Hi, my wife has a full carbon Allwave Vanguard Outrigger canoe.

It is only about 12 months old and we have just removed the cover after being stored for the winter to find an extensive 'roughness' on the gel coat - like tiny bubbles, really course to the touch. Also in places, there is visible bubbling, see picture.

She has only over used plain water to clean it (after ever use) and 'Car Plan bumper shine' to polish it, which was recommended by the seller.
It has been stored in a nylon sock and not come into contact with any chemicals. There was no problem when it was last used in October/early November - could frost have damaged it?

Firstly, can you suggest what might have caused the problem, and secondly what products do I need to repair it. I specifically want to know if I need to colour the gel coat (the boat has a multi-colour design!!) or will I be able to just sand away the bubbles and re-coat it with clear gel.


(The darker lines are reflection of trees)

When I say popping open, what I mean is the whole blister will break off leaving a small circle of exposed fiber, not just release the air/fluid inside and settle down. Osmosis also takes longer to develop normally. You can tell if it is by bursting one of the blisters. If moisture comes out and it smells like vinager then it is osmosis. If the gel coat is very thin, then it could be a combination of the damp lockers and air expanding pushing the gelcoat out through pinholes in the laminate. To dry the lockers you will have to flush them. Salt water will never dry out fully as the salt remains and then reabsorbs moisture.