Should I fix this?

[philip8614]

So I am going into my second season sailing and I'm starting to notice all the imperfections on my 88 Mac D. I have grounded a couple of times and am noticing some cracks front and aft of my dagger-board trunk but more concerning is the 1/16'' open seam running up the front (inside) of the trunk. I am familiar with fiberglass work I'm wondering if I should address this and how to tackle it. Thank you

http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/phili ... ent&page=1

[yukonbob]

I would deal with it sooner than later. Possible structural issues aside, water ingress would be my secondary concern.

[Russ]

I would fix it. Doesn't look that bad.

I'm sure there are glass experts here with more info on how to fix it.

[dlandersson]

Fix it - or sell it - I might be interested.

So I am going into my second season sailing and I'm starting to notice all the imperfections on my 88 Mac D. I have grounded a couple of times and am noticing some cracks front and aft of my dagger-board trunk but more concerning is the 1/16'' open seam running up the front (inside) of the trunk. I am familiar with fiberglass work I'm wondering if I should address this and how to tackle it. Thank you

http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/phili ... ent&page=1

[philip8614]

Thanks but I'm no going to sell anytime soon. This boat is quickly becoming an obsession. Any advise on the fiber-glassing?

[dlandersson]

Nice tow beast.

Thanks but I'm no going to sell anytime soon. This boat is quickly becoming an obsession. Any advise on the fiber-glassing?

[yukonbob]

Grind / cut back the cracks to expose more depth. Sand/ grind back top coat back about six inches around the cracks (really rough it up). Have your glass ready and mix your resin (can't be too cold, too hot, no rain/snow?wind/dust etc outside) fill exposed crack with resin and push some glass into it for filler and strength. At this point i would let it cure then apply two more coats of resin/glass with sanding in-between conforming existing cabin top. With each layer lap your edges out further and further out all while feathering them out. Then mix up your gel coat(2-3 total coats total) at least two with colour and with your final coat of colour add your wax. With each colour/gel coat wet sand with varying grits to get desired finish. Finally Buff with abrasive finishing wax (continue over entire boat or it will look funny) Voila done

If you're not to keen on the finish do the first three glass coats one or two coats of gel and paint the cabin top. You'd have to check other posts to see recommendations for top side paint. I recall someone mentioning something about this not to long ago. Best of luck.

[philip8614]

Hey thanks that was a great write up

[BOAT]

Looks fine to me - duct tape or whatever - - - by the way, the 26D is the fastest boat in the fleet so think twice before you sell.

[Mike C.]

I also have an 88 D, and it has some similar cracking. I’ve checked on the "outside" of the trunk inside the boat and it does not go all the way through as far as I could tell, and it does not leak into the boat, so for now I just keep an eye on it. I have not puller the dagger board out to see how far down it goes. Hopefully the cracking is all well above the water line. I’ll be pulling the board to replace the ropes soon, so I’ll check then.
If you are concerned about structural strength then it may be best to put additional layers of fiberglass mat and resin on the exterior of the trunk where it runs thought the cabin: a few layers around the front up in the overhead cabinet, take off the carpet cover and a few layers around where the head door meets the trunk, then the same on the front of the trunk under the sink, which I imagine would be the hardest part to do as the interior liner gets in the way.

[philip8614]

Its nice to know it doesn't go all the way through to the interior. It does go all the way down the trunk and it very strait which leads me to believe it is a seam. I guess at this point I will not worry about it as it doesn't seem to get worse, leak, or flex. Thanks for the info