Gelcoat crack or more?

msgchef · Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 7:30 pm Post subject: Gelcoat crack or more?

Hi
this crack is located port side transom. Its only abut 2 inch long that why I included the second image for reference. Not deep, not soft when probed, but obviously needs to be attended to. Question for the experienced, the best method of addressing this issue? Also while I have your attention, why are the drain hole above the wet well deck thus allowing a small quantity of water to always remain there?
thanks very much
Paul

thataway · Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 11:55 pm Post subject:

I have problem seeing clearly the extent of this crack, because of the size of the photos. I also went to your album, and didn't see these photos. So, I am making a bit of a guess here.

The crack seems to be in the glass on the outside of the transom, and come from under that black plastic covering over the hull to deck joint which occurs on the top of the transom. Unfortunately, some of the boats had a lot of filler in this area. The final bonding is done by hand over the top of the core of the transom. There should be glass overlapped over this area, on the outside of the transom, and the inside (where the splash well is located). If there is more filler, than glass, then this thick filler can develop this type of crack. If this does not go into the core, or below the glass which is structural, this is not a problem. If it does go into the glass, or to the core, then it is a different repair.

I would use a pointed Dremel tool bit, and clean this out with a "V". If there is no crack at the bottom of the "V" then fill with gel coat, and then go on. If there is still more crack at the bottom of the "V", then I would go further, by pulling the plastic cap at this area, checking to see if there is glass over the top, If not, then you will have to wrap it with glass, and gel coat. You will grind down the area and wrap with 6 oz glass cloth, there will be some fairing, and then gel coat. Most likely not core damage, but if you have to go the latter route, then take an ice pick to the wooden core to check for rot.

If, I missed the diagnosis, please post a larger picture, and we will go at it again.

Sunbeam · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 12:05 am Post subject:

I, too, looked but couldn't really make anything meaningful out from the photos. Any chance you could post larger versions?

msgchef · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 10:20 am Post subject:

Thanks for the insight
here is a link to the site with pictures that can be enlarged.

http://dropshots.com/msgchef

If you would care to take a peek and see if that changes your diagnosis, I'd appreciate it. I certainly hope for the former thoughts as the latter is probably beyond my skill set at this time, though I have seen videos.

Paul

localboy · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 12:55 pm Post subject:

Looks like the top of the transom, under the "cap" from the splash-well side.

san juanderer · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 1:00 pm Post subject: Pictures

Your pictures need to be a larger view to see the perspective of the damaged area. Though it looks like something was mounted there that left a gougeing mark below the opened crack. This does not look like a hairline crack in the gelcoat only. But a better visual is needed.
Thanks,
alan

msgchef · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:57 pm Post subject:

I will get a better photo rather than just the iPhone version. Thx Paul

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 4:03 pm Post subject:

Looking at the drop box photos, I realize that this is on the inside (splash well) side of the transom. I tend to agree that it appears that there was a blow or something hit the top of the cap of the transom.

Better resolution photos, with both a macro view, and view of the entire cap of the transom from both sides, will help a lot.

If it is just chipped gel coat, then grinding and cleaning this area, V out the cracks and fill with gel coat.

PaulNBriannaLynn · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 6:30 pm Post subject:

Its hard to tell exactly, but it looks like the glass separated from the transom cap and was then damaged by something in in the motor bilge or by mounting a small kicker motor, etc.

That's a pretty common occurrence in C-dory's from my understanding. If this is the case, the first order of business is to seal the top of the transom and the cap so no water gets into the transom. I did this with some 3M 4200, a couple of pieces of wood and a c-clamp. Once it was set up I was able to clean it up and make it look nice. Some gel coat probably wouldn't hurt either to fix that gouge.

This is all just a guess from the photos.