What you need to know about your bottom
Careful!
These audio interviews are candid conversations with highly experienced staff from our shop—people who have worked on boats for years. However, the content of these interviews does not imply any particular result on your boat nor extend our warranty in any way. Please contact us directly for specific project questions or bring your boat to the yard for a consultation.
Listen to “What you need to know about your bottom” now.
What’s out of sight under water shouldn’t be out of mind. Here’re some thoughts on blisters and bottom paint from Production Manager Leif Erickson.
How can I fix blisters?
Blisters come from water infusion due to osmotic pressure, and can break down the fiberglass structure of your hull. Really large blisters may require removing the gelcoat from your bottom and drying the laminate out for several months before repairing. Small blisters can be drained, filled, and sealed when you haul to paint your bottom. If in doubt, consult a qualified marine surveyor to ascertain the integrity of your hull.
Is there anything I can do?
Newer boats are arriving from the factory with a barrier coat to prevent moisture penetration (that’s how we build them). Older boats can have an epoxy barrier coat applied to seal the laminate. The barrier coat goes over the gelcoat and under the bottom paint, so you’ll need to remove your existing bottom paint before applying the barrier coat. It could be a good insurance policy against more blisters.
What about anti-fouling paint?
It’s just a matter of time before copper-based bottom paint is illegal, just like tributyl tin-based paints are now. Europe has already outlawed them, so if you’re thinking of taking your boat there you need to be ready. One solution is to paint over your existing copper-based paint with a primer coat and then put compliant anti-fouling paint over the primer. A letter from the yard should stay in the boat in case you need documentation.