Upon haul out I had a shock of a discovery and found a 6 inch horizontal crack between the waterline and the front pad of my cradle. The crack is a little wider than a hairline but is not open enough for me to pass anything into it to test its depth. While the boat was in the water, there was no additional water in the bilge to indicate that water was infiltrating into the boat. Does anyone know how I can assess the severity of this crack and how one goes about fixing it? Can it be easily patched from the outside? I am not keen on making it any worse by sticking screwdrivers in it and wiggling it around!<g>
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Paul Akers
Check it out
Was the crack clean? That is, was there any growth, etc. to indicate that it has been like that for a while? If clean, then maybe the boat yard is responsible. They could have dropped it while hauling it and then they may be responsible. If you think there is some responsibility to place, don't hesitate to get a professional opinion from a surveyor. This would be your key/professional information in any litigation. At any rate, it sounds like it will be expensive. Good Luck.
Was the crack clean? That is, was there any growth, etc. to indicate that it has been like that for a while? If clean, then maybe the boat yard is responsible. They could have dropped it while hauling it and then they may be responsible. If you think there is some responsibility to place, don't hesitate to get a professional opinion from a surveyor. This would be your key/professional information in any litigation. At any rate, it sounds like it will be expensive. Good Luck.
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Paul Akers
One other thing
I have seen cracks develop in the bottom paint. If there are a number of layers of paint, it could possibly only be the paint. Scrape some away to check.
I have seen cracks develop in the bottom paint. If there are a number of layers of paint, it could possibly only be the paint. Scrape some away to check.
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Mike Kinney
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Stephen Ostrander
say no to crack!
If its just a crack in the gelcoat its no big deal and easy to fix with epoxy filler. Just make sure theres no moisture infiltration, that its dry before the repair is done. If its structural i.e., all the way thru the glass matting & resin, that's a different story and should be evaluated and repaired by a pro.
If its just a crack in the gelcoat its no big deal and easy to fix with epoxy filler. Just make sure theres no moisture infiltration, that its dry before the repair is done. If its structural i.e., all the way thru the glass matting & resin, that's a different story and should be evaluated and repaired by a pro.
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Allen
I believe its a gelcoat crack
The crack did not come to light until I took the power washer to the area. I am not looking to shift blame to anyone and espicially do not want to create waves in my club. I can not tell how deep it is but it definately is no scratch. Its jagged and I would say that one side is a couple of microns higher than the other. I don't know if it is a conincidence that the crack is 5 inches above the cradle pad and I know I did not hit anything in the water. In any case, I can't believe that it is structural. If it is a gelcoat crack (or a little deeper than that), can I repair it from the outside and then check it next season after haul out? Does anyone know where I can read some type of article that talks about this repair? Thanks for everthing. Allen
The crack did not come to light until I took the power washer to the area. I am not looking to shift blame to anyone and espicially do not want to create waves in my club. I can not tell how deep it is but it definately is no scratch. Its jagged and I would say that one side is a couple of microns higher than the other. I don't know if it is a conincidence that the crack is 5 inches above the cradle pad and I know I did not hit anything in the water. In any case, I can't believe that it is structural. If it is a gelcoat crack (or a little deeper than that), can I repair it from the outside and then check it next season after haul out? Does anyone know where I can read some type of article that talks about this repair? Thanks for everthing. Allen
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Stephen Ostrander
crack
I would let the hull dry out over the winter and fix it in the spring when it warms up. Get some literature on West System from West Marine or anyplace that sells West System and study up on it. Shouldn't be too difficult, but I've never had this problem so I can't give any first hand advice. Good luck with it.
I would let the hull dry out over the winter and fix it in the spring when it warms up. Get some literature on West System from West Marine or anyplace that sells West System and study up on it. Shouldn't be too difficult, but I've never had this problem so I can't give any first hand advice. Good luck with it.
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Clement C.
repair
A WEST Systems repair kit is good advice. You can also get repair instructions. One bit of advice I have is to be sure and use an epoxy resin instead of a polyester resin. Most boats are built using a polyester resin, however, for any repairs, epoxy is the best choice because it adheres better. Polyester is great in original construction, but does not adhere well in later repairs or refits. Once you have a chance to read a little on the subject, you will probably feel fine about doing the work yourself. The good news is that it is below the waterline, and the repair won't be seen. I had some "dock divots" repaired in my gelcoat above the waterline by a pro. because of his ability to blend the repair. It cost me about $400.00
A WEST Systems repair kit is good advice. You can also get repair instructions. One bit of advice I have is to be sure and use an epoxy resin instead of a polyester resin. Most boats are built using a polyester resin, however, for any repairs, epoxy is the best choice because it adheres better. Polyester is great in original construction, but does not adhere well in later repairs or refits. Once you have a chance to read a little on the subject, you will probably feel fine about doing the work yourself. The good news is that it is below the waterline, and the repair won't be seen. I had some "dock divots" repaired in my gelcoat above the waterline by a pro. because of his ability to blend the repair. It cost me about $400.00
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