The crackle of fiberglass

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David A Anderson

At the risk of being a worry-wart----all of us know how fiberglass cracks over time. It can't be helped. I have a used 1988 Macgregor 26d and it has a few cracks here and there in the fiberglass. But when it is quiet and I walk on the deck or in the cockpit, I hear the occaisional crackle or snap of fiberglass under foot. Of course there is no visible cracking, but nonetheless, I can't help but picture hairline cracks forming which will eventually turn into larger cracks... I'm sure that this noise is nothing more than say, the creaking noise you hear when walking accross a wooden floor at night. But don't you too wonder in the back of your mind? Anyone have any comments about this?
 
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Stephen Helmer

It's probably not fiberglass cracking

What's probably cracking is the gelcoat that is covering your hull. You can fix this by gouging out the cracks with a can opener, screw driver or knife. After you have created a gouge about 1/8" deep you can refil this with various compounds / marine fillers. (West Systems is the best, but it is very expensive)
 
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