will gel coat repairs last

[Rich Passmore]

I'm considering the purchase of a CD26. First off, thanks for all the information on this site, it's a real confidence builder. I have Dana Arenius's CD26 set as my wallpaper to help inspire through this process. The CD26 I'm looking at has a lot gel coat cracks, more than I'm used to seeing in similar vintage boats. Looking at past messages here, I see that's to be expected in a Cape Dory. I'm curious if repairs are standing the test of time or if in the long term it's better to just learn to live with them?



rlpkad@mmmpcc.org

[Pete]

I suggest you learn to live the the gel coat cracks. The cracks were repaired on my boat but came right back.



pzwief@execpc.com

[Dana]

I'm considering the purchase of a CD26. First off, thanks for all the information on this site, it's a real confidence builder. I have Dana Arenius's CD26 set as my wallpaper to help inspire through this process. The CD26 I'm looking at has a lot gel coat cracks, more than I'm used to seeing in similar vintage boats. Looking at past messages here, I see that's to be expected in a Cape Dory. I'm curious if repairs are standing the test of time or if in the long term it's better to just learn to live with them?

____________________________________________________________________

Rich,

They can but it really depends on the repair. We have about 15 CDs in our marina. All have some cracks, especially around the companion way, the cockpit seating gutters, etc. After about a year, my repairs are holding up just fine. Another CD36 in our marina had extensive deck crack repair done by Robinhood. Those repairs are holding up as well. His comments where...he was surprised by the amount of "material" which was taken out by Robinhood for the repair. I took his comment as meaning they really widen the cracks to get the repair gel coat to penetrate, grip, and hold the repair area. His cracks have been gone for many years now.

Smooth gel coat areas (generally the white areas) are easy. The non-skid requires more patience (not a lot of money) to repair. My non-skid repairs are barely preceptable. It is a shame about possible bottom gel coat blisters and the hairline cracks in CDs. Besides these two points, they are and will remain as tough and durable boats.
With fall coming, I going to have to update a posting of the procedure I used (along with pictures) for those who want to attempt the work.


Dana




darenius@aol.com