Stress cracks / spider cracks

[peteua636]

Hello!<br /><br />I have a 1991 Regal Commodore 29ft. It has had a complete face lift in and out. From my investigations it was painted with Imron paint.<br /><br />I have notice stress cracks on the deck where the catwalks meet the hip-roof of the deck - it is a corner of a 90 degree point so to speak. <br /><br />My questions are how do I stop the spider cracking?<br /><br />Will the rain and or boat wash water damage whats underneath the paint?<br /><br />should I repair them?<br />if so how to I prep so they won't come back??<br /><br />Thanks!!<br />Pete

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

big diff. btw. spider cracks and stress. as gel<br />gets old, not abnormal for some minor surface spider cracks.<br />stress cracks mean the area is flexing or moving<br />when it shouldn't, which is much more serious.<br />either way, I reccomend a gelcoat repair kit to<br />seal the area.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[peteua636]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

I am not sure if they are stress or spider...how do you tell the difference??<br /><br />Gelcoat repair kit even if it is imron paint?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Pete

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Spider is like the name states,a center roundish crack with cracks extendidg outward.a stress crack is usually a single longer crack that you can catch your fingernail in.Either way you need to sand through the imron and see what you have underneath.You will probably have to grind into the gelcoat and do the repair and then respray with imron.Hopefully you know the brand and color of imron.I recently had my 280 Regal imroned and had to select from about 12 shades of white. Charlie

 

[peteua636]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Charlie...<br /><br />Will there be further harm to the boat if I do not repair these stress cracks. They are long type cracks not round.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Pete

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Are they about 10 inches or so from the water line????Running around where your seating in the cabin is.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

I will check your reply again on Friday Eve. Will be away from the terminal for a few days. Charlie

 

[peteua636]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Charlie...<br /><br />No my stress cracks are aound the catwalk areas on both sides of the boat.<br /><br />Pete

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

I have the same ones.I am planning on repairing them.My boat had stress cracks in the hull which most Regals that size have.I had them professionally repaired and had the entire boat imroned.Did you have the imron done or was it the previous owner??? Charlie

 

[peteua636]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Charlie....<br /><br />the previous owner had the imron done. It just doesn't stop cracking. This boat has had MAJOR work done to it. Over $250,000.00.<br /><br />Has new 5.7L with bravo 3's. everything is custom. Cruises at 35mph doing 2900 rpm.<br /><br />not sure if its the boat for me though!<br /><br />Pete

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

Is the imron cracking????Did he do the topsides as well as the hull???It sounds as if he may have imroned to hide some cracks and may not have repaired them properly before painting. Charlie

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Stress cracks / spider cracks

drill a small hole at each end of crack to stop <br />from spreading. repair and hope for the best!<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.