More and More Rinkers!!

jlrm73 · 05-12-2007, 12:15 PM

I was searching the thread for some info about gelcoat bubbling...
thought I would see it, but this is just as good!!

My boyfriend and I are looking to buy our first boat, a 1997 Rinker Captiva
232; the only issue with this boat that we can see is the gelcoat is bubbling in places. You can't press them, they are hard, but there are numerous spots on the boat. The current owner says he tried to have Rinker or Silver Sands (where he bought it) re-do the paint, but they won't under warranty (paint isn't covered)... I have been doing some research online, and see it's a pretty big problem out there, some troublesome, some not, and see it can be up to $2000 to repaint the bottom? He says there is no water leaking in through the hull. He is a family friend so we believe him!! He also says they have been there for a few years.
The boat is in great shape, and we do love it, but worry about this. Does anyone have any thoughts about when/if we may have to fix this?
Thanks!

Paugus Bay Resident · 05-12-2007, 03:27 PM

The problem is blistering (osmosis) and is usually an issue with the gel coat and process the manufacturer uses. It is not unusual and most often happens to boats that stay in the water all season. I had a boat (manufacturer withheld) that had severe blistering. Under the 5 year hull warranty, the manufacturer redid the bottom and extended the warranty. Not sure what Rinker's warranty is, but it sounds like its out of warranty. It's not necessarily a major problem. Here are a couple of links that give more info.

http://www.nsc.ca/nsc_library/techtalk/osmosis.htm

http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/blisterbottom.asp

The fiberglass shop across from Faye's (Bill Amadon) did the bottom on my last boat and it came out great. The manufacturer actually came out and certified them so the boat didn't have to go back to the factory for the work.

$2,500 sounds about right to have the bottom re-done. If you're getting a good deal on the boat, and have a competent shop do the work, you're probably OK.

I'd definitely check with Bill. Good luck.

jlrm73 · 05-13-2007, 09:57 AM

I will definitely do that...thanks for the info!!!

05-12-2007, 12:15 PM	#1
jlrm73 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Rinker gelcoat info? I was searching the thread for some info about gelcoat bubbling... thought I would see it, but this is just as good!! My boyfriend and I are looking to buy our first boat, a 1997 Rinker Captiva 232; the only issue with this boat that we can see is the gelcoat is bubbling in places. You can't press them, they are hard, but there are numerous spots on the boat. The current owner says he tried to have Rinker or Silver Sands (where he bought it) re-do the paint, but they won't under warranty (paint isn't covered)... I have been doing some research online, and see it's a pretty big problem out there, some troublesome, some not, and see it can be up to $2000 to repaint the bottom? He says there is no water leaking in through the hull. He is a family friend so we believe him!! He also says they have been there for a few years. The boat is in great shape, and we do love it, but worry about this. Does anyone have any thoughts about when/if we may have to fix this? Thanks!

05-13-2007, 09:57 AM	#3
jlrm73 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks!!! I will definitely do that...thanks for the info!!!

05-12-2007, 03:27 PM	#2
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	The problem is blistering (osmosis) and is usually an issue with the gel coat and process the manufacturer uses. It is not unusual and most often happens to boats that stay in the water all season. I had a boat (manufacturer withheld) that had severe blistering. Under the 5 year hull warranty, the manufacturer redid the bottom and extended the warranty. Not sure what Rinker's warranty is, but it sounds like its out of warranty. It's not necessarily a major problem. Here are a couple of links that give more info. http://www.nsc.ca/nsc_library/techtalk/osmosis.htm http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/blisterbottom.asp The fiberglass shop across from Faye's (Bill Amadon) did the bottom on my last boat and it came out great. The manufacturer actually came out and certified them so the boat didn't have to go back to the factory for the work. $2,500 sounds about right to have the bottom re-done. If you're getting a good deal on the boat, and have a competent shop do the work, you're probably OK. I'd definitely check with Bill. Good luck.