soft spot on hull

[crookedmullet]

I've got a 17' 1979 Surecraft tri-hull. I crawled under the boat to check some trailer modifications I had done and I noticed a puddling of water in this one little spot. I went to touch it and the fiberglass flexed a little. The area is about the size of a BB pellet. What is my quickest and most effective method to fix this wet spot? <br /><br />I've had the boat for a couple of years without any previous history on it. I've been holding off making an access hatch to check the foam with fear of it being waterlogged. If I do make a hatch, where is the best spot on the deck to do this?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[fishingdan]

Re: soft spot on hull

It sounds like you have a hull blister. There are a zillion posts regarding blisters. Do a quick search and you will know more than you ever wanted to know about them.

 

[crookedmullet]

Re: soft spot on hull

Well, I've been searching the forum and the web about hull blisters and it doesn't look like anything I have. I don't have a blistering effect, I've got a small soft spot where water keeps coming thru. Is this the same as a blister? Is the method of fixing a blister the same as fixing this soft spot?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: soft spot on hull

is it possible for you to post some pictures. right now we're guessing. or run it down to the marina or a glass shop and get their opinion. you're in Sarasota, there should be one just around the corner. Beautiful place to live. visited santa maria beach (bradenton) each year as a kid.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: soft spot on hull

If it's that small and there's just one, it's most likely just an air bubble under the gel coat. Use a knife or srewdriver and dig it out, then use some epoxy putty to fill the hole.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: soft spot on hull

If it's that small and there's just one, it's most likely just an air bubble under the gel coat. Use a knife or srewdriver and dig it out, then use some epoxy putty to fill the hole.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: soft spot on hull

Originally posted by ondarvr:<br /> If it's that small and there's just one, it's most likely just an air bubble under the gel coat. Use a knife or srewdriver and dig it out, then use some epoxy putty to fill the hole.

you'll be able to tell if the layup is delaminating once you dig the void out. the glass behind it should still be dark and glassy, if its crucnhy and whitish, you'll need to do as the blister repair states