Zodiac stress fracture?

Dusty · 29 August 2021, 15:36

First post here. Looking for advice.

I recently purchased a 1990 Zodiac that has what appears to be stress fractures on either side of the deck near where the transom transitions to the sides. The fractures are each about 3 inches long and based on a different colour gel coat surrounding them I'm assuming they have been repaired in the past.

I bought the boat at auction so there is no one I can ask questions on history. It is mounted with a 100 hp Yamaha.

Questions:
Is this a serious problem or a relatively simple fix?
Will it require sanding down through the glass to inspect?
Will fiberglass repair be sufficient to protect against reoccurring issue?
Could manufacturing an aluminum bracket between the transom and the deck or fitting a new arch help alleviate strain?

Photos attached. Thanks for your insight.

Jon Tallis · 29 August 2021, 18:53

Dusty,
Difficult to tell from the photos posted but I'd those cracks are more than gel-coat deep (they look like they are) then that looks potentially fairly serious. I would get that looked at by a fully competent professional boat builder or marine surveyor before using the boat further.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Maybe admin could move this to the right forum folder.....

Poly · 30 August 2021, 01:02

I would say the fix for that is going to involve an angle grinder and fibreglass mat - not just a quick bit of filler. An aluminium (or better stainless) bracket might help, or it might just displace the load to another area that is not designed for it.

Maximus · 30 August 2021, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

I would say the fix for that is going to involve an angle grinder and fibreglass mat - not just a quick bit of filler. An aluminium (or better stainless) bracket might help, or it might just displace the load to another area that is not designed for it.

As above...NOT the end of the world but certainly something that needs addressing and shouldn't left to get worse.

Just make sure you use a competent and experienced fibreglass technician....who knows stuff

Plenty of chancers out there.