Hair line cracks in gelcoat ...repair?

A

axel

Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2006
RO Number
20229
Messages
9
How are hair line cracks in stress points in gelcoat (especially 'running' from fittings/screws) on deck
properly repaired/filled when the boat
is being re-spray-painted ??
Axel-Fiji
 
I am doing this job right now and I'm using a dremel tool to V out the cracks. I then fill with West system epoxy and light easy to sand filler. I am just about finished. I'll roll on a primer coat and then check to make sure I got them all before I spray the final two coats. I was told that a heavy lay epoxy paint could also get rid of these cracks but I did not want to take a chance. I know the V out works!
 
THey are probably from the manufacturer not countersinking the screw holes when they put the screws in. Since they are just gelcoat cracks, just fill them with gelcoat and sand them smooth. However I would remove the offending screws and countersink the holes to prevent further cracking
 
quote:
Originally posted by axel

Click to expand...

I would agree 100% if there was not going to be a paint job and you drilled out at the end of each crack (BOTH ENDS). I repeat, If your painting this is the easiest fix in the world with epoxy if your going to paint any way. Just make sure you wash with dish soap and water first and then rinse with water, vinegar mix 1-10.
 
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