Odd question about my hull

[DavidL]

When I look into the bilge of my recently purchased 1969 Bristol 29 I see a half dollar size spot that looks like a faint light source is shinning on it. I thought it was a reflection from light in the cabin but that was not the case. My question is can it be light from outside the hull somehow getting through the hull? Does this mean a have a very thin spot in the hull? Taping on that area doesn't sound much different than the rest of the hull. Some of the bottom paint has flacked off in that area. Can light shine thru fiberglass? When I have someone else with me I'm going to have them block the light in that area to see if that is it. This being my first boat has me confused. Any thoughts?

[Figment]

yes, light can shine through fiberglass. it doesn't take much light to look like a bright spot in an otherwise dark spot like a bilge.

[Tim]

Fiberglass is entirely translucent. With the paint off one side, you'll see light clearly through any normal thickness you might find in a solid hull.

Don't worry about it--though it's certainly a little disconcerting the first time you see this effect.

[jollyboat]

I had the bottom of 466 sand blasted last summer - removing all of the paint and experienced the same - now while the boat is out of the water and waiting for my work to continue I always have a well lit bilge.