Cracking within centerboard trunk
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 7:38 pm
I have a 1975 Daysailer II that has cracking within the centerboard trunk, about an inch up from the bottom of the hull. It's parallel to the slot on both sides and does not appear to be separated or displaced more than marginally. It's on both sides of the forward and aft ends of the slot, extending about 18" that I can see from each end. The slot is about 54" long, so 18" from each end (36" total) is most of the slot. The cracking may be more extensive but with the centerboard in there I can't see all of it. I've read some postings on similar issues though I'm uncertain if I captured all of the exchanges about this. From what I was able to find, the fix might be West Epoxy Repair with both fiberglass fabric and epoxy, which would involve taking down the gelcoat and laying in the fabric and epoxy, then fairing and finishing off with gelcoat. I have some minimal experience with fiberglass repair. I'm willing to give it a try though if I knew of a fiberglass repair shop familiar with this, I would also consider that. The one local shop I visited was unfamiliar with this and thought that the repair would be very expensive. I'm hoping that only the gelcoat is involved. I plan to get a borescope so I can see the other side in the bilge to evaluate if more than a bottom side repair would be needed. I'm hoping to address this with just the bottom side repair. That has its own complications, one of which is getting some sort of tool into the slot (after centerboard removal) to take down the gelcoat. It's pretty narrow. One person suggested a Dremel tool. I would plan to slide the boat off the trailer enough to access the centerboard, with structure to support the boat, and do the work from below. The boat is taking on water in the bilge, maybe a gallon an hour or less, and it's uncertain if the cracking is the source of this. I'm viewing this as structural and therefore necessary to repair, and I would address potential leaking at the centerboard pivot bolt and at the uphaul line exit point in the course of the repair. Is there a good way to make sure I picked up all of the threads on this? Does anyone have additional information on the topic or experience with the repair? I would appreciate any comments on repair processes, tools, materials or repair shop in the Pacific Northwest (Eugene Oregon or nearby). I'm attaching photos.