Bertram33 User Forum

I am in the process of buying a 1979 35 (Closing Wed). We are thrilled about getting the boat and enjoying it in the Buzzards bay area this summer. One of the items on the Survey That I will be addressing before the boat goes in the water is as follows (quoted from Survey... The surveyor seemed to think the strakes were added after the hull came out of the mold... does that sound right?) "The lower lifting strake on the port side near the intakes has gel coat cracks along the hull joint. These cracks are weeping moisture. Grind back and repair before launching"... There wasn’t any sign of moisture in the bilge adjacent to the problem area of the strake... Long story short... Has anyone experienced issues with the strakes on this vintage????? The hull had been barrier coated 10 years ago... should I re barrier coat the impacted area after grinding it out??? -Chris

Chris, The strakes were not added afterward but they are layed up so that they are hollow. If they are breached they won't sink your boat but will fill with water and weep. I would drill a couple large-ish holes at either end to drain it , do not use compressed air! Then do the repair and , yes I would barrier coat the repair and I would only use epoxy resin to repair it. My old boat hauler would almost always damage one of mine (the tire would hit it)and I have repaired it a couple of times because of it. Easy and quick.

Sounds like you need a new surveyor.

Thanks for the reply... what did you use as an epoxy? I am getting a quote from the yard. .. but I may do it myself. Owning this boat is going to stretch my capabilities as a handy man!

West system is the most common but there are other quality resins. Obviously you will need a compatible cloth also.