surface cracks in royalex inside hull

danab · Post by **danab** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:02 pm

I have a Caption that has some surficial cracks in gray outer layer in inside of hull. Proabably related to differential expansion/contraction as a few near base of pedestal and others radiate around area where i had used and later sanded down some west bond epoxy. I had sanded off the westbond expoxy that I was going to use for some anchors in hull (with webbing) as I noticed on a friend's boat some similar cracking around some areas where he had used the epoxy.

Anyway...vinyl gunwales and boat is stored in carport but outside in Colorado.

Someone at Bell recommended using thin "Superbond" over areas because it apparently has some very good expandability etc.

Any other suggestions?
thanks

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 5:35 am

Hello again Colorado,

To fix a crack in my Outrage, I "cleaned out the crack" with a knife, stop-drilled the ends, and filled it with (expensive) 3M Scotch-Weld urethane adhesive (a 2-part epoxy). Works great for Royalex repair and for outfitting.

I posted on the Internet, probably here and maybe at Paddling.net and/or Canadian Canoe Routes, if you search these forums there should be lots of advice and products.

Cheers, Pat.

Steward · Post by **Steward** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 12:52 pm

I would agree with yarnellboat. I fixed a similar 6" crack in my Ocoee by drilling the ends, and filled it with 3M Scotch-Weld urethane adhesive.

I've regularly inspected it to unsure it would not continue to spread, and it has held up perfectly.

Steward