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Sep 20, 2011
135
hunter 30 md
While visiting old girl this week upon a more thorough look I found these little fractures on both side, not symmetrical , and not same length, as far as depth,,,, well maybe the thickness of a guitar pic in some areas and others just the fracture line. Is this something to stress over, is there a fix, any help or suggestions , CAnt Upload pics:(
 
Jun 5, 2010
1,123
Hunter 25 Burlington NJ
If they're in the topsides, try Creeping Crack Cure on a warmish day. Epoxy makes a poor filler for hulls due to flex.

If they're up under the toerail, they are cracks in the gelcoat owing to the mild flexing of the chainplates, which fasten through the toerail and cause the toerail to work side-to-side slightly. This is not 'damage' unless you let it go; then the hull can take in water. Again, Creeping Crack Cure will be fine as it remains flexible.

If they're under the waterline choose a watertight filler and do them with epoxy, which other than new 'glass is the only thing I would trust. Inexpensive production sailboats (like our Hunters) tend to be stiffer below the bunktops than above them; so flex is less of a problem and the absolute tenacity and permeation of WEST epoxy is the safest bet. Just remember to seal with a barrier coating before repainting.
 
Sep 20, 2011
135
hunter 30 md
Diana , are you saying, fine sand it, clean, fill with west epoxy( it is below water line on skeg) cover with a barrier then repaint bottom coat in that area?
 
Jun 5, 2010
1,123
Hunter 25 Burlington NJ
Willie, if this is the seam between the lead and the fiberglass of the keel, there's not much you can do to keep it from cracking. Whatever you fill it with should be both very good as adhesive (to keep it in there) and very good at being flexible (to keep from cracking). 5200 does as good a job here as anything-- provided you gouge out a groove for it to find a grip.
 
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