groups of spider hair line cracks in deck exterior

[jmczzz]

There are groups of spider hairline cracks in the deck exterior both side walkways between cockpit and fore deck. the deck does not feel soft underneath. they are in the nonskid paint cover area and the non painted edges. Some of the cabin roof forward of the sliding hatch also has these same spider hairline cracks around mast step area. Questions; How to determine effect of cracks? i did not find any soft spots walking in short steps side to side over the areas or on my knees tapping with the butt of a screwdriver handle listining for different sound or vibration. how to best repair. i think a coat of thinned epoxy or penetrating epoxy to seal them then repaint the non skid. but need advice.
for info: the boat is a 1985 O'Day 26. appears as original condition. in other-words does not appear to have been modified from original manufacturer finish/non-skid paint. I am looking at the for sale sailboat as a prospective buyer. The seller is a straight forward fellow that has been open about a leaky chain-plate connection to bulkhead. seller is 3rd owner of the boat and has owned and sailed it for 10 years.

 

[dlochner]

Gelcoat cracks are common in older boats and are generally a cosmetic not a structural issue.

The cracks occur becuase gelcoat is very brittle and even a little flexing can cause cracks. Cracks typically occur at or near corners and bends.

Repairs are technically easy, but tedious. The short version is, open the crack up using a dremel tool with a grinding stone. Clean and fill with a fairing compound, sand, prime and paint or apply new gelcoat. This is a labor of love for the patient boat owner.

 

[jmczzz]

thanks Dave, i will do this as you suggest. jimmy mc

 

[njlarry]

Easy functional fix using Captian Tolleys penetrating sealer repair.

 

[higgs]

Before the days of pop tops there were beer can openers with a triangular blade. I have heard they work great to open those cracks up a little bit to give the epoxy something to grab on to.

 

[jmczzz]

hey, you're right now i remember those. but where the devil can I get one?

 

[dlochner]

hey, you're right now i remember those. but where the devil can I get one?

Check out a Dollar Store or similar place. Also look in the house wares dept at a grocery store.

And of course, the great Amazon has Church Key Can Openers

 

[Ward H]

That Amazon link is for a pack of two. Nice! A spare for when one slides off the deck.

 

[jmczzz]

Check out a Dollar Store or similar place. Also look in the house wares dept at a grocery store.

And of course, the great Amazon has Church Key Can Openers

simple solution, I am not a shopper, thanks

 

[jmczzz]

This is for my new sailboat an 85 O'Day 26 it is a good one. We negotiated the price down to 6500. She needs the bottom bead blasted to get it smooth for a barrier coat and new bottom paint. The winter storage and relaunch are paid. But they say I gotta wait until it warms up in the spring. The yard guy says April is the norm but I am a New Orleans guy and think I can get her in Feb or March and sail her home from up by Toms River New Jersey. The seller says I will freeze. I made the North Atlantic in November as a 20 yr old Ordinary and it was really cold standing bow on the Dog Watch. That was before the days of global warming. ARE there any experienced sailors that want a berth to help me get her home to Bayou Bonfouca at the mouth of the Rigolets east of NOLA? Or am I being foolish and just better wait for April.