cracks in finish(w/pics)

[Dave Abrahamson]

Am I better off leaving these or is there a way for me to fix them without looking like a hack job? I am assuming they are just gelcoat cracks...<br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Dave<br />One by the livewell<br />

<br /><br />And one by the light fixture<br />

 

[atticus3600s]

Re: cracks in finish(w/pics)

Those cracks look like stress cracks in the gel coat. Notice they are at a corner and near hardware where stress can be increased from impact and use. I would leave them alone, I dont know of any easy way to fix those cracks and since they are not structural they sould not pose any problems.

 

[Solittle]

Re: cracks in finish(w/pics)

They are often called spider cracks. They have been on every glass boat I have ever owned. Thy are surface gel coat cracks and nothing to be concerned about.

 

[mole2]

Re: cracks in finish(w/pics)

The ones by the live well look like stress cracks. The ones by the fitting look like the fitting wasn't installed properly. The gel coat should have been countersunk before the screw was installed and it looks like that fitting isn't beded in any sealer. Either way, you'd have to "v" grind the cracks, gel coat and sand. Seems like a lot of work for cosmetic problems, though I'd probably do it on my boat. <br /><br />On another note, I'd pull that fitting off and rebed it in 3M 4200 filling the screw holes and applying it to the screws to seal it and the screws and prevent water intrusion.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: cracks in finish(w/pics)

Thanks guys. I'll take you advice re: the stern light fixture Mole2. Never noticed that there was no sealant. I've had the boat since September....still in the discovery mode.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: cracks in finish(w/pics)

Dave, you can try this to make it look less noticable.Clean out the cracks with a pin or razorblade and blast some brake cleaner in the crack after cleaning.Get some gel coat quick patch (comes in small tube).Push some of the gel into the crack as much as you can with a scraper or flat screwdriver.Now run the scraper over the top and remove the excess and see what it looks like.The darkness inside the crack will be gone and make it less noticable and also water proof the crack at the same time.I have done this in the past with pretty good results.Your stress cracks look wide enough to do this.Some are so fine that you cant get anything to fill them.Charlie