how to fix cracks in ski compartment / hull

[DavidP]

Hi,
my boat a 1999 Regal 176 Valanti has some cracks in the ski compartment. I heard that I have to fill the cracks before I put some fibreglass on top of it. I never did such work before. Are there some web pages which would give me a first idea of what and how I have to do it? Which book do you recommend for this?

I also have a damaged hull where a speedometer pickup was installed before. How should I fix that? Can I cause more damage to the boat if I use the boat with this damaged hull?

thanks,
David

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to fix cracks in ski compartment / hull

marine tex, will fix the speedo hole, i would inspect the under side of the hull under the ski locker. before doing any thing. if it's ok, i'd just use marine tex to fill the cracks and forget it. yes, fix before you use again.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: how to fix cracks in ski compartment / hull

David, I agree with TD - Marine Tex for the speedo.

I do not like the look of those cracks on the skiwell. Sometimes there is a piece of plywood under that fiberglass, that rots out. You should grind out those cracks and see if they are cosmetic. If they disappear (as you grind) then you can refill the area with polyester putty, glass mat, cloth and resin, as is appropriate to the depth and width of the ground out area.

If the wood under is rotten, you should cut it out, fix the rotted stringers (likely) and install new foam and a new floor and glass it.

 

[DavidP]

Re: how to fix cracks in ski compartment / hull

I have the marine tex here and will use it for the speedo area which is around 1 inch to 1/2 inch. Then I will try to figure out a way to take some pictures (maybe with the webcam on a large USB cable) from below the ski compartment but the cracks (at least the big one) seems to go the full depth which is approx. 10 mm

thanks,
David