2007 28TE Bubble Under Anti Fouling

[Poccolocco]

Hi from Australia.

We just took delivery of our Albin 28 TE 2007 model into Australia. We are extremely happy with the vessel and know she is just what we need down here on Bass Strait, the body of water between mainland Australia and Tasmania.

She is great condition, But......

When we received the boat it seemed like there was a lack of finish on the bottom, a lack of gel coat and it was quite rough. So we had the bottom bead blasted with the intention to sand, epoxy fill and epoxy prime. I understand the boat was sitting for a while in Miami.

We noticed a lot of blisters on the bottom and when punctured smelly water comes out.

Are the Albin laid in polyester or epoxy?

Has anyone seen this before? and if so what was your coarse of action?

We find it hard to believe it is the beginning of osmosis, as this was eradicated with tuberculosis.

Look forward to your response.

Regards

Hayden

[Chuck Waygood]

I had the same problem on a 1998 Offshore yacht fish made in Taiwan - definitely osmosis blisters. Two choices of solution: if it is not widespread, grind down the blisters to solid surface, fill with epoxy (possibly resin and glss over) and epoxy undercoat before bottom paint. If extensive blistering, you should have the bottom "peeled", a layer or more of glass off, dry it out (I took two months , flooding with fresh water every few days), and reglass with the newer Resin that is blister resistant. The rotten smell you get when puncturing the blisters is the product of the old resin and moisture. A big job but worth it for a good boat. Good luck.

[Poccolocco]

Thanks Chuck, I guess I don't want to believe it is osmosis. We believed Albin to be well built. We have begun grinding and will wash with fresh water and then fill. We will then epoxy prime and then anti foul.

Best regards

Hayden

[Tuxedo]

Albin used vinylester resin which is supposed to be resistant to water intrusion and hence blisters. I think you'll find most of the boats represented on this board do not have blistering problems.

Sounds like you might have just been unlucky.

[Poccolocco]

Thanks, we'll just soldier on and keep grinding.