The answer to whether or not you should buy a boat that has blisters is definitely not a short one, since it really all depends on the age of the vessel, the extent of the blistering, and the likelihood of that blistering causing significant damage to a ship. On the one hand, you definitely shouldn’t seek out a boat that has blisters, but on the other, blistering is one of the more common problems boat owners face and to find an older used boat for sale that doesn’t have any at all would be a little more on the rare side. In most cases, blistering will not cause serious structural degradation, however, in some cases, it can cause significant damage to the hull, which is why it’s always worth taking an extra look to determine if the problem is merely a cosmetic one or if there are potentially bigger problems lurking beneath the surface.
Older Boats
If a boat is more than seven or eight years old, chances are it has suffered about as much damage or blistering as it ever will, which means the current shape it’s in is a good indicator of your future with it. If you notice very little blistering, or blisters that are less than three or four inches in diameter, you have likely found yourself a pretty decent vessel that should be able to withstand more extensive blistering in the future.
Newer Boats
If a boat you’re looking at is less than only three years old and already starting to show signs of blistering, you really need to think long term about the potential repair costs that will be necessary if the problem continues to get worse, or the potential loss of future resale value. In fact, if you are absolutely set on buying a newer boat that has signs of blistering, it is not entirely uncommon to request a reduction in price or that the blisters be repaired before the sale is finalized. Just be advised, if a particular boat is more susceptible to blistering, having repairs performed does not mean that the problem will not happen again in the future. Some boats are just more likely to have this problem than others.
A general rule to consider is to make a note of the size or quantity of blisters present. One hundred tiny dime sized blisters will obviously do much less damage to a hull than one large 10-inch blister – the larger the blister the more likely the damage. Of course, if you really have no idea what you’re looking for and you want to be extra careful with your purchase, you can always consult with a professional marine surveyor, like Christian A. Syoen. A marine surveyor will always be able to tell you which ships you’re interested in are the best possible investment for you, and which are likely to leave you wanting more. If you are considering the purchase of a new or used boat and are looking for a marine surveyor, call Christian today at 1.810.531.0992 or fill out the form in the sidebar to schedule your free consultation.
