hull to look like new. Yes it will still have the crazing but in most cases it does not show up to bad.

I hate to say this but watch out how much work (money) you put into a 30 year old boat. Right now yards are looking for work and will try to sell you anything they can. You may only get back ten cents on the dollar. And at the end of the day you still have a 30 year old boat.

By properly repairing any blister (below the water line) over 1 inch in size, the vessel should have many more years of useful service. Routine maintenance like this should be scheduled about every two years. I just surveyed a 39 Westerly that had a full blister job in 2004 and it’s starting to show new blisters. This is very common (Note: Epoxy or Vinylester bottom jobs are not recommended on most vessels as they seem to have a tendency to fail after a few years if they are not properly done and can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so proceed with caution if you ever decide to go this route.)

Don Gardner
S/V Syringa #124

/)+/)+~=:)

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