Silverton Cracks?

[31silverton]

We have a 31' 1978 Silverton Convertible - love the boat! Here is the thing - I noticed there are 3 cracks running across (from starboard to port) in 3 different areas near the bottom of the hull - I had some guy tell they were from improper lifting/storage/trailering. Each crack is located in a different area - 1 crack in the v berth area running about 18" long near the bottom of the hull on the stringer that runs across the boat. The next is similar just further back on a different stringer and the last one is on the stringer in front of the battery holders. The stringers still seem extremely solid just need to know how to repair and how to avoid this in the future. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Corpus Skipper]

Cracks along a stringer are caused by the panel flexing along it. Add a few layers of 'glass on the inside of the hull (after beveling the cracks and repairing them) and laminate the layers to the stringer, (transverse members are frames actually) like an L on both sides. Make sure to sand the area first so the new 'glass gets a good bite. Each successive layer should be longer than the first by a few inches so each layer gets a "bite" on the hull and frame. A good source of info for this type of repairs, and any others you may come across is The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual by Allen H. Vaitses. It covers cracks, blisters, core repairs, gelcoat, finishing, etc... Good luck.

[31silverton]

Thanks for the info - I will read up and give it a shot!
At least there is plenty of room in every area that needs this repair.
Thanks Again.