Stress Crack help??

[jgliatta]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to repair the look of stress cracks on the top of the Gunnels? Look like long thin lines just above the rub rail on top of the gunnels. Is there a way to fix or repair these?

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Stress Crack help??

There is a product called Capt.Tollys Creeping Crack cure that works well on hairline cracks.Cosmetic only.

 

[jgliatta]

Re: Stress Crack help??

Thanks.<br /><br />Are there any functional cures?

 

[wezie]

Re: Stress Crack help??

These cracks are caused in most cases by flexing, which may be caused by overstress or weak construction.<br />In order to fix them, you will most likely have to reinforce the area, from beneath mostly, then grind the cracks out and fill, first with resin, then gel coat according to the severity. Match gel coat or paint the whole area.<br />Unless this is a very valuable boat, your pet, part of your family, etc, "fixing" is usually the choice vs repairing.'<br />There are many posts on various sites about stress cracks, search a little and judge for yourself.<br />Good Luck!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Stress Crack help??

first you need to know if they are really stress<br />cracks or just surface cracks in fibreglass.<br />if surface (normal) then take above advice.<br />stress cracks are a much more serious problem.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[jgliatta]

Re: Stress Crack help??

They are just surface cracks. How should I go about fixing them? It looks like most of the gelcoat is gone.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Stress Crack help??

have you looked into Reel Appeal's advice?

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: Stress Crack help??

Take a Dremel tool or can opener (the old style to puncture a can) and carve out the crack past the gelcoat and as deep as you can without furthering the damage.<br /><br />Then fill the crack with 3m 5200 to just below the thickness of the gel coat. Apply new gelcoat after the filler has cured. If your boat is painted, touch up the gelcoat with paint.<br /><br />FYI: I may have my filler suggestion mixed up with another. I haven't done this for a while and I do suffer from CRS.