Plastic Step Repair Solution?

[JBMN]

I have a 1989 Blue Fin Spectrum that has the boarding 'step' incorporated into the stern. The step is plastic and the run portion has developed a long crack running side to side right near the rise. (When plastic gets old, it definitely gets brittle) I tried using a piece of Fiberfix tape and formed it along the length of the crack- as advertised it hardened like steel, but it didn't adhere to the plastic! Other than searching for a replacement step -which would be hard- any ideas on how to seal this step? I suppose I could use the fiberfix tape again and epoxy it in place this time, but thought maybe there's a one-step process that work better. (?)

 

[Scott Danforth]

got a pic?

 

[JBMN]

Note the presence of black hardened 'goop' on it already- looks like someone tried to fix it once.

 

[JBMN]

This is where they are located (pic from the net)

 

[Scott Danforth]

Here is what I would do

Original step is vacuum formed ABS.

It was done in ABS because it only cost the boat manufacturer about $2

So, pull the caps off the screws. Remove the ABS step and use it to make a fiberglass mold. From there make a fiberglass step

It will be about 100 in materials, and about 2 weekends, however you can have a real repair that will outlast the rest of the boat

And with a bit of research you can sell to other blue fin owners and make money

 

[JBMN]

I'd have to drill out the rivets -not screws- hence my quest for a path of least resistance. Can't imagine there's too many '89 Spectrums around to mold, configure, finish and then market a new stronger 'step'.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

problem is your plastic is toast. even not subjected to UV degradation, it had at best a 15 year life expectancy.

one way or another you will need to make something new. no way to fix degraded plastic