bow blisters

[rockyrude]

I finally got the bottom paint off of my old thunderbird using citri strip to control the toxics, the first two feet or so of the bow below the waterline has a slew of tiny stress cracks (no longer than 1/2") and each one appears to have what looks like a small blister in the gelcoat. Is this something that requires attention and what is the best solution since I plan on repainting this old girl.

 

[gcboat]

Re: bow blisters

Take a read through this article. if you plan on keeping this boat then blister repair is necessary. http://www.zahnisers.com/repair/blister/blister1.htm

 

[ondarvr]

Re: bow blisters

How big is your boat and do you plan on leaving it in the water all the time?

If this is a trailer boat then the repair is easy and low in cost, if you plan on leaving the boat in the water, then the repair is a little more involved.

That link has some good info, but also has a few odd things in it and is more an add for their repair service.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: bow blisters

It's a 70 18' thunderbird apache that when done will be a trailer boat. Just want to insure its integrity.
BTW it was still a good read

 

[ondarvr]

Re: bow blisters

It's very rare for blisters to compromise a hull to the point of it not being useable and on a trailer boat it would be almost unheard of. If it's kept on the trailer almost any type of good repair will hold up sand them out, fill them up and paint it.