Forum Discussion

Still_Searchin_'s avatar
Still_Searchin_
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013

Leave hairline fiberglass cracks alone or no??

We have really small hairline cracks on upper outside corners of 3x11 ft. slide. Ashamed to say I also bumped into a tree with front corner of TT and have 2 small cracks on that front side. I can see the black fiberglass under the gel coat, but just wondering if these cracks do NOT go all the way through the fiberglass, do I need to fix 'em?? Has anyone else ignored small cracks for years & years, and if so, any further damage??
  • sdsdsd's avatar
    sdsdsd
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2013
    I have several hair line cracks in my boat for yaers, no issues.
  • The_Falcon's avatar
    The_Falcon
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2013
    If they are not too spread out, maybe fill them and attach reflectors over the patched area.
  • wittmeba's avatar
    wittmeba
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2013
    Usually hairline cracks are only in the Gelcoat surface finish. They can be fixed with Gelcoat repair but does not affect the structure - only cosmetic.

    Walmart:
    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Evercoat-100668-Marine-Match-N-Patch-Gelcoat-Repair-Kit/21784220


    Home Depot:
    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Aquatic-Gel-Coat-Repair-Kit-35RKWH/100177610#.UnZnRKKc4rg


    As indicated if you are seeing fiberglass the problem is deeper than Gelcoat. Should have a fiberglass (boat or car) specialist take a look.
  • RVUSA's avatar
    RVUSA
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2013
    They call it crazing in the boat world. Smack a sinker into the side of a boat and cracks going every where. Gelcoat is really brittle.

    You can try the earlier method, or you can meticulously file the cracks so they are V's and fill them with gelcoat and sand them and buff them and wax them, or you can just fill the cracks with super glue. The super glue flows better than silicone and it's strong when dry.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2013
    Hairline cracks where a problem the 1960's and 70's Corvettes had to deal with..

    DOn't know what happened to the cracks, but the newer ones do not have that same problem. You might check with a local auto body store, and ask them about the hairline cracks, see what they have to say.

    Fred.
  • h2guy's avatar
    h2guy
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2013
    I had some hairline cracks. Rubbed silicone into them hard, waiting till it cured, carefully scraped off the surface coating, applied heavy coat of past wax, let dry, polish off, 7 years ago. Alls good.
  • GENECOP's avatar
    GENECOP
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2013
    Hairline cracks......(spider) ok to ignore.....seeing black through the Gelcoat......not ok to ignore...

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