Hair line cracks

[stewart]

I just purchased a boat and I see that it has one spot where there are hair line cracks and I think they might be leaking because I had water come in the boat right around the same area. Does anyone know how I can fix these cracks and is the structural strength being compromised until they are fixed? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Hair line cracks

Stewart. Normally hair line cracks do not leak. They are in the gel coat only. If they do leak, it should only be a "weeping" of water, and I think, unusual. The cure it to grind them out and putty and paint (or re-gelcoat). However, since they are usually caused by the boat flexing, they usually return. It the cracks were caused by a collision, that is another story.

 

[stewart]

Re: Hair line cracks

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll have to look a little closer to where the slow leak is coming in.