Gel Coat Crack

[jmarty10]

I have a pretty fair size crack in my gel coat. It is above the water line and pictures are attached. It started out as some spider cracking but when I pushed my thumb over it the crack opened up as you can see. What is the procedure to repair this crack and what product should I try using. Thanks

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

That looks like there was an air bubble between the gel coat and the fiberglass matting when the hull was originally laid up.
Open up the crack clean/sand/grind down to solid glass.
Fill the hole with fiberglass filler (AKA Peanut Butter)
Gel coat and polish it out, and it will be as good as new.

Most hulls have dozens of these bubbles in them.
99% of them are not a problem unless something hits them with enough force to crack them open.
The location of yours guaranteed it was going to be bumped a lot.
Check with the manufacturer. This is a manufacturing/workmanship defect.
Some builder have a lifetime warranty on the hulls for this kind of issue.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Some builder have a lifetime warranty on the hulls for this kind of issue.

Yup, Larson advertises a lifetime limited warranty, to include transfered to a second owner... Not sure what it covers specifically because their website is almost useless, but it should be in your warranty information from when you took delivery.

 

[mrdjflores]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

yep, air gap...
grind out, PB (resin+filler) and re-gel that section for best appearance

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Thanks guys. A couple of additional question. As far as grinding, I have a dremel but how big of an opening am I going to make or am I just cleaning out the current crack and filling. Also, can you recommend a fiberglass filler product? Can I get something at an auto store? I also have a gel coat repair kit so I'm good there. Thanks

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Yes! just clean out the area until you are looking at freshly ground glass.
A Dremel should be an ideal tool for the job.
This is a cosmetic, not a structural repair.
PB (Peanut Butter) is just fiberglass resin mixed with a thickening agent, usually finely chopped glass strands or glass beads (looks like powdered sugar).
It makes the resin about as thick as peanut butter.
You can fill in the hole and it will not run right back out.
Body Shop/Auto Parts stores are a good source.
I like Micro Balloons, Available at most hobby shops.



Dryer lint from cotton bed sheets is also a good product. No Kidding!

If Larson warrants the hull they will pay your local dealer (Any Larson Dealer, not just the selling dealer!) to do it for you!
This is a manufacturing defect, hard to argue that it isn't.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Willie - awesome info thanks. I have a call into a Larson dealership but the problem is they went bankrupt and I bought the boat before the bankruptcy. A mechanical issue was not covered but I'm hoping they still cover the lifetime hull warranty. If not, its either a local fiberglass repair shop which I have contacted or doing it on my own. Frankly, this doesnt seem like a difficult job.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

If the boat was just recently purchased new it would most likely be covered, but being a 2008 and the dealer out of business I doubt they will pay for it. The hull warranties typically only cover leaks or major failures, some also include blisters, none that I know of cover cosmetics, especially after 5 years. Cosmetics are covered by good will (PR) to the customer from the dealer and manufacturer on a case by case basis. But you can always ask.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Antoher question. When I apply the filler in this crack I am going to get it even/flush with the surface correct? The gelcoat would then be acting like a paint meaning I would not need to build it up. I was thinking of applying the gel coat with a brush.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

If you had done dozens of these repairs before, then frequently you can do it right the first time, not having any experience makes it a little tougher.

Use the filler but don't fill it right to the top, leave a slight amount of space for the gel coat, you can also make the filler with gel coat so it more closly matches the white. Taper the edge of the crack slightly (1/8") and sand out about 1/2 an inch on either side, remember, if you want it to stick it needs to be well sanded or it will fall off later.

You can use multiple layers of gel coat to fill it the rest of the way.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Unbelievable - called the new dealership who contacted Larson on my behalf and they are covering the repair under warranty. Local shop here wanted $600 to do this. 3 hours to match the gel coat.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Makes me kinda wanna go buy a Larson Boat!!!! Congratulations on your good fortune!!!!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Gel Coat Crack

Great news!
Remember it is the Manufacturer that is providing the warranty, NOT the dealer!
It would be like buying a new car and then moving out of state six months later.
You would not have to drive hundreds of miles to a bankrupt dealership to get warranty work!

...If Larson warrants the hull they will pay your local dealer (Any Larson Dealer, NOT just the selling dealer!) to do it for you!
This is a manufacturing defect, hard to argue that it isn't.