1/32-1/16 inch cracks

[Frank Ross]

I have been searching for a C22 swing keel or C25 WB. I checked out a C22 swing keel this weekend and under the cabin floor boards I saw some cracks that were about 1/32to 1/16 inch wide between the hull and what I would call rib like structures that are at 90 degrees from the swing keel trunk. These are not hair line cracks and extended about six inches along the hull/rib like structure junction. These "ribs" were part of the original design and not after thoughts or repairs. The boat was in great condition otherwise. There was another set aftward near the companionway that exhibited the same symptoms. Are these cracks a symptom of a more serious problem like improper lifting or supporting of the swing keel???? Thanks

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Bulkhead/Hull

My Cat 22 has the same problem up forward under the berth. I think mine occured from jacking the boat off the trailer with the jack a little too far forward. The hull does not have a stem, so it has a weak spot there. It doesn't seem to affect the sailing of the boat, though I plan to re-fiberglass a strip to cover the crack before I sail next season. Dick

 

[Jim Willis]

Would make a repair like this?

I am not that familiar with your actual boat, but it does sound like some flexing of the hull has occurred, leavingt those cracks.I would consider two approaches.One is to clean out the cracks (sandpaper then solvent) then fill them up with a really tough ,but slightly flexible marine sealant/adhesive (5200?) Then (after curing) abrade and solvent clean the whole aarea and glass over with re-forncing mat to add extra strength and spread out the repair.Alternatively you could have first filled in the crack with resin (thickened epoxy or polyester) and then do the reinforcement, which would flow into the crack better.However, I think that the first way might be a little better (if you can get the adhesive into the crack) becuase the re-inforced area can still flex but the flexibility and adhesion of the sealant would make the repair less "brittle" and thus apt to crack again.Just my opinion! What do you other people think?ThanksJim W