Fibreglass Boat - Hair-Line Crack in Gel-Coat

[strobe1970]

Yeah I was hoping as well - I was trying to convince myself it was just a scratch and even tried to convince the missus and then my mate when I showed them I started with "Thats just a scratch isn't it" which was quickly followed by "Nup - reckon thats a crack" - grrr. Anyway - could still be wrong.

Paul

[Fish_Two]

Hi Paul,

You are getting flexing in the side walls, the crack is a movement crack in the gel coat from the flexing taking place,
Check around the bulkhead area above and below floor line, and check the other side, check your under floor areas

Either way its a crack, and fibreglass cracks from stress/movement/flex

Glen

[Jarrah Jack]

Could well be an insurance job. worthwhile checking with your insurance company before you do anything. Serious cracks need to be fixed from both sides.

[johncar]

Looking at your transom setup you would need to be light on with the strap tension regardless if it is the cause or not. I have seen gelcoat cracks right up the whole side radiating in smaller to larger diam circular patterns from the strap over point. It is just a good idea to only pull it down to take the slack out of it but no real tension. Think of it more like a seat belt.
The crack if it is a crack is probably just cosmetic and my bet is the strap still, but you would be wise to try in check out the internal structure around the floor for any soft spots or swelling just in case.

[strobe1970]

Thanks for all the advice much appreciated. Based on feedback I've decided to get it professionally checked to be sure. I'll report back what I find out. I think I'll be moving the strap further back where there is more strength near the transom and be more judicious around how tight I do the strap.


regards,

Paul

[strobe1970]

The verdict is in. It was a crack in the gel coat only. Probably due to the strap being a little tight. Not an expensive repair job (thankfully). No other cracks or indication of fatigue in the hull. Very happy chappy.

Paul

[Si]

Get ya wife to tread on your hand - not to bad then do it with high heals - lot less surface area to a lot more point load - stress.

ummm, ok...........

[WalrusLike]

Thanks for the update. It's good when the OP comes back with the results.

Glad it's all good, happy boating!

[Crunchy]

Good outcome, I've learn't something too, I dont ratchet the crap out of the strap any longer!

[WalrusLike]

Yeah I should've said that also..... I don't over tighten it any more either. Good info guys, thanks.

[johncar]

Excellent news