Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Crack or separation just below gunwhale?
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 6:04 AM
#1
I'll soon be taking delivery of this 1989 Whaler Outrage 18. The boat and engine are beautiful. Sellers are repairing tilt/trim on engine and will be either repairing or replacing the trailer (had a bent axle after lending to a friend who put too heavy a boat on it).
The only concern I have about the hull is a separation or crack and other damage below the gunwhale on the starboard side toward the rear. The owners said these cracks were there since they boat the boat 10 years ago. There is no evidence of water intrusion or soft spots. Is this a common occurence on Whalers? What would have caused this and should it concern me? What is the best way to repair it?
(see photos on my personal page)
Posted by Bake on 12/25/09 - 8:24 AM
#2
Had to edit after slowing enough to view pictures.
Dock rash
Edited by Bake on 12/25/09 - 1:57 PM
Posted by captaincurt on 12/25/09 - 8:53 AM
#3
YMS137, What is the white stuff around the "cracks" ? Did you poke around a little to see how deep the are? Are there any signs of damage inside like it is from hitting something ? A few questions and no answers LOL. But with the proper info if anyone can talk you thru it they will be on this site.
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:02 AM
#4
The white stuff is some caulking the seller has used to fill the cracks. I don't know exactly what they used - I'll redo it with some 3M adhesive/sealant (maybe 5200) and hopefull make it look much better than it does now. I didn't "poke around" I just felt and tapped on the sides to see if it felt solid and it does.
Edited by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:02 AM
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 12/25/09 - 9:07 AM
#5
This boat was out on LI?
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:10 AM
#6
yes - did you look at it? I bought it already just waiting for delivery so please don't tell me anything awful
Posted by captaincurt on 12/25/09 - 9:22 AM
#7
YMS137,Scrape of the old caulk see how deep it is and reply back whenyou get the boat. I dont think 3m 5200 will do what you want.I've tried to use it for almost everything and it will sag out .I've used epoxy with tint and it has been easy and strong and my be what you need but there are alot of members here and one of them will have your solution.If its dry and cosmetic run it and dont obsess over it. It is a boat .Every time mine is where I want it something else arises,part of my enjoyment is to repair it
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:32 AM
#8
It seemed dry, but of course it was also freezing outside, so I can't be sure. I/m not too worried about it or wouldn't have bought it. I guess I'm just looking for some consoling words and you've done that. I was thinking it would be better to use something more flexible than epoxy, but maybe you're right, and with epoxy I can get a smoother, neater finish (by sanding it) right?.
Posted by Phil T on 12/25/09 - 9:35 AM
#9
If you are referring to the damage in the second to last photo on your personal page, I would profer the damage was done by the boat being against a high float or piling.
While the photo does not show close detail, from a distance it appears the gel coat has been smashed off and there is exposed fiberglass. Given this is above the water line, I doubt much damage has been done other than above.
The repair technique is straightforward, building back the fiberglass and then applying gelcoat.
If a previous owner sealed the damage with caulk it helped seal the fiberglass to prevent water intrusion. This is a good idea for the short term.
While not a purist, I strongly discourage everyone from using an adhesive (3M 4200 or 5200) as a filler. If you want a temporary repair so you can use the boat and not be worried, apply a good marine caulk (i.e. Boatlife) to seal the damage and keep water out.
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:40 AM
#10
What you're saying about being smashed against something makes sense. I've never done fiberglass and gelcoat repair though. If I didn't do that do you thing caulking is better to use than epoxy?
Edited by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 9:40 AM
Posted by Bake on 12/25/09 - 11:19 AM
#11
ok so I did not see the pictures before I posted above. That is dock rash and yes the gel coat is gone but the glass seems to still be in decent shape. former owners probably used caulk to kinda seal it. You can have the gel repaired or use anything from marine tex to caulking to keep water out.
Posted by John Fyke on 12/25/09 - 12:38 PM
#12
Yup, dock rash. No need to worry, just cosmetic. Enjoy!!
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 12:44 PM
#13
Thanks everybody...my mind is at ease...It's going to be a long winter though!
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 12/25/09 - 12:52 PM
#14
At least you now have a project to keep yourself busy.
Posted by YMS137 on 12/25/09 - 12:57 PM
#15
yea..that's true. Thanks