All about fiberglass boat stress cracks fiberglass boat repair. If this is a fatigue crack, its probably the tip of the iceberg. If the hull is flat or curving in only one direction in the damage area, the backer will assume the correct curve. Spider cracks are nonstructural damage to the gelcoat of a boat. Repairing hairline fiberglass deck cracks sailboat owners. How to fix a hole on a fiberglass boat complete diy guide. To ensure good adhesion it is critical that the repair patch is adhered to undamaged laminate. All about fiberglass boat stress cracks fiberglass boat. Jul 05, 2017 when the boat was picked up from cape cod, a 6 inch crack was discovered in the hull. The pop out is a more common issue and easily fixed, normally the result of an air void between the fiberglass and gel coat. By the time it was transported to the chaumont yacht club, the crack had widened to 16 inches. Learn how to make built in waterproof cockpit cushions on the next page. To post questions and to view pictures, you will have to register by clicking here register.
How to repair a fibreglass crack for beginners youtube. Next, use a sander and coarse grit sandpaper to expose grind away the crack. First, remove all wax and grease from the work area by wiping down the area with acetone and a clean rag. Hole in the hull we discovered a crack sailing sv catsaway ep. Cracked hull repair, rib with 2 ft crack boat design net.
A boat repair yard did the welded repair and now it is being brought to me because that repair cracked. If the boat sits in the water for long periods of time, these air bubbles can appear as blisters on the bottom of the hull. You might be able to get away with a jb type fix for a while, but it probably wouldnt last forever like a reweld. Radial cracks spider cracks, star cracks caused by impact or by a fixture bolt that puts strain on a certain area of a boat and cracks occur around the hole. The glass work can be done from the outside if the boat is moved so that the crack is a foot or so away from the bunk and no oil can is visible. This will open up the damaged area so that your epoxy can get inside and bond. I am a neophyte to fiberglass repair and unsure of the strength. Fill in the damaged spot until its level with the hull of the boat, and then smooth the area with release paper or cellophane for a highgloss finish. It appears the cracks are right where the stringers are welded on the interior. I cut out a piece of the deck to reach the crack from the inside and have a look at the construction. If the blisters are left unchecked they can destroy your boat.
To repair a hole in the hull, you may need to get some new core material. Unfortunately, the crack did make it all the way through the boat and the foam was soaked on the inside he pulled the driver side hardtank out and you can clearly see. This is on a 2005 tracker proguide wt, the hull is relatively thin aluminium. Repairing structural cracks involves several steps.
Working with a fiberglass, or even a wooden hull, you will need to start by cleaning out the crack and affected area. Simply welding it up, anyway possible, is not the answer. Should you choose to repair your boat on your own, youll need all of the following materials. The hts73511is a flux less rod that works like a brazing rod or soldering. The package was in mint condition but the hull came with a nice long crack in the back maybe almost 10 cm. You really have to look to even see the crack, but i want to make it right before it gets worse or leaks. Dude, at the boat show once, was demonstrating this stuff by poking holes in the bottom of coke cans with what looked like a pointed oversize ice pick.
His books include don caseys complete illustrated sailboat maintenance manual, and the recently updated this old boat, the bible for doityourself boaters. The reference material i found on the boat says that it has a weight of about 550. Unfortunately, the crack did make it all the way through the boat and the foam was soaked on the inside he pulled the driver side hardtank out and you can clearly see where the crack has made its way through the hull. Although the structural members of the hull are designed to accommodate for these stresses by flexing, the skin of a fiberglass boat is rigid and responds to these forces and effects by developing weak spots where the fiberglass attempts to stretch. Finally, apply a coat of highquality marine polish and your repair is complete.
How to fix a crack or hole in a fibreglass boat the new. Core materials wood structure, right under the deck, floorboards and walkways are right under that fiberglass. Weve put together an easy to follow guide specifically aimed at those new to fibreglass. This is hopefully not something every boat owner will need to worry about, but it is a good idea to know how to fix a hole on a boat just in case the unthinkable ever happens to you.
Usually, an expensive bottom job is needed to repair the damage and there is no guarantee the blisters return. Its an older boat and i am not greatly concerned with cosmetics, i just want a solid hull. How to repair spider cracks on your fiberglass boat. These hairline fractures also occur in boats of the mid 1970s vintage which often had thicker gelcoat layers than newer boats. During my last trip my hull cracked, an almost 2 foot crack, lengthways, along a sprayrail. If not youll have to use a piece of filler to fill the void. How to repair a fiberglass boat hull from the outside. I opened a warranty claim with hk as it is clear this boat left the warehouse already broken, however i am not holding my breath as i know that if i start paying shippings and customs again the final price will be 200% the initial price. Oct, 2014 my problem is not repairing the cracks, but trying to match the color of my deck. My problem is not repairing the cracks, but trying to match the color of my deck. Repairing a tear break in aluminum hull indepth outdoors. Don casey has been one of the most consulted experts on boat care and upgrades for 30 years, and is one of the boatus magazines panel of experts. The key to deck and hull repair is using the right material.
