Gelcoat cracks transom mount

Motor mount stringer cracks how to repair boat design net. Anything less and they will reappear with in a season of use. Outboard motors apply a considerable load to the transom. If that was my boat i would ask an expert to check the transom. Of course sticking an icepic into the transom under the motor mount bolts on the inside of the boat works too but the owner may not want you poking his boat and you have to pierce the glass. Depending on the method of construction, layers of chopped mat and fiberglass cloth are then built up on top to form the hull, deck, and other molded parts.

For example, spider web crack a small high impact that could have destroyed the matrics of the fiberglass in that area which results in a soft spot, possible. Subsequent layers of fabric are saturated with resin and laid up over the gelcoat. Weve cracked the code on bonding polythylene or king starboard to fiberglass and aluminum boats. Apr 19, 2017 over time, as the transom flexes with use, it can develop gelcoat cracks in the corners of the well. If i can get a good color mix on gelcoat placed over cut repairs, you wont be able to find them. Clean the fiberglass with soap and water and wipe it down with a rag soaked in acetone, and immediately removing it with a clean dry rag. Gelcoat crazing seemed to be a particular problem when the company. Repairing hairline cracks and how to do repair gelcoat. Aug 27, 2012 i have lots of hair line cracks in the gelcoat.

Gelcoat crack and crazing repair moderated discussion areas. Gelcoat is usually a pigmented, unsaturated polyester resin and may be anywhere from 12 to 22 mils thick. These premium quality isophthalic npg gel coats are. If you see numbers that are scribed into the hull, on the gelcoat,be wary. The gelcoat on this boat seems very brittle,it has several cracks in the gelcoat,mostly caused by idiotic owners. Hairline crack on transom moderated discussion areas. I have a 2011 wx 1850 and when wiping it down last week i noticed the fiberglass showing stress cracks in the hull. Feb 27, 2008 also small stress cracks in the gelcoat at the ends of the top of the transom indicates flexing under load, another sign of a weak and getting bad transom. They were sealed with silicone on some, dowels and filler gelcoat. Avoid spreading the gelcoat too thin or youll get stroke marks. Medium oxidation will require a more rigorous process. Repairing fiberglass powerboat transoms epoxyworks.

You can fill in the cracks and microscopic pitting with carnuba wax or a sealant. How to decide if you should refurbish or sell your boat power. The cracks are purely cosemetic, and not structural to the boat. Small cracks form in the outer surface of the fiberglass, spreading out from a central point like a spiderweb. Fiberglass hulls flex and shift a bit under load one of the reasons, in addition to hull design difference, they ride better than tin hulls and if the outer gel coat is too rigid or stiff it can crack when the underlying. We have many years of experience in replacing rotted transoms, repairing stress cracks and filling unnecessary engine mounting holes. Jet boat fiberglass transom repair drop keel gelcoat.

The reason being is that surface scratches can easily be buffed with a rubbing compound as opposed to deep scratches which take a couple more steps. Also used to provide a glossy topcoat for 9 second chip fix repairs. And two others where the transom meets the splash well. Solving it might be as simple as shifting a load from undersized equipment, or installing a larger backing plate to spread the load over a wider area.

That crack in transom look to be more than just cosmetic though. Gelcoat is a fiberglass resin that has had a pigment added to it. The work was to peel off the top middle of the transom and use a piece of 3 x 3 fiberglass to tie it to the core structure of the transom. West system fiberglass boat repair kit, 105k overtons. Given it is a single crack i would discount it as a stress crack caused by movement in the transom and proffer that it is a result of age and an over application of gelcoat in that seam at the factory. The diagnosis is, the transom is bad and needs to be replaced soon. Well i was cleaning the rig friday and noticed i have two stress cracks below the two upper jackplate bolts. This is a slow project and i plan on redoing the complete transom,stringers and floor in the far future. The floor cut area is also where cables, harnesses, fuel lines, etc.

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. Repairing stress cracks 1988 glastron boat restoration project. Gelcoat doesnt flex at the same rate as the underlying fiberglass layer fiberglass is more flexible, so stress cracks appeared all over. Feb 23, 2016 stress cracks in transom stress cracks in transom. Hairline spider cracks must be opened wider and filled with an epoxy filler to be permanently repaired. Look for bubbles in the gelcoat, scars with fiberglass hanging out, spider web cracks, and long gelcoat cracks.

