Help with gel coat cracking

[Jorgerivadeneira]

I own a 1997 Hewes Redfisher 18 and I was looking around the bilge today and discovered that some of the gel coat inside there was cracking or was delaminated. Don’t know what it could be. It seems to me like the gelcoat is just around and started cracking up. I have no cracks on the hull on the outside of the boat in that spot. I believe it’s no where near the stringers so that can’t be the issue. When I press down on it it is solid but it feels wet to the touch so it is holding some water. I don’t think it’s going too far in. It looks like it’s just the gelcoat is cracked and it’s exposing the fiber glass underneath. Any opinions would be appreciated. (The first two pics are upside down)

[fin-addict]

Imo, the first two appear to be more than just the gel coat beside feeling wet. The other photo my gist be the gel coat. I would have a professional take a look and see what he says and suggest. Hope it’s nothing. Better safe than sorry, safety first.

[George Seither]

Jorge, Like Fin said safety first have it looked at, the first two photos would indicate to me something is moving hope I'm wrong. 

[Jorgerivadeneira]

Thank you guys for the replies 

[Jorgerivadeneira]

2 hours ago, George Seither said:

Jorge, Like Fin said safety first have it looked at, the first two photos would indicate to me something is moving hope I'm wrong. 

It seems to be a crack in my opinion too, but I’m guessing there’s just lots of stress in that area. I was thinking about sanding, glassing it, then putting new gel coat.  

[George Seither]

Look at whichwaysup 2000 MA Repair Tread should give you some insight and photos for you to compare to what your seeing. One thing about the site it has loads of info buried in it.

 

[Jorgerivadeneira]

45 minutes ago, George Seither said:

Look at whichwaysup 2000 MA Repair Tread should give you some insight and photos for you to compare to what your seeing. One thing about the site it has loads of info buried in it.

 

I actually sent him a message just now 

[fin-addict]

1 hour ago, Jorgerivadeneira said:

It seems to be a crack in my opinion too, but I’m guessing there’s just lots of stress in that area. I was thinking about sanding, glassing it, then putting new gel coat.  

If you can do the repair great, but still would have it looked at more so now because you feel it is caused by stress. No need to gel coat, use white bilge paint less $$$$ and much quicker, jmo

[Jorgerivadeneira]

28 minutes ago, fin-addict said:

If you can do the repair great, but still would have it looked at more so now because you feel it is caused by stress. No need to gel coat, use white bilge paint less $$$$ and much quicker, jmo

White bilge paint over the crack? I don’t know if that would seal the crack. I think I also have to glass the crack 

[fin-addict]

Yes you need to do the proper repair first. I stated gel coat finish is not needed. White gloss bilge paint will finish it off and coat a lot less and is easier to do. Sorry if I did not make myself clear, thought I did. Fin

[Jorgerivadeneira]

12 minutes ago, fin-addict said:

Yes you need to do the proper repair first. I stated gel coat finish is not needed. White gloss bilge paint will finish it off and coat a lot less and is easier to do. Sorry if I did not make myself clear, thought I did. Fin

Correct correct. So glass it then bilge paint. I don’t really want to cut any holes on the boat. Doing that through the bilge access is going to be pain in the ***. I’m going to take it to Bobby at inshore marine specialties first to take a look at it.  

[George Seither]

Jorge,

I one of your post " Is this Oyster White " you made mention of a repair on the bottom of the boat you posted pictures of, is this repair on the bottom of the boat close to what your seeing inside of the bilge area??

[fin-addict]

Jorge,

not saying to cut holes to paint. Paint it the same way you would do the gel coat. It is easier and less costly than gel.

[Jorgerivadeneira]

5 hours ago, George Seither said:

Jorge,

I one of your post " Is this Oyster White " you made mention of a repair on the bottom of the boat you posted pictures of, is this repair on the bottom of the boat close to what your seeing inside of the bilge area??

No George, that’s on the keel towards the middle of the boat. It’s just a ding from hitting bottom. Good observation though!

[Jorgerivadeneira]

34 minutes ago, fin-addict said:

Jorge,

not saying to cut holes to paint. Paint it the same way you would do the gel coat. It is easier and less costly than gel.

The only reason I would cut a hole in the port side hatch is to be able to access it better. 

[Jorgerivadeneira]

I just want to let all of you know that although I know none of you personally I do appreciate your concerns and replies. Y’all are extremely helpful. 

[George Seither]

👍