However, if welding isnt an option, i would clean and prep the surfaces on both the inside and outside of the crack. Learn how to make builtin waterproof cockpit cushions on the next page. As shown on the picture, the hull was foamed, allthough not very solid that might have caused excessive movement in the hull with the crack as a result. This requires identifying and removing all damaged material. In getting my boat ready for splashdown i noticed a hairline crack about 2 long on the bottom of my hull. Structural repairs fiberglass boat repair for the diyer. How to repair deep cracks in fiberglass boats with the new west system fiberglass boat repair kit. Diy repairing a hole or crack in an aluminum boat super. Sep 24, 2014 this flexibility is helpful if someone severely dents the hull alongside the repair. How to fix a hole on a fiberglass boat complete diy guide nothing can sink a boat faster than a hole, and even the smallest hole could sink a ship.
Hull showing cracks skeeter boats indepth outdoors. If your fiberglass boat only has superficial damage, such as scratches and cracks, sand the area and remove the wax with a solvent before applying a storebought plastic filler such as gelcote. You can successfully complete basic fiberglass boat repair by following these steps. I also have what looks like a repair done on the port quarter and is a different color than the rest of the hull. If you can light a torch and use a pencil you can fix your boat. In most cases this is true, however it is important to seal them correctly otherwise water may penetrate into the fiberglass and cause more serious damage. If the leak in your boat is coming from a crack or hole in the fiberglass of your hull, youll need to either send it in for repairs with a professional or take the time to make the repairs yourself. Cracks appear in fiberglass boat hulls in areas of abnormally high flexing. I have an 18 aluminum deep v lund boat with a 115hp outboard motor. Repairing crack in aluminum on lund boat discussion in boats and motors started by dagojoe, oct 29, 2014. The leaking has significantly slowed, but its still leaking. If you do find yourself with a ding in your deck or a hole in your hull, dont fret. Stress cracks, spider cracks, and hairline cracks in the decks of older boats are, of course, not rare. Spider cracks in hull boat talk chaparral boats owners.
On top of the stress cracks in the hull there are numerous other ones throughout the boat but this is the most alarming. The boat is complete but it has a couple cracks in the hull. It has front and back decks, and i cannot fix them from inside the boat. I had it on the water over the weekend and had to bilge it a few times, so when i got home, i filled it up with water and found a crack in the passenger side of the hull, more towards the front of the boat. The momentary longitudinal stresses on any boat hull known as hogging, where the center of the hull structure is deflected upward by a wave while the bow and stern sag, and sagging, where the mid hull is deflected downward while the ends riseare cumulative. Heavy accessories like outriggers, seats, and ttops are intended to be located on reinforced areas of the hull. He and his wife cruise aboard their 30footer part of the year in the eastern caribbean. Most damage can be repaired fairly easily and the results, even for the doityourselfer, can make it almost impossible to tell where the damage actually took place. Trying to find a stain that i can apply to the gel coat in layers to try and match the color of the hull andor deck. If you can get enough of the original material to mesh together to form a crack, yeahitll flow on through and bond. Apr 06, 2020 fill in the damaged spot until its level with the hull of the boat, and then smooth the area with release paper or cellophane for a highgloss finish.
Repairing crack in aluminum on lund boat ohio game. Adhesion failure in the repair laminate is the most common failure mode for fiberglass repairs. How to repair gelcoat, fiberglass boat repair boating. Repairing hairline cracks and how to do repair gelcoat. Nano is repaired in much the same way as smc but some additional steps are required to remove the wax made into the nano material so that something can stick to it, next is the resin, use only epoxy resin for the repair, any attempt made with polyester resin will end up in failure. If the break in your hull is only a split or slight tear, three layers of 4 oz fiberglass or six layers of 2.
I have a variety of spider cracks on the hull of my club 420 sailing dinghy. If the cracks on your boat were caused by impacts, such as around rub rails or where a heavy object was dropped, move on to step 1. Given the size 18 boat were dealing with, its a better than even bet were dealing with a riveted hull rather than a welded hull. When the boat was picked up from cape cod, a 6 inch crack was discovered in the hull. Hello i have a 17 foot aluminum boat and i recently noticed a crack that is seeping water. This type of repair is necessary if you run aground, run into a rock, or have some of crack caused by age and use. We repaired the crack with a lot of help and guidance from our friend charles. For example, a small hole in a small boat that you only take out on the lake shouldnt be too much for you to handle. The hole is the smallest at the bottom then tapers up and gets wider. After buffing the patch, apply a protective coat of car wax to the hull surface. There are three spots, two on one stringer and one on the next one up. Repairing crack in aluminum on lund boat ohio game fishing.
