Dalian Ada Ship & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
Common fiberglass problems include: cracking of the gel coat at structural joints, water leakage/seepage at joints/openings, gel coat bubbling or black spots on the fiberglass boat deck surface, bubbling/cracking of non-slip pads on the deck, hull leaks, scratches/cracks from collisions during use, and discoloration/color difference in the gel coat surface of the fiberglass boat in Dalian. These problems may be due to manufacturing oversights or improper use, resulting in abnormal fiberglass conditions.
Causes and Solutions to Problems
The causes and different solutions for problems frequently occurring on the fiberglass surface are described below:
1. Discoloration, Bubbling, and Black Spots on the Surface Gel Coat:
Discoloration of the outer gel coat (light and dark color differences, yellowing) may occur due to inconsistent hardener ratios used during local repairs under varying weather conditions, or color differences between different batches of gel coat, especially on dark gel coats.
Failure to completely remove tiny air bubbles and dust particles during lamination can cause bubbling and black spots on the outer gel coat later.
Solutions:
a. Color difference: Sand down the surface gel coat layer, reapply the same type of gel coat, wet sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax to finish. During production and repair, control the amount of hardener added according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
b. Bubbling/Black spots: Remove the gel coat layer at the bubbling/black spot, reapply the same type of gel coat, wet sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax to finish.
c. For deeper bubbling or black spots: Excavate to the bottom, fill the depression with chopped strand mat and resin, allow to cure, then reapply the same type of gel coat, wet sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax to finish.
2. Cracking at the Joint Between the Fiberglass Hull and Deck:
Cracking at the joint between the hull and deck (at the gunwale) usually occurs due to accidental collisions during use.
Solutions:
a. Minor collisions: Remove the gunwale fender strip, repair the fiberglass, refasten with structural adhesive and bolts, and then reinforce/repair.
b. Larger collisions: Contact your dealer to arrange for professional repair.
3. Cracking of the Surface Gel Coat at the Joints of the Fiberglass Hull, Deck, Flybridge, and Fiberglass Components:
This often occurs at the joints between single-piece fiberglass fittings such as stairs and wet bars and the main deck. Because these are joints between two fiberglass components, the concave and convex corners are prone to cracking in the surface gel coat due to long-term use.
Solutions:
Remove the excessively thick surface gel coat layer, reinforce with felt cloth and resin, allow to cure, reapply the same type of gel coat, wet sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax to finish.
4. Water Accumulation on the Deck Surface:
Poor drainage of non-slip pads or teak decks on the deck surface causes localized water accumulation.
Solutions:
a. For localized water accumulation near the edges, add a drain.
b. For larger areas of water accumulation, the surface floor drainage slope needs to be re-adjusted.
5. Bubbling of Non-Slip Pads on the Deck and Cracking and Water Accumulation at the Joints with the Walls:
Bubbling of non-slip pads is common after long-term use. Cracking and water accumulation at the joints are usually caused by poor workmanship.
Solutions:
a. Cut and remove the bubbled non-slip pad, replace with a new non-slip pad of the same pattern. Pay attention to the continuity of the pattern during repair.
b. Cracking and water accumulation at the joints: Excavate the cracked and waterlogged area and repair.
6. Leakage at the Large Window Openings and the Fiberglass Walls:
This is usually caused by impact deformation of the large window or poor workmanship.
Solutions:
a. Leakage due to large window deformation: Replace with a new large window of the same model - contact your dealer to arrange for professional handling.
b. General leakage: First remove the interior wooden trim strips, reapply sealant to reinforce, and then reinstall the trim strips to complete the repair.
7. Leakage at the Hull Window Openings and the Fiberglass Hull:
Leakage is caused by poor workmanship.
Solutions:
First remove the interior wooden trim strips, reapply sealant to reinforce, and then reinstall the trim strips to complete the repair.
8. Leakage at Equipment Installation Openings and the Fiberglass Body/Floor:
Due to negligence during construction, leakage often occurs at the openings of various equipment installations involving the hull/deck joints, such as the inlet and outlet of the engine and propeller shaft system, the generator inlet and outlet, the bow/stern thruster installation, related oil/electrical/drainage pipes, stabilizers... etc., which penetrate the hull and deck, are prone to leakage.
Solutions:
The above are all professional technical work with safety considerations. Contact your dealer to arrange for professional handling.
9. Water Leakage at the Anchor Windlass Installation/Opening:
The anchor windlass is located above the anchor chain locker. Poor installation can cause water leakage into the anchor chain locker, possibly seeping into the anchor windlass motor and causing malfunction. Or poor drainage from the anchor windlass opening can lead to water accumulation or flow into the anchor chain locker.
Solutions:
a. Anchor windlass installation leakage: Reinstall the anchor windlass, apply sealant, and secure with bolts.
b. Water leakage at the anchor windlass opening: Check the drainage system function and improve the drainage slope.
10. Minor Leakage on the Bottom Fiberglass Surface of the Hull:
Due to poor construction of the hull bottom, minor leaks may occur in some or most areas of the yacht's bottom after several years of use. Long-term seepage can increase the weight of the hull, slowing down cruising speed and causing premature aging of the fiberglass hull structure.
Solutions:
Lift the yacht onto a pier or dry dock for a complete inspection of the fiberglass below the waterline.
11. Leaks at the openings in the fiberglass hull bottom:
There are many water intake and drainage ports below the waterline of the hull. Negligence or improper use during construction can also lead to leaks.
Solutions:
Lift the yacht onto a pier or dry dock for a complete inspection of the fiberglass below the waterline.
12. Scratches and cracks on the exterior of the fiberglass hull due to accidental collisions:
Solutions:
a. Minor scratches; If the scratch does not damage the fiberglass, first remove the surface gel coat, fill the dent with putty, reapply the same type of gel coat, sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax.
b. If the scratch has damaged the fiberglass; first remove the surface gel coat, then fill the dent with fiberglass mat and resin. After curing, reapply the same type of gel coat, sand to #1000 grit or higher, then polish and wax.
c. Cracks caused by collision; This is a serious collision resulting in cracks, which compromises safety.
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