Gelcoat cracking

dutch123 · Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 12:51 am Post subject: Gelcoat cracking

While doing some spring boat cleanup I have noticed a few places where the gelcoat has some hairline cracks, how much is acceptable? Is this something that should be repaired immediately to avoid water intrusion? Just curious how common this is with other c dorys. I am wondering if gelcoat cracks are a sign of other more serious problems.

Fairbro · Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 8:47 am Post subject:

You can expect spider web cracks here and there on any plastic boat. ( they are not an inherent C-dory weakness!!! ) They show up around areas that flex from stresses at window and hatch frames and where gunnels join superstructure most commonly. Some are caused by impact (hard docking) or even standing or walking around on the foredeck. I guess In theory any crack will admit moisture to some depth. Some folks painstakingly apply clear urethane or some such sealant to them with little artist brushes to calm their fears but I never did. Watch 'em and if little chunks start popping out its time to investigate further. Several years from now you probably will wonder why you let it bother you in the first place. (Like me)
Don't worry, be happy!

thataway · Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 12:09 pm Post subject:

Generally I agree with above--but we need to know where the cracks are, and what seems to be the cause.

Often the gelcoat is thick, especially in corners, is thick, not as well backed with glass (part of the "defects" of layup of glass in the mold). The "stress cracks" from a hard hit on a piling--may overlay some more severe underlying structural damage. That needs to be looked at. If there are cracks over the transom, where water might get into the core--that needs to be looked at. In my 25, there was poor construction of the hull to deck joint over the transom, and the splash well--I had to rebuild the area over the transom, and re-inforce the splash well.g

Photos, and descriptions of where the cracks are will help,

dutch123 · Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 9:15 pm Post subject:

Ok thanks for the help, the cracks are in a few areas like the mounts for the cleaning table the door frame corners and a couple on the cabin corners. They don't look really bad, just wondering how common this is. I will seal them for now and order a gelcoat match for later repairs. Thanks again. Jeff.

thataway · Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 9:27 pm Post subject:

Be careful about "sealing"---if you put silicone on them, it will inhibit any future repair. I would just wax and let it be.

dutch123 · Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:24 am Post subject:

I have used a product called magicezy in the past and it seems to work. Ya thanks about the the silicon, bad stuff to use on gelcoat for sure.