To apply the gelcoat with a brush, dip the brush in the gelcoat so theres a liberal amount of gelcoat on it. Jun 10, 2017 hairline spider cracks must be opened wider and filled with an epoxy filler to be permanently repaired. Strain on the transom sometimes can lead to water leaks, rotting, cracking, breaking at stress. For example around the davit mounting bases on the transom. When the fiberglass is dry, mix gelcoat with methyl ethyl.

Do your own fiberglass and gelcoat repair with epoxy resins. Spider or structural cracks around transom boat design net. For newer models, we offer a gel coat craze crack repair kit. Our designers and engineers transform cuttingedge vision into onwater reality using some of the most sophisticated technologies available, while our elite team of validation specialists ensures every model is rigorously tested in the harshest conditions. If the cracks radiate from the base of loadbearing equipment like a cleat or stanchion, there is probably a problem with the installation that deserves attention before repairing the gelcoat. You can see that the motor mount has considerably more surface area on the out side of the transom. Crazing in gelcoat, also known as spider cracks or stress cracks, plagues countless boaters.

Jul 07, 2011 transom savers add stress to the motor mount from the trailer as they are now connected. While grinding out a few larger cracks, i discovered that what i thought was a large crack on the bulkhead was actually a large chunk of fiberglass and gelcoat that had been glued back in. Did you do any interior reinforcement prior to mounting the hardware. Ive fixed all my rotten wood issues so im ready to fix the cracks. It is hard to make evaluations from such small photos, but if one of the cracks is suspected to be more than just a gelcoat issue, then the other one should be treated the same way. Thats as long as they are stress cracks, fine hairline like spider web, not something you can see into. The lower 14 of the transom was rotted, allowing the outer skin to flex. Below is a detailed guideline on how to repair the transom on your boat. Repairing the transom of the boat is a minor boat repair since the transom is the flat area located at the back of the boat. Before getting into the actual repair, its important to understand what gelcoat is. Brush the gelcoat onto the fiberglass using short vertical strokes.

This resin can be used as a protective surface over the top of fiberglass, or simply as a finish, much like you might varnish a piece of outdoor furniture. You can successfully complete basic fiberglass boat repair by following these steps. Barker has eliminated the splashwell and incorporated a jack plate, which extends the aft deck. This premium marine grade gel coat may be as gecloat for boats, gelcoat for pools or many other applications. The only way its moving enough to crack this badly is if the wood in your transom is rotten, or the previous owner backed the boat into something. If i were you i would beef up the inside of the transom w some substantial flat stock to spread the load out more. The cracks are called spider cracks, and they are normal for a gel coat finished boat.

Do your own fiberglass and gelcoat repair with epoxy resins, filler, sealants, and fiberglass repair kits from west systems, 3m, and hibond. May 24, 20 gelcoat cracking is common around there. No matter how careful you are, fiberglass boats collect dings and gouges over time. I bought a repowered 2000 25 cc in april of last year. We at ars marine can handle all of your fiberglass requirements, whether your needs are big or small. If gelcoat ever cracks in an area it will get wet repeatidly it needs to be resealed, gelcoat repair kits are. In short, gelcoat are made to be used in a mold and the side on the mold will curehardens because the oxygen is cut off and the laminate side will stay semi hardenedcured or tacky for quite a while so the fibreglass laminate will stick to it properly. There are several ways to go about doing a gelcoat repair. There were 10 extra holes where my motor mount was secured.

Reengineering the motor mounts, exhaust system, fuel lines, cooling. It should be repaired to prevent water entering the transom. Fiberglass and structural repair starboard marine repair. 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. For mild oxidation, you will just have to apply a fiberglass cleaner that will restore the shine and take out the dirt. The type of cracks the op is seeing are not structural and are likely due to gel coat that was applied too thick. This process results in the smooth, mirrorlike finish typical of new boats. Step 4 as soon as the crack has been channeled out, wipe it clean with a solvent like acetone and, using a plastic putty knife, flushfill it with gelcoat matched to the color of the surrounding area if the channel isnt too deep. Magicezy hairline fix is a onepart, precoloured sealant that repairs gelcoat stress cracks, scrapes and scratches.

