This is my first boat and first posting here. I found a library of information and great tips on this forum and I've read Don Casey's books on the subject but I'm still not sure about what course to take. images here: https://picasaweb.google.com/manuga/Gelcoat?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOA3uiRscrB0AE&feat=directlink
Besides multiple scuff marks, and the problems described below, the gelcoat still feels solid. I tapped the hull around to check for deeper damage and the laminate seems strong everywhere.
- My main concern is along the boot stripe. The gelcoat cracked and large chips came off. It looks like a larger area will have to be scraped off before filling it. There's a dark green color underneath that doesn't appear to delaminate. Is it a backing layer of gel coat?
- Next, should I care about that big crack on the bottom paint (on the side of the orange stand) knowing that the shipyard will do a bottom paint soon?
- Finally, on the bow, there are two 7" long vertical cracks and an impact point (about 1/2" diameter) that is discernible on the inside as well if you really look for it. The laminate looks intact besides the impact point. There's also two thin cracks under the bow pulpit plate. Is there a sign of something deeper here?
I have only a few weeks before the boat goes back swimming and I'm looking at doing a repair that will protect the hull well enough until the boat is hauled out again next fall. Painting or sanding the entire hull seems out of the question for now. Although I'd like to do a more lasting job next year. The boat is a 1969 Greenwich 24. Any advice to a newbie will be greatly appreciated.
Besides multiple scuff marks, and the problems described below, the gelcoat still feels solid. I tapped the hull around to check for deeper damage and the laminate seems strong everywhere.
- My main concern is along the boot stripe. The gelcoat cracked and large chips came off. It looks like a larger area will have to be scraped off before filling it. There's a dark green color underneath that doesn't appear to delaminate. Is it a backing layer of gel coat?
- Next, should I care about that big crack on the bottom paint (on the side of the orange stand) knowing that the shipyard will do a bottom paint soon?
- Finally, on the bow, there are two 7" long vertical cracks and an impact point (about 1/2" diameter) that is discernible on the inside as well if you really look for it. The laminate looks intact besides the impact point. There's also two thin cracks under the bow pulpit plate. Is there a sign of something deeper here?
I have only a few weeks before the boat goes back swimming and I'm looking at doing a repair that will protect the hull well enough until the boat is hauled out again next fall. Painting or sanding the entire hull seems out of the question for now. Although I'd like to do a more lasting job next year. The boat is a 1969 Greenwich 24. Any advice to a newbie will be greatly appreciated.
