I have an old 73’ Aquasport that’s not as pretty as she used to be, but still as solid as the day it was built. I’d like to get the topsides repainted, and maybe get the bottom paint redone. Nothing like showroom quality, I just don’t want to be so embarrassed when I park it in the driveway. Anyone know of a good shop in the Charleston area? Thanks
Thanks guys, I’ll see if I can get some quotes. Part of the reason I was put off from doing the work myself is the “blisters” in the hull sides, and the itchy grinding that will need to be done in these areas. Considering the location, I’ve ruled out water blisters. Looks more like 40 year old resin losing its grip…
You should get a marine surveyor to inspect that hull before you spend any money on it. It needs more than just a coat of paint. It looks like it may have some serious fatigue problems. Hard to tell from pictures alone though.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
I’ve heard a lot of different theories on what caused the bumps/blisters/whatever. They are only around the fuel vent on the one side of the boat, above the waterline. An interesting theory I’ve heard is that ethanol fumes from the vent have interacted with the aging resin, causing it to bulge. They are hard to the touch, and have been there at least since I’ve owned the boat in 2008. The fix I hear the most is grind and fair. Fatigue is interesting - does the hull side midship experience a lot of stress that could lead to fatigue?
It is not ethanol related. Yes, just forward of midships is the area of most stress. Usually the pattern is longitudinal, where yours is vertical. That leads me to believe that the boat may be hinging at midships, indicating that the stringers have possibly failed. There are not many 40 year old production boats that don’t have rotten stringers. I know you don’t want to hear this. I’m sorry. But get a qualified person to look at it before you invest a lot of money.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
I actually don’t mind hearing it at all, I welcome any input, especially from someone qualified. I’m ready for a new boat, it was the wife’s idea to get it painted to hold me over. This works in my favor
Excellent I’m glad I didn’t manage to tick anybody off today
A fiberglass hull, like most things, has a useful duty cycle. It can only be flexed so many times before it weakens and starts to break. Just like folding a piece of paper or a beer can back and forth, after a few bends it tears in half. By the time a production boat reaches 40 years old it usually needs extensive repairs and are often not worth repairing. Most don’t make it that long.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
Yep, that’s ugly. Based on the pictures you’ve probably got some serious delamination going on, but pictures can be deceiving. Get a professional to look at it.
Edit: Those old Aquasports are classics, built like tanks. Beautiful lines and great hull design. They are worthy of complete restoration and I know several people who have done it.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
Yep, its ugly that’s for sure. Here’s some more pictures in natural sunlight. Even uglier. A member on another forum theorized that it was resin that never kicked off, causing the surface to bubble. Said I should drill a hole in a few of the herp blisters, and see if any resin dripped out. None did. Blisters are hard to the touch, no separation or layers in the glass/gelcoat.
It almost looks like the boat was in a serious collision at one point in it’s life and a bad repair job was made. Very odd looking and not typical. Aquasport didn’t have many troubles like that. Wish I was closer, I’d come look at it.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
I’m glad I didn’t manage to tick anybody off today 
