Looking for advise

[Mike K]

I have a 1957 fiberglass runabout that has some cracking on the clearcoat, some severe. Without getting into big money or making this a major project, how can I fill these cracks so that they last? I will repaint the entire boat once complete.

Thanks

[longliner45]

is it clearcoat or gellcoat?

[ondarvr]

What type of boat do you have and what type of finish is on it?

The reason I ask is that a boat from 1957 with clear gel coat on it from the factory would be very rare.

There is no way to easily fill stress cracks in gel coat, they need to be ground out completely and depending on how deep they are they need to be filled with glass, or a very strong filler. Stress cracks will return very quickly if not repaired correctly.

[longliner45]

got pics??

[Mike K]

Ok, you got me. How can I tell? I am sure it is the original coating from 1957, at least thats what the original owner told me and it looks like it.

[Mike K]

no pics that show enough. most cracks are very minor but there are some that are deep.

[ondarvr]

Is it actually a clear on the surface?

[the1much]

if your re-painting,,it dont matter what it is,,clear or gel,,,sand them till gone,, if you want done right,,hopefully their just in ya paint,,and if so,,sanding should take them out,,and if real deep,,well thats notha story.,,,but bottom line is,,you need to sand till their gone,,or they'll just return if you got "deeper" issues.