Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Buckey on January 31, 2021, 05:50:20 PM

Title: Are hairline cracks in gelcoat along hull ribs an issue that needs to be fixed?
Post by: Buckey on January 31, 2021, 05:50:20 PM

Hi, I was out looking at a boat I picked up in the fall and noticed some very fine cracks long-ways on the hull.  They appear on the sides or next to the ribs in the hull.  Are these an issue that should be repaired, or would they be considered cosmetic?
The boat is a DeltaCraft 170 XLT, basically a copy of the CVX16.
Thanks

Title: Re: Are hairline cracks in gelcoat along hull ribs an issue that needs to be fixed?
Post by: thedeuceman on January 31, 2021, 07:49:34 PM

Could you post some photos?


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Title: Re: Are hairline cracks in gelcoat along hull ribs an issue that needs to be fixed?
Post by: Buckey on January 31, 2021, 08:35:21 PM

Quote from: thedeuceman on January 31, 2021, 07:49:34 PM

Could you post some photos?


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I wish I could, but unfortunately I didn't take any pics of them.  There are only a few and they range in length from 2-4ft long and they run long ways next to, and sometimes run up onto the sides of the strakes.  There are only about I'd say 5-6 fine lines or so.  They can't be felt with a finger nail but are visible.  Are these typical for an early 80s boat.  Other than these the hull looks to be in very good shape.

Before I posted this I should have googled it, as there seems to be lots of information on it.  The main concern after reading some posts is delamination over time if water continues to breach the crack.

I'll take some close up pics next time I'm out there.

Title: Re: Are hairline cracks in gelcoat along hull ribs an issue that needs to be fixed?
Post by: Hyperacme on February 01, 2021, 09:55:50 PM

Maybe just stress cracks in gel.
Or ..
Could be from pressure points from roller trailer.
Or ..
Wood is rotted in stringer and hull is flexing

Title: Re: Are hairline cracks in gelcoat along hull ribs an issue that needs to be fixed?
Post by: Buckey on February 03, 2021, 06:22:29 PM

Quote from: Hyperacme on February 01, 2021, 09:55:50 PM

Maybe just stress cracks in gel.
Or ..
Could be from pressure points from roller trailer.
Or ..
Wood is rotted in stringer and hull is flexing

Thanks, the boat was on a roller trailer that I don't think that was providing enough support but after all the reading I've done on this, that would likely have resulted in the spider wed style cracks.  The cracks I have run along the strakes in a relatively straight line.  There aren't many of them so I'll probably dig and fill them just so I don't have to think about them :).

The floor feels solid, but one never knows whats under it.  What I think I'll do there is drill some holes and check the floatation material to see if there is any moisture.  If there is I'll cut up the floor and remove the stuff and at that time I can check for rot.