fiberglass boat bleeding problem

[wakruem]

Hello,<br /><br /> I have a 1969 Mckee Craft (14ft.).<br />I just painted the bottom of the boat with<br />antifouling bottom paint. I'm seeing bleeding<br />spots appear through the paint. I call it bleeding because this is what it resembles.<br />Is there anyway to prevent this from happening.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Wayne

 

[DJ]

Re: fiberglass boat bleeding problem

wakruem,<br /><br />I believe what you are seeing is called "blistering".<br /><br />Did you apply a barrier coat before you applied the paint?<br /><br />If not, you may have to sand the spots that are "bleeding" and apply a barrier coat to the affected areas and repaint.<br /><br />You can read up here, on barrier coats.<br /><br />www.westmarine.com

 

[Capt. Stabbin]

Re: fiberglass boat bleeding problem

I have a 1972 Mako that is doing the "bleeding thing" also. I don't think this is the same as blistering, as I have that also (minor). The blistering is caused by water getting into the foam, expanding, then "blistering" the gel coat from the inside out. My thoughts on the bleeding are that it is most likely due to improper/hasty preparation. My Mako has a crack near the keel and was very wet when I bought it. I let it dry out for about 2 weeks, scraped, sanded with 40 grit, and applied Marine-tex (3 layers) sanded down with 120 and 220 and put her in the water a week later. After my first outing I checked the repair and noticed a rusty color around the outside edge of the repair. I'm sorry I don't have a definite answer for you, but I wanted to dispell the blistering theory.

 

[wakruem]

Re: fiberglass boat bleeding problem

Thanks for all responses. The next question is:<br />How do you get the foam inside the hull of an old boat to dry out? Will it every dry out completely?

 

[79robalo]

Re: fiberglass boat bleeding problem

i have a 79 robalo i bought a few months ago. i noticed bleeding around all through hull fittings. i removed them and noticed the wood between inner and outer layers of fiberglass are soaking wet. i also get water in my bilge but can not drain it because there is foam around the drain hole on the inside that will not allow water to run out. i have to vacuum the water out from infront of the console. i need help finding info on the design of the hull and bilge in this boat. i can not figure out where the water is coming from. nothing apparent on the outside but i get about thirty gallons of water out everytime i go out for 8-10hours.