Fixing hairline cracks in gelcoat

[Beej]

My boat has hairline cracks in the gelcoat emanating from most of the exterior fixtures that use screws to attach into it. Would you advise just using epoxy, or use gelcoat? Thoughts?

[Captain Ron]

For repair, gel coat. Make sure all thru hardware has adequate backing, if it's just a washer, the cracks will be back..

--ron

PS: spray on mold release wax is the bomb for gel coat repairs...

[Beej]

Thanks Ron, I will check all of the backing. This is the first boat I've had that required repairs to the gelcoat. The previous owner was pretty skimpy with the preventative maintenance. To confirm, would adequate backing be a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum on the backside that fixtures can bolt through? Some of what he has done involves thin pieces of plywood on the backside, and other areas have the thin aluminum pieces, and other spots just have screws driven right into the laminates. I have the time to play with it on dry dock for the next month in order to get it ready for the salmon run in early July. Any other ideas what I should be looking for? Transom is in fine shape, the rag top is a bit shot, but I can deal with that. Motor, electrical, and fuel supply are all tiptop. Its a little 20' cuddy cabin cruiser with a 225 Marine outboard.

PS: what's your 'letter of marque' say? :laugh3:

[Captain Ron]

1/8 Al is pretty good for backing in fresh water. Better would be at least 14 ga stainless, it will match most of the hardware better, less a source of corrosion, especially if it's going to see salt water.

If the systems are all good, inventory your vital accessories. Compass, back-up, Gps, charts, flashlights, sound devices, lifejackets, ditch bag, etc. A good list is available at the USCG website.

Do you have a mount for an emergency outboard? Sounds like a Yamaha 15, or maybe even less, would be ideal.

--ron

Racing:

Nail the start, first to the weather mark, and increase the lead from there.

The other one is not repeatable :D