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Saw this topic and just wanted to add a "summary of blistering". It's what I have said to other boat users, based upon years of contact with the lamination industry. Reasons NO boat manufacturer (in the past) warranted gelcoat, without all the chemistry mumbo-jumbo:
* Gelcoat is a porous product only for cosmetic appearance; water will migrate through gelct.
* ONLY a perfect skin-out would GUARANTEE no microscopic areas in which water could be captured (after the pre-existing occupant of that area evaporates).
*A "perfect" skin-out of this caliber is impossible because not even a robotic application can prevent microscopic migration. The product would need to be a solid - i.e. metal, like a car panel.
* Therefore, not all blistering is caused by a boat sitting in water. The individual with moisture trapped between his trailer bunk & boat surface is a good example. NORMAL production environment, tool maintenance, boat maintenance, etc... all play into blistering.
*One underlying issue is that a boat of gelcoat and fiberglass can be "perfect" in material, building process, handling, and performance; but still blister. Thus, in the past - no manufaturer warranty.
*WAY too many variables.
* Gelcoat is a porous product only for cosmetic appearance; water will migrate through gelct.
* ONLY a perfect skin-out would GUARANTEE no microscopic areas in which water could be captured (after the pre-existing occupant of that area evaporates).
*A "perfect" skin-out of this caliber is impossible because not even a robotic application can prevent microscopic migration. The product would need to be a solid - i.e. metal, like a car panel.
* Therefore, not all blistering is caused by a boat sitting in water. The individual with moisture trapped between his trailer bunk & boat surface is a good example. NORMAL production environment, tool maintenance, boat maintenance, etc... all play into blistering.
*One underlying issue is that a boat of gelcoat and fiberglass can be "perfect" in material, building process, handling, and performance; but still blister. Thus, in the past - no manufaturer warranty.
*WAY too many variables.
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