Bulging spots in hull

[mcrustyruss]

My 74 Century Arabian has some bulges in several spots on the hull sides. I assume this is delamination that has occurred between the foam and outer hull. You can see a bulge in the opposite direction inside the hull as well. The worst two are about 8" in diameter and stick out about 1/4". I was wondering what the best way to fix this is. Even if it means cutting the whole bulge out and grinding it back and reglassing it that's ok. I just want the repair to last. If there's an easier way that's just as effective, that'd be great too. I don't know if you can see them in the pic, but thought I'd give it a shot!

Thanks!

 

[saildan]

Re: Bulging spots in hull

My 74 Century Arabian has some bulges in several spots on the hull sides. I assume this is delamination that has occurred between the foam and outer hull.

This information might help:

WEST System Epoxy Company
Gelcoat Blisters: Diagnosis, Repair & Prevention


Click on image to download
complete 57 page manual - free


Other Free WEST System Guides
- direct from the company



​

 

[jonesg]

Re: Bulging spots in hull

Those bulges aren't blisters.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Bulging spots in hull

I think you may need to look closer and then supply more information, we really can't see much of anything in the pic.

Do you know if this hull has a foam core?

What makes you believe its delamination?

Are the spots soft at all?

Has it always been this way?

 

[mcrustyruss]

Re: Bulging spots in hull

I'll try to get some better pics. They are soft, and clearly hollow. I was told that they may be dry spots that resulted during the layup process. It is a foam core construction too btw. I'll draw some circles around them and get a pic.

 

[joenapier]

Re: Bulging spots in hull

They just might be delamination between the fine glass fibers on the outside of the boat (under the gell coat) and the rough chopped glass on the inside. In my working with my boat, I never came across anything that says Arabians have a foam core. I think our hulls are fiberglass through and through.

If I am wrong about that, let me know.

This may be a crazy idea, but would it be possible to drill several holes on the inside of the boat and squeeze some epoxy resin in the space between ? Then put pressure on the ouside of the boat and encourage layers to cure glued back together? If you got some good fill, it would be no weaker than original?

If someone was watching from the outside while you were drilling on the inside, they might be able to stop you from drilling all the way through when they saw the drill going into the gelcoat?