Hairline cracks on gelcoat

[patmacdonald]

I have a 1976 C&C sloop. Took off the bottom anti fouling over the winter & noticed a bunch of hairline cracks all over the bottom. Some of these cracks also go up the side just past the blue paint line on the waterline of the boat
You can barely feel them when u rub your finger over them...see picture attached
Any suggestions as to



whether one should b concerned? If so. What to do? Is this typical on a fresh water lake sailboat that is winterized in a barn up here in Canada?
I will be redoing the anti fouling this spring with Intralux VC17 M
Thanks

 

[Barnacle Bill]

This is pretty typical with C&C's - especially if they are cored, but also other brands can have them too. The first thing to do is have someone with a moisture meter check out if there is any elevated levels of moisture in the hull. If so, then you have an expensive fix. If not, then you need not worry too much, as long as you seal the hull with an epoxy barrier coat system like Interprotect from Interlux. If you wanted to get the cracks out, you have to grind each and every one and fiberglass them up. Big job. Big money.

 

[patmacdonald]

Have another ? I have stripped & prepared bottom for applying anti-fouling. I will be applying Intrelux 2000E followed by V17M.
I also have cleaned thoroughly the hull sides as well. I need to wax the sides
My question is to know is it ok to do the bottom anti fouling first and then wax the sides or vice versa?
Thanks
Pat