Posted: December 24 2006 at 10:47 | IP Logged

My wife and I just bought a 1978 Uniflite (blister era) 36’ Sport Sedan. Prior to the survey I traveled to the end of the internet and back researching the infamous blister issue. I wanted to know everything about the Uniflite blister issue prior to the out-of-water survey.

Following the survey by the most highly recommended surveyor in the San Joaquin Delta, we engaged in a lengthy conversation regarding blisters.

The bottom line; bought the boat, without reservation.

Sure, there are blisters. More below the waterline than above. While the boat is on the hard I am having necessary blisters addressed, as well as the props trued, a few zincs changed, shaft bushing checked, and the bottom painted. A total of 3K……….Whoo-hooo! The yard performing the work is experienced with this type of blister repair, and claims we will most likely spend another 2K every other year chasing the bottom blister issue.

As for the topside…………..hey,  I have an new hobby; blister repair!

In conclusion, where can you buy this much boat for half the cost my GMC Yukon XL Denali? Let’s see, 350 HP Crusaders with 975 hours, drect Velvet Drives, 6.5 ONAN, Heat, New Refrigerator, new Batteries, Charger, Inverter, Radar Arch, Transom Door. Microphor system, Hot water. Etc………………….. UUUmmmmmm…. no where!

Maybe we should name her   (Mister Blister)                   NOT!

Posted: December 24 2006 at 13:29 | IP Logged

jkpruitt,  

Welcome aboard!  Sounds like you and the Admiral got a nice Christmas gift.  Will it be ready for the spring?  You got a good boat for those waters.  If you never been out on a Uniflite, you will be amaised at how they handle in rough water.

Let get some photos posted for all of us to enjoy.

Happy Hollidays!

Posted: December 24 2006 at 13:46 | IP Logged

Yes, we will be ready. Considering the cool weather, I exect the bottom to take 2 months. Thats 7 weeks of drying out, and 1 week to do the work. We did a 3 hour sea-trial bringing the boat back to our home port for the survey, and all went really well.

Ken

Posted: December 26 2006 at 15:29 | IP Logged

Ken,

     Welcome aboard!  I have an '81 32' SS with blisters.  Before purchase, I had a very good surveryor take the extra time to look at any blister over the size of a dime.  I was assured they were all cosmetic and should cause no problems.  So far so good.  I only have a few above the waterline and only one of them is a little bit of an eyesore.  If I get caught up on the other projects, it will dissappear next Spring.

     If this is you first Uni, you will be amazed.  I came from a stoutly built Tolly to the Uni, and as Ron says, I was/am amazed.  In almost 3 years of ownership I have been safely through water that would have been "iffy" in the Tolly.

Posted: December 26 2006 at 18:21 | IP Logged

That is what I hear. Thank you for the support.

Ken

Posted: December 26 2006 at 22:38 | IP Logged

Ken, Congrats on the new boat!  The wife and I have a 1970 36SS and we have really enjoyed it.

I used to live on delta back in the day (Bethel Island).  Since I've retired from the Air Force and now call Virginia home, it's interesting to hear from people who live in the San Joaquin delta region.

Posted: December 26 2006 at 23:07 | IP Logged

Good Evening. They now call Bethel Island (METHEL ISLAND), for the obvious reasons. We live in Oakley, back on Big Break. I am sure you know where that is. Here is a photo of our boat. Let's see; repair a few blisters, bottom paint, zincs, full upper and lower canvas, sand, sand, sand, sand, paint, paint, paint, paint. Did I tell you we are going to do a lot of sanding and painting? Thanks for the kind words...

Posted: January 06 2007 at 01:41 | IP Logged

nice looking boat mister blister!  i too spent alot of time researching the blister issue and didnt stop me from buying a uniflite

bernie