In this article we are going to talk about how to detect osmosis in a boat. Before getting to the heart of the matter, we are going to do a review to understand what we are talking about. First of all, what is osmosis?
What is osmosis? And because?
Osmosis is a natural physical-chemical phenomenon that manifests itself in blisters between the gelcoat and the polyester hulls. So far, this is the common phrase that we have all heard. Really, how does this happen?
Over time, the gelcoat loses its waterproof properties. The water is filtered until it comes into contact with the polyester resin of the hull. At this time, the water becomes acidic and runs down the gaps in the hull. With pressure, blisters form in the gelcoat. Osmosis is already underway.
How to detect osmosis?
Not all blisters are synonymous with osmosis, and osmosis does not always cause blisters visible to the naked eye. So how to make sure of the condition of the hull?
On the one hand, if blisters appear on the hull, they must be pierced to ensure their nature. If it smells like vinegar, it's osmosis.
On the other hand, if you are in the process of buying a boat that shows no signs of osmosis and you want to make sure of the condition of the hull, you can call in a marine expert. Thanks to hygrometric tests, the marine expert will ensure the rate of osmosis.
How to treat osmosis?
There are two ways to treat osmosis: partial or total.
From Privilege Yacht, we consider it more appropriate to undertake a total treatment process and not a partial one, in order to completely prevent osmosis from penetrating further into a boat.
We always turn to an expert technician in the field of osmosis.
We minimize osmosis!
Osmosis is therefore a natural process. And this one can take a while to get going. In our Mediterranean salt waters, we can count up to ten years after the first spawning in the water. In tropical or warm waters, it's a completely different story. Once this phenomenon begins, it is irreversible and tends to accelerate.
In any case, osmosis has never called into question the safety of a ship. We have never seen an osmosis unit sink.
A few years ago, motor boat sales operations could fail due to the presence of osmosis. Today, we can minimize osmosis. This phenomenon can be treated and does not question the safety of the boat.
