filling in some minor cracks on a fiberglass skiff

[boater1234]

I have a j12 fiberglass skiff and have some minor surface cracks on the sides.When i say minor i mean like spider cracks.Will this leat water in the hull as it is a sealed hull.Also what do i use to cover them besides fiberglass.Can i use an epoxy to just go over them and them sand them down and then paint them?Will that hold up?

 

[oops!]

Re: filling in some minor cracks on a fiberglass skiff

this is a common problem.

the "spider" cracks....are called crazing

crazing is caused by impact/stress, improperly catylised gellcoat...too thick or too thin gellcoat.

to repair...find out what caused the problem......if impact...the fiberglass must be repaired. (this is a minor repair)

after the glass is repaired, spray some gellcoat on the affected area.....sand to fair....buff and wax.
this repair is very easy and any "do it your self" person can acheive good results with minimial time, skills. and tools.

other than that....gellcoat repairs are 75 bux an inch.

for more detailed information......check out the restoration section of this forum

cheers
oops

 

[Solittle]

Re: filling in some minor cracks on a fiberglass skiff

I would just apply a good coat of wax over minor spider cracks or leave them alone.

 

[produceguy]

Re: filling in some minor cracks on a fiberglass skiff

what kind of wax would you use?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: filling in some minor cracks on a fiberglass skiff

what kind of wax would you use?

None

This should be posted in the Resto forums..

Spider cracks are kinda a common term used.. just looking at them can tell you alot.

1. If the cracks look like rings/circles around a central point then its Impact.

2. If the cracks look like an astricks * ..then its damage is coming from the inside out ( look for pressure from the inside like a screw or something ).

3. If cracks are multiple parallel then It could be from bulkheads or stringer hard points.

4. If the cracks are from fasteners ( cleats, snaps etc ) .. then there coming from those drill points.

So.. depending on the Way the cracks are formed will determine the proper repair schedule...

Pics ?

YD.

PS. post them in the resto forum and have others help out as well