Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

I have a number of these "flex" cracks. I have been told that these flex cracks are common in big bow riders (25 ft long x 8 1/2 ft wide). It seems following the repair procedures which only make them worse, because they will come back when the boat flexes. Right?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Thanks for the insight Ondarvr.

Yeah, I'm aware of all those things you mentioned, and you're right, I'm sure I'm going to notice the repair more than the crack. Nevertheless, I rather see a white repair than a black crack If my repair fails, at least I gave it a shot, and I'll do it again!

Get the point Oops, thanks!
I don't have one of those lights, but I'll have the big ol Sun working for me
I'm going to arrive early at the marina, do the repair, say 9am, leave it under the sun, and perhaps sand like at 3pm...Or better yet, leave it, and sand next sunday!

This is going to be my first time doing a repair like this; most likely, I know I'm not going to do it flawless, but if I never start, I'll never learn to do this.

Wish me luck guys

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Good Luck Nico my brutha!

I'm sure you'll do a fine job!

Sorry this had to happen on the new boat!

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Thanks Bear

Yeah, it sucks for this to happen on a new boat...but, oh well, it could be worse

How's SS Hurry Up doing? I would love to see more vids

Cheers mate!

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Well, I did (or at least tried my best) my first gelcoat repair yesterday!

Didn't finish it, since I left it to cure until next sunday for sanding, buffing and waxing.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat!

It was a productive day, I also installed a Keel Guard

My workspace's backyard

 

[oops!]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

looks good bud.....a bit thick on the gellcoat.....lots of sanding.....but it will work.....

just make sure you start with a low enough grit and try to knock the ridge down.

after the ride is knocked down use the progressivly fine grits to fair it...

then a cut polis....then wax or glaze.....and its boating time !

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Thanks Oops

Yeah, I was really nervous about gelcoat being too little and that as it cured it would shrink on me; but I guess I overdid it

Sandingwise:
I was thinking about 350, then 600 and then 1000.
Should I go lower to get rid of the ridge?

Forgot to ask, dry or wetsanding?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Updated!

SUCCESS!!

Well, after a week, gelcoat was fully cured and ready to sand.
Once I got the ridge down, I polished it and waxed it.

One minor mistake, I don't know how could I've avoided it, two small air bubbles inside the gelcoat.

Tell me what you think.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

You can still fix the two small air pockets, just clean them out and dab a small amount of gel coat in them, just a little sanding and buffing and they'll be gone.

Looking at the pic from where you ground it out, the reason for the crack is the gel coat is far too thick in that area.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

Yeah, I guess it won't be that difficult.

Have to say I'm really pleased with my first gelcoat repair, I give myself a solid 7

I'm not scared anymore, about grinding and fixing, and that is what I was looking for, to loose that fear!

 

[jkust]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

Looks great. You are very brave to try that on a new boat. Looks likt the gel is a little whiter than the boat.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

Yup, it's whiter, but I think with some sun and oxidation it will become a bit darker as the rest of the boat.

Beleive me, it took some time for me to decide doing this...but I'm glad I did.

Thanks mate!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

I gotta admit....it's looks WAY WAY better than I thought it would!!! Once you have those bubbles fixed it will be barely noticeable.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hairline crack on my new boat...Fixed!

Thanks Ezmobee