Deck gelcoat problems in CD's?

[art saftlas]

On a yachtworld ad for a CD, the broker made reference to the deck gelcoat problem of CD's having been repaired on this particular CD. Having looked at 6 different CD's lately, I have noticed areas of apparent unevenness. The decks were not soft or spongy and felt strong, yet it did not look perfectly smooth. Wondering what problems there have been on what models if true and what the fix is like to repair.



art@2b-One.com

[Fred]

On a yachtworld ad for a CD, the broker made reference to the deck gelcoat problem of CD's having been repaired on this particular CD. Having looked at 6 different CD's lately, I have noticed areas of apparent unevenness. The decks were not soft or spongy and felt strong, yet it did not look perfectly smooth. Wondering what problems there have been on what models if true and what the fix is like to repair.

Some have a cracking problem, due to gelcoat being applied too thickly.



fred@hotheet.com

[John R.]

On a yachtworld ad for a CD, the broker made reference to the deck gelcoat problem of CD's having been repaired on this particular CD. Having looked at 6 different CD's lately, I have noticed areas of apparent unevenness. The decks were not soft or spongy and felt strong, yet it did not look perfectly smooth. Wondering what problems there have been on what models if true and what the fix is like to repair.

Some do develop a cracking in the gelcoat which seems to be age related in my opinion. Why it actually occurs is another story. Theories abound as to the whys and hows. At any rate they are cosmetic in nature for the most part except some owners on this board have expressed situations that definitely were not cosmetic in nature and if memory serves correctly those cracks were isolated to areas radiating from the forward corners of the cabin where it adjoins the deck. Also I believe a couple of owners stated they had cracks radiating out into the deck gelcoat from the forward corners of the commings. Those were stress cracks of some type, not the typical "crazing" cracks. I prefer to call the crazing cracks "fine gelcoat checks". I think that term is more representative of what they actually are.

Our particular '83 30 has quite a few of the "crazing cracks" that have formed in the deck gelcoat. None of ours are stress cracks. I wouldn't be overly concerned unless you note that "significant" glass work has been done.

[Stan]

Gelcoat cracks can be cosmetic or more serious. It has been our experience that the only way to settle the question is to have a competent surveyor examine the areas with a moisture meter. If moisture is indicated, the problem will eventually result in rotted core.

However, as a rough indication, if you have access to the underside of the suspect areas (e.g., cockpit sole) you can be guaranteed of moisture intrusion in those areas that appear darker than their surroundings (rotted balsa is black). In the case of cosmetic checking, I recommend using Tolley's "Crack Cure", taking care to wipe up ALL excess before it cures (this makes a magnificent dust magnet if not removed, and results in dirt being forever glued as an indicator of the crack location).
good luck and
Fair winds



skuhlman@sprynet.com