deck cracking

[Greg QS]

So I decided to take on a deck crazing /cracking problem . Or at least just get started on it. I am lucky the manufacture Nordlund, is still in business and was very helpful on the phone. Since September I have been working on this. The boat has wood decks covered by fiberglass. I am seeing cracking in the colored deck non skid as well in the fillets in the corners. After ripping into it I found issues with , of few thigs , Nails working up and popping the glass. a couple spots of water intrusion with minimal damage. delamination from the wood at the deck hatch.

I was able to get information from the head of the fiberglass department at Nordlund his recommendation. Fairly simple he said. Strip nonskid back down to the glass, remove glass if not adhered and spot re lay in with 6 oz cloth . Then Re 6 oz cloth whole area. I rolled the cloth up the corner slightly to renforce the fillets. The boat is made of vinyl ester , however I chose to use Epoxy 2 to 1 non blushing. He said no needed but fine. My reason for that is I can control the pot life much better, It is non blushing so no sanding in between and I have choices of hardeners allowing it to be worked with down to 50 degrees. Vinyl Eter bottoms out around 70 deg.

 

[Greg QS]

Ok what I am dealing with on the entire deck of the nonskid. Most prevalent on the upper deck and fore deck. The bridge in much better shape. I think it is due to the heat from the Florida sun where the boat was for years.

 

[Greg QS]

What a job. Getting the sand finish off the deck is a terrible job 4 days of sanding. Re laying glass went quite well, 2 days to lay up , Fairing was another 4 days of laying , sanding, laying, and re sanding.

 

[Greg QS]

Probably 6 hours to tape off and another 6 to install the finish and remove the tape and protection.
So what do you think? Still have a day of clean up to do. Install he foot switches for the windlass and the deck hatch. Remove tapes etc.

 

[Pascall]

I always admire those people who don't get their hands on things, but get on with it!
The ship can last for years and looks like new, Beautiful!
You must be very satisfied with your work, right?

 

[Moonfish]

Nice work, Greg!

 

[Barking Sands]

Wow...great work!! I have to do some similar work soon. I hope mine turns out as good as yours!

 

[SIBERNUT]

Looks great ! What is the nicely pebbled topcoat ?

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. G. You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din. ( Rudyard Kipling 1890).

 

[Comodave]

Looks good. Nice when a boat builder supports their boats.

 

[Greg QS]

Don't Cringe.

Looks great ! What is the nicely pebbled topcoat ?

Truck bed liner!

 

[Mambo42]

Wow, what a job and the finish is absolutely perfect. Did you do the job all by yourself or did you have any help ?
Your pictures give me hope that I will be able to do my deck also myself. Thanks.

 

[CharlieO.]

Did you spray the bedliner or roller?

 

[Greg QS]

Spray with a shots gun. Very thick material. Gun comes with the kit. I used dominator tiltable to get my correct color. Protection was only up the walls 24" . Not a lot of overspray.

 

[CharlieO.]

Spray with a shots gun. Very thick material. Gun comes with the kit. I used dominator tiltable to get my correct color. Protection was only up the walls 24" . Not a lot of overspray.

It looks good and I've been leaning in that direction. Thank you.

 

[Greg QS]

Did This on my last boat. The new owner wanted to know what is was. He said it was in great condition. Could not believe it when i told him it was over 10 year old finish. He thought it was just done for the sale of the boat.
I have found it really docent stain, ( especially no staining from fish blood) . Rust comes up with my secrete rust remover. The easiest to clean deck finish I have ever used.