Identification gelcoat/balsa damage

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by Nachtvlinder, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Nachtvlinder
    Joined: Oct 2014
    Posts: 5
    Likes: 0, Points: 1, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Netherlands

    Nachtvlinder Junior Member

    I ran across below artifacts on a boat from 1977 located in The Netherlands.

    Who recognizes this type of damage? This is the original, non-painted gelcoat. How could this be repaired to get a durable uniform gelcoat appearance? If not repaired, will this get worse over time or become structural affecting the strength or stiffness of this boat?

    According to the builder:
    The deck is cast with 7 layers of 450 g fibreglass matting sandwiched with 10 mm balsa core. Hull and deck are moulded together to form a single, strong, watertight unit. Fore after and locker hatches are vacuum moulded in double fibreglass.

    IMG_1153_.jpg
    IMG_1149_.jpg

    IMG_1146_.jpg

    thx, Maarten
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,786
    Likes: 1,711, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    First you should inspect for delamination and water intrusion. A plastic hammer will let you know if there is delamination. A moisture meter will find water under the fiberglass. The minor blistering is probably cosmetic. You can refinish in either gelcoat or a good quality paint. In any case, hiring a marine surveyor is probably a good investment.
     
  3. wet feet
    Joined: Nov 2004
    Posts: 1,381
    Likes: 424, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 124
    Location: East Anglia,England

    wet feet Senior Member

    Unless you bought the boat-walk away.If you have already handed over money,prepare yourself for a fairly big expense on top of the purchase price.It takes many hours to restore the appearance of even faded and dull gel.If,as is possible, the blisters are a sign of osmosis it gets worse.You need to determine if this is likely.A survey would be one way.
     
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