While doing some work on my CD25 the other night, I started to notice some stress cracks around the front of the cabin on the forward deck. The crack appears to run about 2 ft. in length around the deck right at where the cabin and deck meet. I have talked with a few "experts," a couple have told me it is not a problem while others have told me its something to be treated right away. As always, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
David Miller "Coquina" hull# 302
thrills21@hotmail.com
forward deck stress cracks
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Don Carr
Re: forward deck stress cracks
Dave;
While not a problem from a structural sense, the 'stress cracks' should at some point be repaired. The main reason is that you want to
avoid the incursion of water into the core of the deck.
I have said cracks on my CD25 also and I believe they are common on this boat due to the 'overbuilding' (i.e. thickness) of the fibreglass
to support the curve of the cabin.
carrd48@netzero.net
While not a problem from a structural sense, the 'stress cracks' should at some point be repaired. The main reason is that you want to
avoid the incursion of water into the core of the deck.
I have said cracks on my CD25 also and I believe they are common on this boat due to the 'overbuilding' (i.e. thickness) of the fibreglass
to support the curve of the cabin.
carrd48@netzero.net
-
Hobby Marine
Re: forward deck stress cracks
David:
Stress cracks in gelcoat are caused by one of three things.
1. The gelcoat is to thick. The gelcoat should not be over 20 mil's. More then likely this is the cause of your cracks. Cracks of this nature are cosmetic anad very common on older boats.
2. Stress cracks due to a structural nature (flexing of the fiberglass over what the gelcoat can stand) may or may not be a bad thing. This depends on how much flex and if the fiberglass is having a problem. If the glass is getting weak, repairs are called for.
3. Water in the core and freezeing. If this is the case, the core is gone and should be easy to detect.
If you have a QUALIFIED surveyor inspect the area in question, they will shed some light to the problem you may or may not have. Before you get overworried, talk to a surveyor.
Good luck
Glen
glen@hobbymarine.com
Stress cracks in gelcoat are caused by one of three things.
1. The gelcoat is to thick. The gelcoat should not be over 20 mil's. More then likely this is the cause of your cracks. Cracks of this nature are cosmetic anad very common on older boats.
2. Stress cracks due to a structural nature (flexing of the fiberglass over what the gelcoat can stand) may or may not be a bad thing. This depends on how much flex and if the fiberglass is having a problem. If the glass is getting weak, repairs are called for.
3. Water in the core and freezeing. If this is the case, the core is gone and should be easy to detect.
If you have a QUALIFIED surveyor inspect the area in question, they will shed some light to the problem you may or may not have. Before you get overworried, talk to a surveyor.
Good luck
Glen
glen@hobbymarine.com
-
Scott Ritchey
Re: forward deck stress cracks
My CD27 (1980, hull 159) has similar cracks. It appears that a previous owner tried to fix them (slight gelcoat color mismatch). Someday I may try the grind and fill fix discussed previously on this board. In the mean time, I have applied Captain Trolly to these and other deck cracks in hope of stopping any leaks into the deck core. So far, the deck deems solid.
ritcheyvs@aol.com
David Miller wrote: While doing some work on my CD25 the other night, I started to notice some stress cracks around the front of the cabin on the forward deck. The crack appears to run about 2 ft. in length around the deck right at where the cabin and deck meet. I have talked with a few "experts," a couple have told me it is not a problem while others have told me its something to be treated right away. As always, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
David Miller "Coquina" hull# 302
ritcheyvs@aol.com