Vinyl ester resin

[reynollj]

Hi Everyone: We're considering buying a 1991 Chaparral 20.25. It's had one owner and been on a lift its whole life. Otherwise in excellent condition. We will have our mechanic check it out, BUT: Our slip doesn't have a lift (we're moving soon and don't want to invest in a lift at our marina) and we're worried about whether this boat has the "old" type of fiberglas or the newer type of vinylester resin that is more resistant to "bubbling." Two questions, if you please:

1. Does anyone know what year Chaparral started using the newer type of vinylester resin coating?

2. Will it hurt our new boat to stay in the water for a few months until we move and/or decide on a lift?

Thanks for all your wisdom!

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Vinyl ester resin

Contact Chaparral they can tell you. Also here is a link to their previous models brochures.

http://forum.chaparralboats.com/index.php?showtopic=5328


Chaparral Boats, Inc.
P.O. Drawer 928
Nashville, GA 31639
229-686-7481

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: Vinyl ester resin

Vinyl ester is the bomb...use it

We, are in the process of restoring a 1964 Pearson launch. Specifically the Engine stringers, bulkhead, ribs engine mounts.

I did all kinds of research and picked the brains of some of the fiberglass icons of the East Coast. The gurus told me the vinyl ester would have good adhesion properties to the existing poly boat. not require a bunch of sanding between coats and be much better in the long run.

We are using white oak, vinyl ester resin, biaxial cloth and a special fillet compound. White pigment in the top coat of resin and its turning out awesome.

We bought our stuff from a place in Groton CT. It is taking longer than anticipated but is going to be a class act.

Perhaps I should blog it when we finish, I have a ton of pics.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Vinyl ester resin

Two questions, if you please:

1. Does anyone know what year Chaparral started using the newer type of vinylester resin coating?

2. Will it hurt our new boat to stay in the water for a few months until we move and/or decide on a lift?

Thanks for all your wisdom!

1. No I don't know. I know by 1995 they were using vinylester. Look for a sticker on the starboard side windshield that says something about Ashland Chemicals.

2. Yes it will hurt your boat to leave it in the water for a few months. but no necessarily by causing blisters. Depending on where you boat, the marine growth that will occur on your hull will cause extra drag, slowing the boat down, and causing the engine to be overworked. (referred to as "lugging" an engine) This leads to excessive combustion chamber temperatures and will damage the intake/exhaust valves. If allowed to continue long enough, it can lead to a melted piston and complete engine failure. There are a couple things you can do to help, but the real solution is a lift slip, or a bottom paint, with an epoxy barrier coat applied first.

Good luck