Crack in C22 Cockpit Sole (Floor)

[Dick of Sylvan]

My 1974 C22 has a fine-line crack across the floor of the cockpit. Its had it for years, but up until this fall it appeared to be merely cosmetic limited to the gel coat. This fall after hosing it down with water, I found that water had seeped into the crack when I was sponging it dry. When it was seemingly dry, then I stepped near the crack, water oozed out. It is now covered and hopefully will dry well over winter. What can I do to seal the crack and still leave it looking presentable? Dick

 

[jeff]

gel coat

You could scratch it out to make sure that the crack is indeed superficial, dry it out real well, then fill it with any number of products. A gelcoat mixture would probably work fine as long as there was not a structural problem. Typically though, cracks in gel coat are sign of specific problems whether it be a weakness in the laminate or a remnant of a sharp load, etc. Every crack tells a story. I suggest reading up on the topic through one or more of the many books and online resources. I like one in particular -- Don Casey's Hull and Deck Repair. Not only will this book give you a good idea of the process, it will also teach you a little about how to interpret those pesky gelcoat cracks that we all have. It might even be available at your local library.Good luck.jb