Cracks in Gelcoat

[HomeTeam]

Folks - I’ve read plenty about cracks and how to repair, etc. What I can’t tell, though, is whether what I have is something of concern or cosmetic. Pics attached. Pls let me know what you think.

 

[DennisG01]

As is always the case, and I'm sure you read about this, it's hard to diagnose stuff like this from where we are. Best guess is that it's some kind of impact damage. Is the glass damaged... don't know. What YOU need to do inspect the underlying glass. Sound it with your knuckles - compare to other areas. Look at the backside/underside closely, as well.

 

[HomeTeam]

Understood and I get it. Just trying to get some kind of feedback here, but recognize limitations. Thks.

 

[Hookup1]

Impact damage. I have a bit of that on by boat that I'll repair this summer. The bow on my boat will spin around in a 5 know crosswind. When docking and backing in the wind would push the boat onto the dock. The boat would impact the end of the dock and put the stress on a small section of the side of the boat. It sounds awful! The fiberglass has some flex to it but the gelcoat is like eggshell and will spider crack like your photos. Docking was the primary reason I installed bow thruster.

 

[DennisG01]

Understood and I get it. Just trying to get some kind of feedback here, but recognize limitations. Thks.

I hear 'ya. Unfortunately there's not much more to say - what I mentioned is pretty much the limitations of what feedback we can provide. It could be cosmetic... could be structural. The only way to know is to check it out. Hire a pro if you're not comfortable doing it yoruself.

 

[HomeTeam]

Impact damage. I have a bit of that on by boat that I'll repair this summer. The bow on my boat will spin around in a 5 know crosswind. When docking and backing in the wind would push the boat onto the dock. The boat would impact the end of the dock and put the stress on a small section of the side of the boat. It sounds awful! The fiberglass has some flex to it but the gelcoat is like eggshell and will spider crack like your photos. Docking was the primary reason I installed bow thruster.

I have the same issue with my 22’ being blown around at the dock. Best guess is that it is impact damage - no argument there! My hope is to move on to a freedom 275/285 in another year or so.
I will check this out as best as I can and probably work to fill in the cracks.

 

[Hookup1]

You can't really fill the gelcoat cracks. If its a long single crack you can grind it out. But in your case and mine its easier to replace the gelcoat completely in the area affected. Talk to a fiberglass guy about the repair.