Hairline Spider Cracks... Do I need to repair

[Johnn]

I have only had the boat 2yrs... the spider cracks are really really thin, I have one at 2inchs
and one around 4-5 inches, more less at the back of the boats hull.

Any suggestions on this please?

 

[ChrisE]

You're not him are you?

 

[Gelmaster]

I have only had the boat 2yrs... the spider cracks are really really thin, I have one at 2inchs
and one around 4-5 inches, more less at the back of the boats hull.

Any suggestions on this please?

It is always best to have them repaired, as they will eventually suck in moisture, causing weakness in the GRP.

You often see them after impact damage, or around stress points like pulpit rails!

Below the waterline...fix as soon as poss
above.... not so urgent!

For piece of mind, rub a silicone based wax hard into them and buff.
This should hold some of the moisture back until you get around to having them seen to!!

 

[Johnn]

I am thinking of using one of those gel-coat filler tubes, Is this a good idea?
Thanks

Boat has not touched the water yet, nor has been antifouled

 

[duncan]

hmmm - so after you have applied this silicine wax won't you have to do a lot of work to remove it all from the area before a repair?

put another way, wouldn't it be better to fix it upfront?

I had always understood that silicone products were a pain to gel coat repairs?

 

[Gelmaster]

hmmm - so after you have applied this silicine wax won't you have to do a lot of work to remove it all from the area before a repair?

put another way, wouldn't it be better to fix it upfront?

I had always understood that silicone products were a pain to gel coat repairs?

Not at all...

I know exactly what you are saying, But it is what i do for a living.

They need routering back as deep as the crack goes into the gelcoat, then acetone is used to "thouroughly" clean back the area before the repair commences !!

 

[Gelmaster]

I am thinking of using one of those gel-coat filler tubes, Is this a good idea?
Thanks

Boat has not touched the water yet, nor has been antifouled

Are the cracks above or below the waterline???

If below, then yes...repair immediately !!

Those quick fix gel tubes are no substitute for a professional gelcoat repair!

 

[maverickofpoole]

If its stress cracks and they are not repaired properly the cracks will probably return pdq. Would agree with others above the water line not desperate but still imo need doing below the waterline immediate repair would be advisable.

The chap I used to repair one of my boats firstly ground out the offending bits, reinforced the area with matt (or whatever he used) then gel coated and polished etc. Invisible repair plus the crazing never returned.
I guess what I am saying is either research how to do it properly or engage a fibreglass man. Do it once pay once.

Martin

 

[rafiki_]

It is always best to have them repaired, as they will eventually suck in moisture, causing weakness in the GRP.

You often see them after impact damage, or around stress points like pulpit rails!

Below the waterline...fix as soon as poss
above.... not so urgent!

For piece of mind, rub a silicone based wax hard into them and buff.
This should hold some of the moisture back until you get around to having them seen to!!

Gelmaster, have tried to pm you, but the system sent a message saying this is not possible. I would like a bit of expert advice from you please.

Many thanks

 

[oldsaltoz]

For piece of mind, rub a silicone based wax hard into them and buff.
This should hold some of the moisture back until you get around to having them seen to!!

I would avoid any application of anything containing silicone, it will be all but impossible to remove, nothing sticks to silicone and it's difficult to remove once applied.

 

[oldsaltoz]

The simple repair method is to open up the top edge of the cracks with a craft knife to expose a clean edge, mask off around the area and clean with Acetone and let it dry for 10 minutes, then apply a small amount of flow coat (resin and white pigment) with a wax added and rub into the surface hard in a circular motion, then light to fill the top of the gaps eveny, when tacky, clean the surface with acetone but use light pressure only.

Good luck.

 

[gjgm]

I have only had the boat 2yrs... the spider cracks are really really thin, I have one at 2inchs
and one around 4-5 inches, more less at the back of the boats hull.

Any suggestions on this please?

Not sure quite where these are, but it could be more serious "at the back".
5 inch cracks doesnt sound good. If it is the transom flexing, it will need more than a bit of gelcoat.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Star cracks in gelcoat are most often caused by an impact, it can be from the interior or exterior, just dropping the spinny pole will do it, or a minor shunt with a dinghy.

 

[Gelmaster]

Gelmaster, have tried to pm you, but the system sent a message saying this is not possible. I would like a bit of expert advice from you please.

Many thanks

Feel absolutely free to ask me anything!!
will do my best to answer!!

jsh-100@hotmail.co.uk

 

[Gelmaster]

Not sure quite where these are, but it could be more serious "at the back".
5 inch cracks doesnt sound good. If it is the transom flexing, it will need more than a bit of gelcoat.

Sometimes, GRP reinforcing is necessary behind the affected area/s !!

 

[Gelmaster]

The simple repair method is to open up the top edge of the cracks with a craft knife to expose a clean edge, mask off around the area and clean with Acetone and let it dry for 10 minutes, then apply a small amount of flow coat (resin and white pigment) with a wax added and rub into the surface hard in a circular motion, then light to fill the top of the gaps eveny, when tacky, clean the surface with acetone but use light pressure only.

Good luck.

Sound advice....that will work fine, but dont add the wax solution until the last coat of gel...unless it is sanded back first!

It depends also, on how fussy you are with the appearance!

A professional repairer will be able to colour match and leave an invisable finish!!

It is an art form, which takes many years to master !!