Hairline fix seal and color stress cracks and gelcoat crazing. But as for now im planning on reparing all the gelcoat cracks this spring and use it in the summer to get some inspiration to. The effects of the motors weight are magnified when the boat is accelerated under normal operating conditions, and when the boat is bouncing along on a trailer. Transomtrolling mount transducer installation instructions garmin. Also, the exterior transom fiberglass has no cracks or damage. If you simply attempt to drill a hole into the fiberglass, you will have extreme difficulty in drilling holes without cracking the gelcoat. Repairing the transom is not that difficult if you have the right tools and equipment. Fiberglass gelcoat repair boston whaler restoration part 6.

Gelcoat used to patch existing gelcoat, fiberglass repairs, and for new construction and projects. That type of cracking and crazing is just comsmetic. If your boat has a case of dock rash it could be time to think about repairing and refreshing your gelcoat. After drilling, lightly chamfer each hole with a countersink bit. The wax will rise to the top of gelcoat acting the same as the tape or pva. Color matched gelcoat of a specially thin variety is applied with a camels hair brush after the area has been cleansed with acetone. To minimize gelcoat cracking, run the drill in reverse until the gelcoat is penetrated. At that time the surveyor pointed out some very small cracks in the transom gelcoat around the rim of the exhaust. Previous episodes go over other types of fiberglass. It is designed to act as a moisture barrier for the underlying laminate, as well as to provide a smooth, glossy, cosmetic finish. You will need some fibreglass filler and hardener to fill in the cracks.

Heres a small example of what things looked like before i started, cracks highlighted with a sharpie pen so theyre easier to see. The west system fiberglass boat repair kit offers the right epoxy, fiberglass, and fillers to complete repairs to cracks and holes, gelcoat blisters, delaminated cored panels, and more. Each item mentioned, will tell you something different about the hull. Look for stress cracks around stanchions or other areas that might be an indication of an underlying structural problem. With the passage of time, unprotected gelcoat will oxidize and eventually take on a chalky appearance. He felt they were cosmetic and recommended repairing the gelcoat. Many of these are minor and limited to the gelcoat that smooth, shiny outer layer of the. How to repair gelcoat, fiberglass boat repair boating. Be sure to coat and seal all holes drilled through the transom with multiple coats of epoxy. What i have read is to grind out the crack a little than the crack itself, fill with. Stern saver never drill holes below the waterline again. First ever glueon starboard transducer mounting system. Apr 02, 2019 gelcoat is the coating sprayed up against a highly polished mold at the beginning of the fiberglass layup process. Gelcoat repairs which includes an instructive video that covers gelcoat restoration, scratch repair, and polishing and.

Over time, as the transom flexes with use, it can develop gelcoat cracks in the corners of the well. Since our first boat in 68, innovation has been a hallmark of the mastercraft brand. The cause of the cracks must be eliminated or they will return once repaired. Whaler central boston whaler boat information and photos. Some do not properly seal screws or bolts when adding equipment. With time, it is possible that gelcoat can become cracked, simply through wear and tear or a specific incidence of damage. This show covers how to repair fiberglass stress cracks on your boat using polyester resin. Before you gelcoat fiberglass, fill in any cracks or gouges with a polyester filler and then sand the damaged areas down with 80grit sandpaper. I know of no one in any field motor home, home, car, boat, plane, or you name it that will warranty a paint job after 11 years. Fiberglass stringers and transomgctid412017 bayliner. Clean one side out and its fully cosmetic, but was shocked to see the part is not fiberglass in from what i can see, but held in place by two studs and a nuts on each side. I noticed a few large gel coat cracks, all in either the bow area or transom area. If the boat has seen some use the transom may be compromised. There is a warp in a gelcoat above the transom assembly smooth narrow vertical dent about 810.

