Cockpit sole

[rtodd]

Does any one have any tips on how to best strengthen (re-fiberglass) the bottom edges (where it turns to go up) and corners of the cockpit sole which are cracked and creaking like they want to fall through?

There seems to be some water leaking through to the inside berth although the inside fiberglass looks good.

Can I just slap on some more fabric and epoxy, sand and paint?

 

[sinnettc]

I had to fix a crack in the same area of my 30 year old laser. I built up several layers underneath and then patched the gelcoat in the cockpit. I'd be more concerned about what happened to cause the cracking - is there a structural issue that needs to be addressed too? If so, despite your repair it might happen again.

My 2 cents . . .

 

[rtodd]

Thanks - I will check out your ideas, as soon as this arctic weather passes.

 

[Sylvan]

Don't Slip

RT: If you do fiberglass in an area where you need good footing, recommend you use a non slip additive to final coat. I had a crack across the sole of my C22 caused by the mfgr. using a shoddy board in the sole (had a large knot right in the middle on the bottom ply). this one would emit air bubbles when sole was wet and one walked near the crack. I was able to add a 5/8 in. plywood patch beneath, and the fiberglassed over the crack, faired, and painted with a little fine sand sprinkled on the next to final coat. Works great, and looks good too. RK

 

[rtodd]

Sylvan - thanks for the good idea about the non-slip final coating!!