Are Nonsuch susceptible to hull blistering? I tried to search this forum, but I could not find a way to do that.
Tim in St. Louis
Tim, I don’t think they’re particularly susceptible to them but they’re not immune either. After moving our boat up here from FL, in 1998, where it had spent it’s first ten years in salt water year around, we discovered several blisters. It was probably overkill but, in addition to addressing each of the blisters individually, we had the bottom stripped and barrier coated. To date, we have not had any recurrence of blisters.
David Young
Bay Cat, 30U #402
Traverse City / Suttons Bay, MI
I agree with David and had the same experience 13 years ago. Still no blisters.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
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Hello Tim -
My 1986 N22 has no blisters and, like John Newell’s vessel, has always been in fresh water and has always spent the winters on the hard. i believe that a previous owner did barrier-coat the bottom, at least 12-15 years ago.
These boats are truly above average in build-quality. and, furthermore, I’m glad that there is no core in the hulls of the 22’s and the 26’s. Many, many Nonsuches spend almost the entire year in salt water and, if Joe’s boat hasn’t suffered, after 13 years, I think that just further proves that our boats do better than most.
Have no fear. Buy the boat - you won’t regret it.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Well, I might have been able to deal with the dozens of 1/4" or less blisters that was found, but it was the 5" blister on the waterline that said “No” to me.
Tim in St. Louis
Remember that blisters may only be the superficial manifest symptoms of underlying moisture in the laminate. The hull needs to be thoroughly tested with a moisture meter when it has spent some time on the hard so that surface moisture can dry out. Many years ago I had to have major work done to strip wet laminae and re-laminate the hull with several new layers, followed by barrier coating. A very expensive job, only hinted at by observing some blisters on the surface. Unfortunately, I was not aware of this fact about blisters when I purchased Polaris.
John Zinner
Polaris NS30U #505
Annapolis
Boat bottoms should be checked for blisters immediately upon hauling as they can tend to disappear when the hull dries. Also, a moisture meter is ineffective and does not read accurately when trying to see through bottom paint.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
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Wow !! I don’t blame you.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Yes, check for blisters when hauling. However, the moisture meter is effective when laminate moisture is suspected and a small shallow beveled bore can be made in the hull at various spots below the bottom paint. That’s what was done in my case to identify areas of wet laminate.
John Zinner
Polaris NS30U #595
Annapolis