GL: Barrier Coat

[Bob Kunath]

One more word of caution for Greg:

You quoted your dealer as saying a barrier coat is not necessary.  You also
quoted a 5 year hull warranty.

Before you store your boat in-water, consider this:

1.  Check the Regal web-site.  They barrier coat the larger boats as a
standard feature.  Why do they provide "unnecessary" barrier coats to only
larger boats?  I would guess they don't coat the smaller boats as many are
stored on trailers, not in-water.

2. Web-site says "limited lifetime warranty."  What does that mean?  Many
quality builders offer warranties that prorate repair cost over a set time
period, similar to an auto battery warranty.  Did you buy the boat new or
used?  Many factory warranties, especially lifetime, are not transferable.
Read the fine print.

3. I once bought a 15 year old trailerable sailboat with no barrier coat or
bottom paint.  I guessed that if it had not blistered in that time it was safe
to apply only bottom paint and stored in fresh water.  Wrong!   Hull developed
blisters in a few months, requiring partial gel coat removal and resurfacing
with epoxy.  AND barrier coat.

A few hundred dollars and a day or so sanding and applying 2000E or similar
will eliminate the threat, and give your boat higher more desirable when it's
time to sell.

Bob Kunath

Bob & Carol Kunath
Sans Souci
Pacific Seacraft 38T
bobkunath@att.net
Tel: 847 540 8175
cell: 847 921 8175