gel coat cracks

Wanderlust · Post by **Wanderlust** » Sep 25th, '07, 20:55

So, I have this new (to me) 84 MK II with "gel coat" cracks. I've read this was an epidemic and endemic to Cape Dorys. My surveyor didn't detect any noticeable moisture in the deck. I've heard that these cracks are in the gel coat only, that is superficial and not a worry for core moisture problems. I would guess that every boat is different and the cracks could be a problem with some boats. Assuming no deck flexing issues, is it true that most CDs have this issue (caused supposedly by an overcatalized, and therefore brittle gelcoat). Has anyone attempted to repair them? (Mine has A LOT of them). Do the cracks remain fixed by V grooving them and adding epoxy, if necessary, followed by a gelcoat patch. Whats the general consensus Is this an old CD wife's tale or do we all suffer?

Boyd · Post by **Boyd** » Sep 26th, '07, 15:27

Never worried about it much. My surveyor said "no big deal". Fixing them is a PITA.

Go sailing.

Boyd
s/v Tern
CD30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Trawler Joe · Post by **Trawler Joe** » Sep 26th, '07, 16:05

My Cape Dory 28 (power) has about a million of them. No, make that a billion. Same conclusion from the surveyor, cosmetic only.

barfwinkle · Post by **barfwinkle** » Sep 26th, '07, 16:13

When I first got my 25D there was one crack. That was 10 years ago and the boat had seen VERY LITTLE use due to the illness of her owner.

Now, Ten Years After (WOW that should be the name of a band) she has quite a few, maybe not Carl Sagan quanities, but alot. Deck is as sound as ever.

Fair Winds

Michael Heintz · Post by **Michael Heintz** » Sep 27th, '07, 09:40

My 87 MK II also has many of those gel coat cracks. When surveyed, their was no moister found. Would not bother to fix them.

I'm with Boyd, get out there and sail!!!!! The MK II is a wonderful boat!!!!

BTW did you see that listing for a MK II on Yacht World...

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... slim=ywpbs&

rtbates · Post by **rtbates** » Sep 27th, '07, 13:05

Seraph's got em. My grandson once asked me why there was hair all over the boat!!!

wlcoll42 · Post by **wlcoll42** » Sep 27th, '07, 21:38

My CD30MKII has many surface cracks in the gel coat, also. Repairing them is difficult, especially color match. A complete topside professional gel coat is very expensive - probably $5-10K. Our vessel is in excellent condition, especially the brightwork, but I have elected thus far to ignore the surface cracks.

Wanderlust · Post by **Wanderlust** » Sep 28th, '07, 00:15

Thanks for the unanimous encouragement to forget about the gel coat cracks. Glad no one has had them cause any core issues. Ill scratch that concern off the list.
But what is with the CD30 MKII selling for 27K currently on Yachtworld. Ive got a mind to buy it for spare parts at that price.
Where was it when I needed one? Oh well.

Kurt · Post by **Kurt** » Sep 30th, '07, 15:29

FWIW...My experience has been that the newer the Cape Dory, the worse the cracks are. I owned a 1985 CD26 which had quite a few cracks. My current 1980 CD27 is much better in that regard while my friends 1978 CD27 is totally free of cracks. I don't think the problem is the thickness of the gelcoat so much as it's the brittleness caused by improper mixing? or a different brand being used on the newer boats?

The Cape Dory Board

gel coat cracks

gel coat cracks

I got em.

me too

Got em too......

Deck Surface Cracks

Gelcoat cracks