Fortunately, if you have a fiberglass boat hull, there are repair options available which can remedy your problems. Repairing a fibreglass crack doesnt have to be daunting. One of the worst things that can happen to any boat is damage to the hull. If the damage is significant, the boat should be taken out of the water and thoroughly inspected before carrying out any repairs. This is hopefully not something every boat owner will need to worry about, but it is a good idea to know how to fix a. For tips on caring for and repairing other types of sports equipment, try the following. I had a boat brought to me to repair and patch some cracked welds on the bottom of the hull. I have a 2011 wx 1850 and when wiping it down last week i noticed the fiberglass showing stress cracks in the hull. First, the hull may have been overloaded, or caused to bear a load in an unintended area. Hole in the hull we discovered a crack sailing sv catsaway. Magicezy hairline fix is a onepart, pretinted available in 10 colors sealant that allows you to complete the repair in seconds without having to grind out the. The cracks go all the way through the hull and are about 2 feet long. The prep work is a biggie, and cleanliness is paramount.
It will reduce the likelihood the repair will peel or debond from the hull. I purchased the boat with the scrape on the bottom. How to repair deep cracks in fiberglass boats youtube. In this short video i take a minute to fix up an old bad repair. Gents, does anyone have experience repairing small stress cracks in a aluminium hull. Repair advise if this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq by clicking the link above. Repairing minor damage to the gelcoat surface of your boat.
Aug 23, 2007 this flexibility is helpful if someone severely dents the hull alongside the repair. How to repair an aluminum boat hull gone outdoors your. Once the gelcoat has fully cured, sand the repair smooth wet sanding works particularly well with gelcoat. My first inclination is to weld a patch over the cracked area and i have attached pictures of the job in question. Can you give me some tips on how to make this repair. Apparently the hull was cracked when the owner bought the boat and didnt see that it had a large crack in it from hitting something hard. Hairline cracks, stress cracks or spider cracks star cracks that occur in gelcoat surfaces on fiberglass boats or other water craft are often seen as a cosmetic issue. There is a crack in the gelcoat in the bottom keel downt he center of the hull on either side of the daggerboard slot. Easy ways to repair cracked fiberglass with pictures. Now that your boats hull is patched and buffed, lets turn our attention to the interior of the boat. Hull repair is fairly easy for someone who owns a small fiberglass boat of their own. This damage is often caused by slight flexing of the hull. There is another piece of alumimum that butts up against the transom that. This boat is 2 years old and to be honest i never expected to find something like this.
Repairing hairline cracks and how to do repair gelcoat magicezy. Well i noticed a wet spot on the ground and looked up and noticed that the one part of the crack was. Repairing a brokencracked fiberglass hull rc groups. Any crack that goes deeper than the gelcoat definitely needs attention. If the break in your hull is only a split or slight tear, three layers of 4 oz fiberglass or six layers of 2 oz fiberglass are usually adequate for this type of repair. May 15, 2010 there is a crack in the gelcoat in the bottom keel downt he center of the hull on either side of the daggerboard slot. This can range from small defects that need a little patching up to major damage that affects the overall shape of the surface. I did a little research on boat repairs and found that many suggested a patch rivet approach to hull repairs and others, fiberglass. Small cracks or holes in the areas above the water line might not be a big deal either but please use your best judgment. I have a 15 aluminum rowboat with three small cracks in the hull. Ever wanted to fix a crack or hole in a fibreglass boat. And more importantly how do you repair gelcoat cracks.
This flexibility is helpful if someone severely dents the hull alongside the repair. This thicker gelcoat cannot stand any flexing without showing cracks. Now that your boat s hull is patched and buffed, lets turn our attention to the interior of the boat. How to repair soft spots in fiberglass on a boat gone. May 08, 20 i have a 15 aluminum rowboat with three small cracks in the hull. Easy ways to repair cracked fiberglass with pictures wikihow. Repairing hairline fiberglass deck cracks sailboat. Additionally many times if it is a stress crack in the fiberglass itself, sometimes this happens over the core materials of certain areas of the boat. Creating sharp corners when shaping the area to be repaired.
Patching cracks in an aluminum hull bass boats, canoes. It doesnt happen often, but once in a while, you get a ding, crack, or hole in the hull of your boat. Its a crestliner sabre, which is welded, but the crack is not on a weld. The cracks can also point to a structural defect that must be corrected. Aluminum boat crack repair this old boat lake ontario. One quick and easy way to repair gelcoat stress cracks yourself is by using magicezy hairline fix a purpose built diy repair solution for stress cracks in gelcoat and fiberglass. These fiberglass cracks can be purely cosmetic, or can severely degrade the boats ability to stay afloat. Oct 07, 2019 for example, a small hole in a small boat that you only take out on the lake shouldnt be too much for you to handle. If, however, the spider cracks appeared at an attachment point or in a highstress area, theres a good chance theyll simply return after you fix them.