This sets up capillary action, wherein the thin gelcoat is sucked into the crack. This is a below the waterline bracket for a swim platform. Sand and paint with an epoxy based paint best match to the gel coat. I would pull the motor and inspect the transom for swelling and water intrusion. As a side note, i will be documenting my stresscrack repair later, after the new transom is installed. Multiple applications fill the crack and build the surface proud. This boat is 2 years old and to be honest i never expected to find something like this. Transom test when buying or repairing a boat the united. A good test is to belt it with the side of your clenched fist and see if it is solid. Transom savers add stress to the motor mount from the trailer as they are now connected. How to repair a gelcoat scratch, cracks or hole when looking at a scratch in the gelcoat, you need to determine whether it is a surface scratch or a deep scratch. How to fix crazing in gelcoat, also known as spider cracks or stress cracks which. Also small stress cracks in the gelcoat at the ends of the top of the transom indicates flexing under load, another sign of a weak and getting bad transom. The good news is the moisture ends several inches on the stringer before the transom and the transom itself shows no indication of being wet.

Jul 26, 2014 once cured, wash the repair with water to remove amine blush and grind or sand the fiberglass smooth. When to tell if a fiberglass bass boat transom is badspider. The floors seem okay, and the motor mounts are okay. Stress cracks in fiberglass bass boats, canoes, kayaks. For a quick beefup repair just get a big offcut of waterproof ply about 9mm thick and throughbolt that to to the transom use stainless steel bolts with nyloc nuts and big penny washers, all in stainless steel, washers inside and out, at least four nuts and. How to repair gelcoat, fiberglass boat repair boating magazine. How to fix spider cracks in fiberglass it still runs. Center console boats with clever transom designs sport. Bump a dock too hard and they will show up, and very common around the corners of the transom at the splash well. The gelcoat which is applied to the outer surface is not as flexible as the resin with fiber embedded in it is. There are many ways to repair cracks in fiberglasswhich ones the best.

This type of damage often results in a hole or crack through one skin and possible. Spider cracks are a form of fiberglass damage that occurs from minor flexing or impacts. White gel coat, precolored gel coat, clear gel coat, neutral tintable gelcoats. Gelcoat is a thin, brittle coating, not unlike an eggshell. So when the sterndrive caused the transom to flex, the gelcoat cracked under undue stress and left a series of cracks mostly near the bottom of the outdrive. All gelcoat is, is nonreinforced tinted fiberglass. If you have any surface scrapes or gouges that need repair, check our advisor doit yourself. There are stress cracks in both stringers between the motor mount and transom see the pics there are plywood spacers under the front motor mounts. The plan was to do the repair when i pulled the boat out for the winter.

Im guessing that water must have gotten under the aluminum strip on top. Another issue is with transom mount transducers, too many owners just tap them with screws, did not drill into the glass backwards first. As a side note, i will be documenting my stresscrack repair later, after the new transom. During the fall i noticed some rust colored staining of the hull around the area and. Crazing is an incredibly common issue on modern fiberglass boats, and although it usually starts off as a matter of cosmetics, in severe cases these surface cracks can grow, deepen, and eventually threaten your boats. The loads by the outboard are likely being transmitted symmetrically to both corners of the transom and the structure is symmetrical too. Because there is no fiber in it, over time it will crack because the hull naturally flexes a bit. I would really like to get this fixed, so i would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how any of you would repair these. The moisture came from either the limber holes or from the top of the mount holes as there was no sealant to prevent moisture from working its way down around the lag screw holes. I removed the mount punched out the wood dowels, drilled all holes to 516 and beveled the edges. Some others ways are to mix some wax with styrene into the gelcoat or to spray a pva over the gelcoat repair to help it cure. Then they just added a little bit of gelcoat at the corners and blended.

Jul 10, 2018 there were 10 extra holes where my motor mount was secured. Crack in transom grady white boat owners forum grady. He has a 11 yer old class a, good brandi dont want to talk bad about the brand who is still in business, and he has these small cracks in the gelcoat, mostly where the darker colors are located. Hull showing cracks skeeter boats indepth outdoors. Installing a transommount transducer on a boat boating magazine. When to tell if a fiberglass bass boat transom is bad. They can occur in any form of fiberglass, including cars, boats and swimming pools. Fill the crack with terhi fix and reinforce with a strip of fibreglass mat or glue a plate of. These loads are concentrated on the fiberglass skin and core where the mount is located. Long story short, the boat went down a hill and hit a tree, cracking the transom. I got a repair estimate, and negotiated with the seller to deduct that amount from the sale price and a deal was struck. Fill low spots with thickened epoxy and recoat as necessary to seal exposed fiberglass and sanded lowdensity fillers.