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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Small blister repair

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/18/2006 : 14:28:24

After pulling my c250 last year for the winter, I noticed several small blisters at the waterline on the transom. Very small, just under the gelcoat. What is the best proceedure to repair them? That area did not have bottomcaot on it, but I plan on painting it with bottomcoat after the repair. What product should I use to repair the blisters? Keep in mind that there is only 4-5 so I don't need a large quantity of whatever to fix it. Yea, it is supposed to be under warranty, I just can't see hauling it 3 hours to the nearest dealer and waiting 2 months.

Suggestions?

Turk

www.turk.mysailboatblog.com
2003 C250 WK #663
Northeast Ohio
Mosquito Lake/Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 18:13:37

Knowing that boat's history the way I do I am certain it is a factory issue. I would contact Catalina and ask them to advise you. I don't blame you for not wanting a hassle but remember it is a financial asset and it's value needs to be protected. If the factory makes or pays for a repair you have that paperwork to keep with the boat.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 18:16:49

Turk, for many years Catalina had a first-rate repairman who traveled all around the country doing warranty repairs on Catalinas. Before you decide to do it yourself, you should call the factory and see if they still have such a person. It sounds like the kind of job he could do in a couple of hours, on his way to a bigger job.

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2006 : 20:55:00

Yea, you're probably right. It could be a sign of an ongoing problem that could raise it's ugly head later. Guess I should get them involved. The paperwok says the warranty is only for the original owner, I am the second owner - they could skate off the hook if they want to. I will report back on Monday on what they say.

Thanks

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 02/19/2006 : 18:29:40

If you want to do it yourself head on down to your local West Marine Store. Purchase the West System blister repair manual. It's only a few dollars. Purchase a small West system kit and go for it. Its very easy to do. Just follow the directions. I have repaired hundreds of blisters with this system and have had great luck with it. Oh and no they weren't on a Catalina they were on an Alberg full keel. Previous owner had let the bilge get full of water and left it there.

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/20/2006 : 14:04:28

I called Catalina today to find out if they would do anything about the blisters. A secretary ask for my information and then said someone would be calling me back today. I guess I'm a little surprised as a couple hours later I got a call from Frank Butler. He wanted to know where and if I could send him pictures. He knew all about the boat and that I was the second owner. I told him I if it was possible I would be happy to fix it myself but I wanted them to know if other problems appear. He said "Well, Ok you can fix it and I could say goodbye, but that's not how it works - send me the pictures and I will get back to you."

I'm impressed.

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/22/2006 : 19:27:52

Talked with Frank again today and sent gave him a web address to the pictures of my blisters on the transom. Though you might want to see what is happening with my c250.

Frank said he would call me after examining the pictures and running it buy his guys. Gotta love it!

Link:

www.elmhurstprop.com/blisters/

Take a look.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/22/2006 : 20:08:03

Mosquito Lake!!! I used have a Tanzer 16 on Mosquito Lake!!!

Wonder if it's still there . . .

OJ (Ode to Joy)
aka Steve Madsen
formerly of Solon, OH

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/22/2006 : 20:44:49

I loved my Tanzer 16

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/22/2006 : 22:23:18

it's that kind of response from the manufacturer that raises the bar.

When peggy and I visted strictly sail Miami this past weekend, we met with the designer of the C250WB, and we just got a really good feeling about the relationship that the manufacturers have with their boat owners. This thread just reinforces that concept.

I'm sure they'll do the right thing.

Keep us informed.

Paul

Edited by - on

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2006 : 06:08:28

Well, I received several calls from Frank Butler today. He basically said they could not fix the boat under warranty as I am the second owner. He did say he will be writing me a letter on how to fix it myself AND he is sending the materials to do the work. I am very satisfied with that as I have always stated that I would be happy to do the work - if I knew how.

We discussed repairing the blisters first and then adding a barrier coat to the poetion of the transom that is under water. Also, I will be adding a bottom paint to finish. He was originally going to send me a gel kit, but after finding out I will be bottom coating the area, he changed his approach and said barrier coating after the blister repair would be better. Details? Haven't received the letter and materials yet, and he didn't get into it.

I'll let all you know when it comes.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3468 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2006 : 11:53:07

Turk,

That is very good info regarding your discussions, sending of matls and instructions. I have small blisters below the waterline but my boat is much older it being an '89. The marina told me to not do anything yet as the blisters were small and since the boat was older, these blisters may have been at present size for many years and may not increase or form addl ones. They told me when i have the boat taken out this next summer for painting to loom over the size of the blisters and if they have become noticeably larger, then i should fix them. So...I would be very interested in the instructions that Catalina provides for fixing the blisters. i have seen other write-ups but not from a mfr and not specifically from catalina which should be of interest to many of us. So, if at all possible, please share the info. Good luck with your repair work and maybe a good idea to take before after photos. I am sure we would like to see your handiwork.

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2006 : 06:30:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 Turk,

That is very good info regarding your discussions, sending of matls and instructions. I have small blisters below the waterline but my boat is much older it being an '89. The marina told me to not do anything yet as the blisters were small and since the boat was older, these blisters may have been at present size for many years and may not increase or form addl ones. They told me when i have the boat taken out this next summer for painting to loom over the size of the blisters and if they have become noticeably larger, then i should fix them. So...I would be very interested in the instructions that Catalina provides for fixing the blisters. i have seen other write-ups but not from a mfr and not specifically from catalina which should be of interest to many of us. So, if at all possible, please share the info. Good luck with your repair work and maybe a good idea to take before after photos. I am sure we would like to see your handiwork.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

OK will do. I haven't received the instrustions yet. I also will be waiting for warmer weather before starting, but I will take pictures throughout the process.

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