Hull is bubbling up

[ckevans98]

I just pulled my 2006 SAN TE 22 from a summer in the Allegheny river in Pittsburgh. There are 2 patches 2 square feet where the hull has bubbled up. I have no idea what would have caused this. Can anyone help shed some light on this ? TY

[core-rider]

That's called 'blistering" and happens when you leave the boat in the water for extended periods of time without antifouling paint. Gelcoat is porous and will absorb moisture over time if left sitting submerged. If left out the dry the blisters might go away eventually, but likely will leave some. The only repair is to sand down the gelcoat to remove the blisters and respray.

I suggest either using an antifouling paint if you plan to keep it in the water for extended periods, or pull the boat out after use.

[Rednucleus]

I will never get used to the fact that boats are not "waterproof"

[NautiqueJeff]

Osmosis damage.

Be very careful if you pop the blisters. They are full of acid. Not kidding.

[NautiqueJeff]

There is a statement about this in the 2006 owner's manual:

[pauldixon]

a friend of mine pulls his boat every 4 weeks and lets it "dry out" for a week to prevent blistering

[Jonny Quest]

This is why there are boat houses with lifts.

When I was in the marine business, our vessels would go into dry-dock every 5 years for anti-fouling bottom paint. Keep in mind that the world's universal "solvent" is...water.

JQ