Barrier coating hull

[Aadudley]

We own a 2016 R25SC and are planning to move the boat to warmer a warmer climate. I've read several articles about fiberglass osmotic blisters on boat hulls may be more prevalent due to warmer and longer boating climates. With that in mind we are contemplating a barrier coating prior to bottom paint. At the same time I have read the following:

"As builders determined that blisters resulted from water penetrating the gel coat surface, the barrier coat (usually an epoxy, or similar material that seals out the moisture better than polyester gel coat) was born. Water barrier techniques and products have grown into maturity over the past few decades"

Not knowing the manufacturing process of Ranger hulls, I have two questions. 1. Does Ranger use an epoxy as discussed in the previous paragraph and if so what do you recommend for a bottom paint. 2.If Ranger does not have an epoxy do you recommend one or better yet what do you recommend for hull protection. Our boat will be spending time in Florida after the hurricane season and soon will be in Tennessee fresh water lakes for fall and early winter.

Thanks for the help

 

[BB marine]

Ranger/Cutwater use vinylester resin in the hulls.Vinylester is essentially a styrene modified epoxy resin. It adds excellent strength, rigidity, adhesion, water and chemical resistance. The need to apply epoxy barrier coat is not really needed. The factory personal from Fluid Motion say it's not needed. At least that is what I was told when I was preparing to paint the bottom of my C26. I worked in the marine industry in the 80's and 90's up to 2002. In that time we were doing a lot of bottom jobs because of osmotic blisters. Many marine repair shops still believe that the added protection of barrier coating the bottoms before bottom painting is still a good Idea even with the vinylester. It gives added protection and also provides a good base for the anti fouling paint to adhere to. The initial cost is more to bottom paint but once done its there forever. I elected to epoxy barrier coat with the three step process and then applied the first coat of bottom paint during the epoxy curing to get good adhesion. I followed with a second coat of bottom paint and the result was good. I am on my 3rd season without issue. I plan on a light sanding 80grit this off season and applying two more coats. ( Pettit Vivid) I am starting to see some of the gray barrier coat epoxy bleeding thru the black bottom paint. It appears that the hard finish Vivid ablative paint is working has it partially eroded away after 3 years of service. No worries of bottom paint build up. Is barrier coating needed on Ranger boats probably not.. From what you read about barrier coating will it hurt applying it ? No. Will it prevent damage to the bottom and seal the bottom? Yes. It's an opinion subject. I guess if applied or not applied we'll find out in future years if it is worth it or not!