Osmosis is a problem that occurs in the hulls of boats that are in constant contact with water and is especially common in fibreglass boats. Water seeps in through the porous structure of the hull and is trapped inside the hull. This leads to the formation of water bubbles and damage to the hull over time. Osmosis treatment is a series of procedures to solve this problem and ensure the longevity of the boat. Osmosis treatment usually consists of the following stages:
1. Detection and Assessment
Before starting osmosis treatment operations, the presence and prevalence of osmosis in the hull must be established. At this stage, experts carefully inspect the hull and look for signs of osmosis. Bubbles, discolouration on the surface and cracks can be signs of osmosis. During the detection and evaluation phase, measurements and analyses are carried out on the hull.
2. Surface Preparation
After the osmosis has been detected, it is necessary to prepare the hull surface before starting treatment operations. At this stage, the existing paint, primer and coatings on the hull are completely cleaned. Cleaning is usually done by mechanical methods (sanding, scraping) or with chemical solvents. It is important that all coatings on the surface are removed so that the osmosis treatment can be applied effectively.
3. Drying Process
After the surface has been cleaned, the body needs to dry completely. The drying process is one of the most critical stages of the osmosis treatment. In order for the water trapped in the hull to completely evaporate, the hull must be dried under suitable conditions, usually over a period of several weeks. During the drying process, the hull should be free of any coating or paint so that the water can evaporate.
4. Treatment of Osmosis Bubbles
After the drying process is completed, osmosis bubbles and damaged areas should be treated. At this stage, the bubbles are carefully opened and the water and moisture inside are removed. The areas with bubbles are filled and levelled with suitable epoxy resins or fillers. This process ensures that the hull becomes solid and watertight again.
5. New Coating and Protection
In the final stage of osmosis treatment, the hull is recoated and protected. At this stage, the hull is first treated with a high quality epoxy primer. The epoxy primer increases the water resistance of the hull and prevents osmosis from occurring again. After the primer dries, a suitable marine paint is applied. The paint provides an aesthetic appearance of the hull and at the same time creates an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion and Maintenance
Once the osmosis treatment has been completed, the hull should be regularly maintained. Periodic cleaning of the hull, checking the surface and renewing protective coatings where necessary helps to prevent osmosis from occurring again. In addition, increasing the time the boat spends out of the water can also reduce the risk of osmosis.