'73 Larson Tri hull Crack Repair

[97fordrunner]

Hi all, I just got the boat out for the first time last week nad have been going over it seeing what its going to need to make it a safe reliable boat. I know the transom is going to need to be repaired/replaced along with the stringers, the floor is actually very solid considering how the rear around the engine is. My question today though is surrounding the cracks i have all over the underside of the boat. none of the little ones can be felt with a finger nail, should I be concerned. The other picture is of one that is deep, whats the best repair for that - sand it down and re apply gelcoat? Again my main concern is the structure and all the little visual lines.

 

[97fordrunner]

Here are a few more spots. My concern is if the hull itself looks compromised and if doing the future transom and stringers is a pointless venture.

 

[Woodonglass]

Spider cracks are non-structural damage to the gel-coat of a boat. This damage is often caused by slight flexing of the hull. These hairline fractures also occur in boats of the mid 1970's vintage which often had thicker gel-coat layers than newer boats. This thicker gel-coat cannot stand ANY flexing without showing cracks. With as many as you have, grinding them out and repairing them would be, IMHO, impractical. They ARE just cosmetic and not hurting the boat. IF you want her to look New again then, Again just my opinion, I'd recommend Painting her. Sand the hull well with 80-100 grit paper, wipe down with acetone and then use 2-3 coats of a good primer and Paint. This might be of interest to you if you're on a tight budget...Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!

 

[97fordrunner]

Thanks for the response, I'm planning on painting for sure After I repair the small gouges in the gel coat and after I finish the transom and stringers obviously. I've been looking at the bottom side anti fouling paint and researching the best application process, so far seems that rolling and tipping comes out to be the most glossy and is just time consuming which is fine since I don't have a compressor yet anyways. Again thanks for the in put

 

[Woodonglass]

Is this a saltwater boat??

 

[97fordrunner]

Negetory, fresh. I just assumed the anti fouling was for the underside in general

 

[Woodonglass]

Nope, no need for it unless you moor your boat in saltwater. Just paint the hull with a good 2 part paint. You might find this informative...Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!