Osmosis research for your polyester boat or yacht
Osmosis is a common problem that occurs with older but also with newer polyester boats, ships and yachts.
What is osmosis?
This is a process whereby water penetrates the polyester and enters into a chemical reaction with the acids in the polyester laminate. The layers in the polyester are pressed apart, and blisters are formed.
Osmosis Research
Osmosis can only be detected by thorough investigation of the underwater ship. A moisture measurement of the polyester laminate that has been carried out properly provides information not only about the amount of water that has penetrated into the laminate, but also about the risk of osmosis occurring or the presence of this phenomenon.
This is of great importance when buying or selling a vessel. After all, you are not waiting for problems afterwards!
Once osmosis has been established, the following can be done
A professional osmosis treatment
This is the most expensive option, but it offers the best results. The layer containing the osmosis is removed over the entire ship. The ship must then dry and then a new layer must be set up. Because this solution is very expensive, you should check carefully beforehand whether such an investment is justified.
Small-scale repairs
If the costs of professional treatment exceed your budget, you can opt for this less expensive option. Performing small-scale osmosis repairs ensures that the osmosis does not develop further at that location. This approach does not offer a solution for the total problem, but rather postpones the harmful consequences.
Keep on ‘sailing’
Osmosis is a relatively slow process. It will therefore probably take years before the hull of your yacht is in such a bad condition that sailing becomes irresponsible. However, the choice to continue means that the value of the ship will decrease considerably.