I took my bow stop off today, and guess what I found...a crack in the fiberglass on my bow. It looks like a compression crack. Is this a must fix before I get the boat back in the water? The crack is about 36 inches above the water line. Is this a reasonably simple repair or should I seek proffessional help? Thanks for any help or advice.
fiberglass crack help
- Thread starter kingprawn
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You can sail
But you'll get water sloshing in there. You can fix it yourself, but it will take the yard to get the gelcoat color right. I'd let a pro handle it, since it will pay off in the end on resale.
But you'll get water sloshing in there. You can fix it yourself, but it will take the yard to get the gelcoat color right. I'd let a pro handle it, since it will pay off in the end on resale.
take a second look
You might want to take a second look from what I can see it looks like that the damage was done and fixed once. You might call the PO and see if there was any other damage to your boat that he tried to hide from you. If you can get inside of the area to see if there is any fresh fiber glass, other than what was done when it was first laid up that is. Anyway, let a pro do the work, that way you have someone to go back on. Good luck
You might want to take a second look from what I can see it looks like that the damage was done and fixed once. You might call the PO and see if there was any other damage to your boat that he tried to hide from you. If you can get inside of the area to see if there is any fresh fiber glass, other than what was done when it was first laid up that is. Anyway, let a pro do the work, that way you have someone to go back on. Good luck
fixed before
It was fixed before. There are 2 other places, one on each side that were fixed as well. I should dig through my paperwork for the PO's phone number. Maybe more needs to be taken off for the repair this time. I know that mindset works for other applications, but I am completely new to fiberglass. I have a friend who built a cat (fiber over ply) who is going to look at it to help determine the best course of action.
It was fixed before. There are 2 other places, one on each side that were fixed as well. I should dig through my paperwork for the PO's phone number. Maybe more needs to be taken off for the repair this time. I know that mindset works for other applications, but I am completely new to fiberglass. I have a friend who built a cat (fiber over ply) who is going to look at it to help determine the best course of action.
Ask your insurance co to have an adjuster ...
take a look. This looks like 'old' damage to me. A professional can determine how extensive the damage is and can describe a proper repair. For instance, this looks like it is right on the stem and that is a high stress area of the hull. Hidden damage such as crushed fiberglass could be a weak area. On the other hand, this may be just damage close to the surface and more cosmetic than structural. If you have a fiberglass shop that you trust they could also be a good evaluator. I have personally had my insurance company's adjuster because they only have their and your best interest in mind.
take a look. This looks like 'old' damage to me. A professional can determine how extensive the damage is and can describe a proper repair. For instance, this looks like it is right on the stem and that is a high stress area of the hull. Hidden damage such as crushed fiberglass could be a weak area. On the other hand, this may be just damage close to the surface and more cosmetic than structural. If you have a fiberglass shop that you trust they could also be a good evaluator. I have personally had my insurance company's adjuster because they only have their and your best interest in mind.
old damage
That sure looks like old damage resurfacing. It will only get worse as water enters those cracks. Let an expert fix it. Doesnt look like something that is gonna cost you an arm and a leg. Then again you are 36 inches above the water line. If you want to sail today put a little bit of that west virginia chrome on her. That would be duct tape.....the fix-all solution!
That sure looks like old damage resurfacing. It will only get worse as water enters those cracks. Let an expert fix it. Doesnt look like something that is gonna cost you an arm and a leg. Then again you are 36 inches above the water line. If you want to sail today put a little bit of that west virginia chrome on her. That would be duct tape.....the fix-all solution!
Seal the crack
Seal the crack, use any fiberglass repair kit. Forget about a perfect color match. My hull had several similar cracks from previous owners docking mishaps. Some areas of repair looks grey, I didn't swirl in color completely, but at least it hardened and now is water tight, I also waxed over the repair- one year later no problems.
Seal the crack, use any fiberglass repair kit. Forget about a perfect color match. My hull had several similar cracks from previous owners docking mishaps. Some areas of repair looks grey, I didn't swirl in color completely, but at least it hardened and now is water tight, I also waxed over the repair- one year later no problems.
An easy fix?
I have never fibreglassed, but I just bought Don Casey's book "Fiberglass Hull and Deck Repair" He says that fiberglass repairs are not as difficult as you might think. He takes you through it step by step, whether it be a little scratch or a crack like yours. I also have his book "Sailboat Refinishing" which goes through fiberglassing too and how to make your boat pretty. Both books are easy to read and follow and include lots of diagrams. I found the books cheapest at Chapters (see link)
I have never fibreglassed, but I just bought Don Casey's book "Fiberglass Hull and Deck Repair" He says that fiberglass repairs are not as difficult as you might think. He takes you through it step by step, whether it be a little scratch or a crack like yours. I also have his book "Sailboat Refinishing" which goes through fiberglassing too and how to make your boat pretty. Both books are easy to read and follow and include lots of diagrams. I found the books cheapest at Chapters (see link)
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
looks like it came in heavy once
That looks like a bow/dock impact. Note the circular fractures about a foot or so out. You will want to have a look at what the inside of the injury looks like. If glass has delaminated, then it will be a larger fix. If there is no delam, then it may be a flex injury and only a cosmetic repair is required for the periferal damage, and a patch and putty on the central crack.
That looks like a bow/dock impact. Note the circular fractures about a foot or so out. You will want to have a look at what the inside of the injury looks like. If glass has delaminated, then it will be a larger fix. If there is no delam, then it may be a flex injury and only a cosmetic repair is required for the periferal damage, and a patch and putty on the central crack.
Check this months cruising world
there is a great reference article on repairing just this. definitly worth getting the mag. Rob
there is a great reference article on repairing just this. definitly worth getting the mag. Rob
bow stop
is the rubber bumper at the front of a trailer where the bow of the boat rests while on the trailer. There's a picture in the trailer sailer forum under a topic called "winch post help". The crack is under the top bumper.
is the rubber bumper at the front of a trailer where the bow of the boat rests while on the trailer. There's a picture in the trailer sailer forum under a topic called "winch post help". The crack is under the top bumper.
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