Crack in Livewell?

[KCLOST]

I noticed some cracks located at the bottom rear portion of my rear livewell. The cracks appear to be similar to jel-coat cracks you see on many fiberglass boats. But after further inspection (in certain spots) the cracks actually extended through the fiberglass and is visible on the back side of the well. I have repaired the fiberglass on areas that I can reach anyway (on the outside), but I'm still getting some small leaks that are present where I couldn't do the patch work (can't reach it on the outside underneath)...<br /><br />Anyway, my question is, has anyone attempted to patch the inside of a livewell. It's obviously coated with a white gelcoat material. Can I get away with some good sealer, or is this a sand, sand, sand, and fiberglass patch job?

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

There is a spray on product used to line gastanks, fertilizer tanks etc. to keep them from leaking. I'll have to check out the manufacturer for you. <br />I just had a thought, You know what would work great and look good would be spray-on bedliner. It comes in many colors and can be applied as thick or thin as you need. I bet a shop would do it for you for next to nothing if they did it at the end of a truck job. It would also help to insulate the livewell.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

That's a good idea!!!!<br /><br />But since I already have some fiberglass repair materials, do you think I can light sand the coating on the inner livewell, without totally removing it, and coat it sufficiently? (so it won't seperate)...

 

[Link]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

No matter which way you repair the tank Quantumleap's idea is a good one. Insulate the livewell! Beside keeping the temp stable it has another great side effect.<br /><br />The correct way would be to use the two part marine foam and spray or pour.<br />Another way is to use a off the shelf product called Great Stuff. Any Hardware store.(Can Spray)<br /><br />For your purpose both will do the same thing. Both stick to anything and both will give support to the bottom and sides of your livewell and Hull to keep it from twisting and sagging under the water weight. Water is 7.2-7.4 lbs per gallon.<br /><br />Not being a fiberglass guy I would use a bed liner on the inside and consider it a done deal! Under 30 bux from JC keep my Ford running Whitney! <br /><br />Let us know what you do and how it turns out

 

[BMDODGE]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

i would think about what type of stuff you use - the bed liner stuff + water could leave a petroleum residue in the tank - maybe ???

 

[Link]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

Originally posted by BMDODGE:<br /> i would think about what type of stuff you use - the bed liner stuff + water could leave a petroleum residue in the tank - maybe ???

Yea I thought about putting a disclaimer remark in there about that. I have never used the stuff myself. The main point was to use the foam to keep the tank stable and a inside sealer to keep it simple. However once cured I dont see why the bed liner wouldnt work.??? Lets see what others have to say.<br /><br />Link

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Crack in Livewell?

Well, I have the leak stopped for now. I fiberglassed a little more on the outside of the livewell. <br />I also bought some superglue type adhesive, designed to work with glass repairs (not fiberglass but actual glass). However, since it is weather resistant and more suited for this type of material I figured I'd give it a try. The glue wicked very well into those fine cracks on the inside of the well... I did this just for additional reassurance... <br /><br />After drying, filled it up and NO LEAKS!!! Seems to be working! All I need to do now is paint the inside of the well to make it look brand new (not that it looks too bad now anyway).