Gel Coat Cracks

[otterby]

I have an '88 Cobalt 202 and have recently noticed cracks forming in the gel coat. Mostly around where hardware is mounted to the fiberglass. They are only hairline cracks so I assume they are limited to the gelcoat and not through the fiberglass. Do I need to be worried about these cracks and is there a good way to repair them?

 

[JAFO1]

Re: Gel Coat Cracks

I don't have an answer, but I'll be watching this thread. I have the same issues. I'm thinking about Durabak roll on liner, bed liner type stuff.

 

[6meter]

Re: Gel Coat Cracks

Your boat is 22 years old. It's gonna have some stress factors. For me, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[sasto]

Re: Gel Coat Cracks

Gel-coat becomes brittle after some years. Some boatbuilders have a tendency to overtighten deck hardware, couple that with use you may get stress cracks. If this is your problem you may want to live with it....or see other posts on repair methods.

 

[oops!]

Re: Gel Coat Cracks

this is a cobalt.

you can live with them.....or search "gellcoat crazing"

if the rest of your boat is pristine......and you want to keep it that way.....fix it....

also ....look underneath for any kind of backing plates for the hardware....they should be there...but if not......add some.

if you want detailed instructions for the fix....just ask.

cheers
oops