Gelcoat Crazing

[Southern Gales]

A some of the unkempt boats after the change to epoxy resin, especially in Florida, exhibit excessive crazing (spider cracks) above the waterline and all over the deck. Is this something only related to the epoxy resin hulls and are they superficial flaws or is there a more serious issue at hand?

[AJ Oliver]

Hey Chris -

I have number 445, on Western Lake Erie. Stored indoors half the year. Most of the gelcoat is original.

Don't that the issues you describe.

Fair Winds, Skip

[Southern Gales]

According to the do it yourself repair book, "This Old Boat" The crazing occurs when the gel-coat is applied too thick. It's an aesthetic issue, not structural.