Gelcoat cracks

[Adeline]

Adeline has a number of gelcoat cracks(crazing) on the inside of her transom. They are somewhat random and about as thick as a hair. Only by dragging my thumbnail across them was I sure they were'nt. The longest are a pair that reside just below the upper inside swimstep nut, closest the motor. Photo in hull, deck, and fittings @ detail photos page three. I removed the swimstep and hardware and everything is dry as a bone. I've heard that a way to repair them is to auger a v-shape into them with an old style beer can opener or a dremel and then fill with gelcoat. My fiberglass/gelcoat guy (25 years experience), whom I respect, says they'll just come back. His recomendation is to watch them. If they enlarge, than a comprehensive repair to all of them would be called for. He regards crazing as a largely cosmetic problem, common to most boats as they age. I guess they're alot like the crazing I see every morning when I shave. Nevertheless, I thought it could'nt hurt to solicit the opinions of fellow C-Brats. Take a look and post back. Pete

[TyBoo]

[KenMcC]

Hi, Pete,

From your pictures, it looks pretty minor. Remember that under that gelcoat are several layers of fiberglass roving and resin. At least an eighth of an inch of additional waterproof barrier.

Additionally, what you have shown is above waterline, and above any normal water that you would collect in the cockpit.

If it were my boat, I would ignore it. Frankly, I don't see a problem, or even a potential for one.

One man's opinion, but I would bet my boat's resale value on it.

Ken

[Otter-BelleHavenMarina]

Before trying anything else, I would get a small bottle of 3M Fiberglass Restorer and Wax, rub it in with a clean cloth, buff and wipe, and see what's left. I just did the Otter from stem to stern and was amazed at what it did to renew the finish and gloss of the boat (which is outdoors all year round and three years old).