Crack in gelcoat at bow below attachment ring- cosmetic or structural?

[Loneranger]

I hope it can be seen in the picture but as I was waxing the boat yesterday I noted a crack in the gel coat that barely catches my fingernail when you rub across it. It extends at least to the edge of the bottom paint. I have not hit anything that I am aware off over the past year. I know this can be repaired but should it immediately? Is it cosmetic only? Is it a sign of more ominous trouble?

I plan on having my local fiberglass guy look at this soon.

Thanks

John

 

[Lazy Daze]

Cosmetic. No rush to have it fixed - wait for the off season. Can be repaired, but may come back unless the underlying cause is addressed. In your case, whatever that is a picture of (stern lifting eye?) needs to be removed and the hole needs to be chamfered better. There may be a square corner (not good) or the hardware may be touching the gel (not good).

This is a recent thread:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20434

There are others.

 

[Loneranger]

Thanks for the info. Sorry I did not mention location. The hardware is the lifting ring at the bow. The crack extended midline down the bow.

John

 

[MExcelsior]

My old boat had the same crack. (Almost identical looking). I agree with Dennis that it is probably more cosmetic than anything. I would just keep an eye on it (no pun intended) to make sure the crack doesn't widen or lengthen and have it fixed at the end of the season.

Mike

 

[Loneranger]

My old boat had the same crack. (Almost identical looking). I agree with Dennis that it is probably more cosmetic than anything. I would just keep an eye on it (no pun intended) to make sure the crack doesn't widen or lengthen and have it fixed at the end of the season.

Mike

This make me feel better that I am not liable to split the hull in half while going down the lake.

Thanks

John

 

[Loneranger]

How do you access the backside of the bow ring? Does the anchor locker extend far enough down to reach the back of the bow ring or will it be a difficult removal?

John

 

[Loneranger]

The anchor locker does not extend far enough down to get at the bow ring. So, I guess that mean removing some of the interior fittings in the froward berth. Has anyone accessed this ring before? Thanks John

 

[Lazy Daze]

I'm surprised you can't see it from the anchor locker. Is the bow ring below your anchor locker drains?

I don't recall ever looking for the bow ring in a 270 before so I'm just guessing here: how about lifting the forward v-berth cushion? Does the bottom of your cabin mirror sit below the bottom of the anchor locker?

 

[Loneranger]

The bow ring is below the anchor locker drains. I am not sure how far down the cabin mirror goes. I will be at the boat tonight and will look closer in the berth.

John

 

[Lazy Daze]

You know, funny thing is I thought my locker drains where below the bow eye. But, they are not! So anyways, I was just in my boat. I looked and the access for my bow eye is the forward v-berth cushion.

 

[Loneranger]

cool i will check but i bet mine will be below the cushion as well

John