Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside? Updated with pics

[Friscoboater]

So I have ripped out my transom (see sig) since it was rotten and found the there are several cracks on the inside of the gelcoat. You cannot see them on the outside at all, but they are there on the inside. It seems like the gelcoat is in two different layers and the inside layer has the cracks. Also one of the holes where the mount is cracked. and How do I fix this?

I searched the forum for such a fix but could not find one. I would post a picture but I could not get them to show up in the pictures.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

If they are inside then wouldnt they be in the fiberglass?
Grind them out and add glass and resin to repair..

 

[QC]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Let's try this over in Boat Restoration. The 'glass masters hang over here.

Edit: LOL

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

I debated on where to ask this. I was not sure whether to use gelcoat repair or fiberglass. i guess it would be fiberglass since it is on the inside.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

anyone?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

I think people may be a little confused, it may help if you post a pic of what you're asking about.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Let me see what I can do.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside?

Here is a couple of pictures. this is look at the transom from the inside minus the wood. I have removed all the wood for a rebuild. You cannot see these cracks from the outside at all, just here. What is my best course of action?

 

[kevman]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside? Updated with pics

Well I am not an expert but I have learned a lot from reading on here. It appears to me that maybe someone fixed the gelcoat but didnt fix the fiberglass underneath. What I am not sure about is if you need to repair that since you are putting in a new transom. However, I would still think you would need to open those cracks up and repair them to keep them from cracking through the gelcoat. Again I am not an expert, just a novice, but hopefully some more skilled people will see this and either confirm what I am saying or correct my ignorance. Either way I hope it will help you get it fixed the right way.

Kevin

 

[toocanshan]

Re: Fixing gelcoat cracks on the inside? Updated with pics

if that were my repair i would do these things in this order....

1. grind (carefully) about a 1/2" on each side of those cracks away until you get to the "bottom" of the crack (which looks like that will be the under most side of the gel coat). basically you want to make the cracks into small valleys. but grind as least as possible but still finding the complete crack.

2. then i would take some sort of cleaner and clean all the newly surfaced fiberglass, you want it so you can run your fingers over it without getting any dirt or dust off.
fiberglass sticks best to "new" fiberglass.

3. take some fiberglass woven roven and some resin and add a layer to the area that you grinded out then cleaned.

4. grind away all extra fiberglass so it is a flat surface.

5. continue steps 3 and 4 until the inside of the transom is flat like original.

what ever you do you do not want to remove that piece of the boat!! that is what gives your transom all it's foundation.

make sure you let all of us know what your doing. that's what we thrive on. hope all works out for you and happy boating TOOCAN