Grind a shallow bevel around the damaged area, to cut back the crack or open the blister, this can be done with a Die Grinder and a Norton SpeedLok™ disc or carbide burr. Repairing cracks, blisters and deep scratches Impact cracks can be more rounded or circular in appearance and usually an indentation is apparent. Decide if the crack was caused by impact or by flexing this will for the most part, be obvious.įlexing cracks appear as multiple, long, thin, flat lines. Fibreglass and gelcoat mixtures might present a better option for colour matching.įirstly, assess the damage: locate the areas that require attention and determine to what extent. Epoxy resin kits are numerous and readily available to purchase online.Ĭolour matching may present a challenge when using off-the-shelf epoxy resins but when properly applied, epoxy resin provides an extremely durable, water-resistant seal that can be properly finished and painted over. Permanent repairs to this kind of damage are normally undertaken by using Epoxy resin fillers or fibreglass/gelcoat fillers. It follows that the longer cracks are left, the more extensively and deeply they will spread until eventually the integrity of the panel will become compromised. Prime areas for cracking are locations where laminate is found, typical examples are the curved deck to cabin panel, around/near windows, and/or the bulkhead. Most cracks or crazing appear gradually over time and are the result of the outer surface of the boat flexing.
These blemishes make up the majority of the ongoing repair and maintenance work that an owner must undertake whether privately or professionally.
GELCOAT CRAZING REPAIR HOW TO
This article looks at how to repair a deep scratch or crack in the hull Boat Damageīoat owners will recognise that cracking, crazing, and blistering in gelcoat are commonplace. Without immediate and ongoing maintenance & repair, these small damages could escalate into a much bigger problem. No matter how careful you are, at some stage in your boat’s life cracks and holes are likely to appear.
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