Gelcoat cracks(crazing) @ transom

[Lowranger]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br />My C-Dory 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. http://www.c-brats.com/albums/Hull,DeckandFittings/Gelcoat_Crazing.sized.jpg 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 I-Boaters. Take a look and post back. Pete

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Gelcoat cracks(crazing) @ transom

I took weeks making sure every spider crack was gone when I redid my boat. They were gone for about a year then they started coming back. You have to think of a gel-coat as a sheet of glass. If the boat flexes even the tiniest bit it will crack. Put a coat of wax on them and like said “keep a eye on them”. If they gap open then you have a bigger problem but that hardly ever happens.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Gelcoat cracks(crazing) @ transom

Ive had them from about 6 months from new until now 4 years old, have not got worse or better! Spoke to the dealer and not covered by warrenty as cosmetic only. Feel a bit cheated because it must effect the second hand value.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Gelcoat cracks(crazing) @ transom

They usually are cosmetic only but if you are going to try to fix them they must be dremmeled out and filled with EPOXY and then topcoated.You still run the chance of them returning but it is a much smaller chance than if you fill with gelcoat.Gelcoat really has no strength to avoid recracking.Charlie

 

[Osprey]

Re: Gelcoat cracks(crazing) @ transom

I had some spider cracking at the port side corner / transom on a 1991 Parker Skiff. First thought it was a structural problem with the transom. After further thought I realized they were self induced. The next time out I lined up the dock at the launch ramp and could see that I must have bounced the stern at some point when pulling away. I decided to have the Gelcoat repaired, from then on kept a close eye on my tail when leaving the dock and the cracks never returned.