Cockpit locker hinges

[richardsnowstar]

I have a 1986 series 1 Southerly 115. Around the cockpit locker hinges the GRP is cracking and some of the hinge screws have corroded and broken. Has anyone else had problems with locker hinges and how have you fixed it? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I have a 1986 series 1 Southerly 115. Around the cockpit locker hinges the GRP is cracking and some of the hinge screws have corroded and broken. Has anyone else had problems with locker hinges and how have you fixed it? Any help would be appreciated.

Make up a backing plate, something rigid to spread the load. A piece of plywood to go behind the GRP. If it is the locker lid that is cracking you'll have to make good. Again a backing plate, perhaps in stainless steel, or use glass matt and epoxy resin to reinforce over a wider area to spread the load. There are lots of resources online from the epoxy sellers on making similar repairs.

You'll have to grind it back a bit and clean it up. But small jobs like this are straightforward as long as you prepare well and it is dry

The cause of the cracking could be poor original fitting of the hinges, sub standard layup of the GRP, or poor hinge alignment. It could simply be that the locker lids have been slammed shut too vigorously too often.

Just take your time and you'll do a good job. Maybe do a temporary fix and take the locker lids home this winter and do them properly in your shed. I think that's what I'd do

Good luck with anyway