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My 1980 p424 has some cracks in the aftermarket awlgrip paint on the topsides. Previous surveyors and others have said it is crazing or non-structural and thus not
To worry. I had a new survey done for insurance reasons and this guy says he thinks it is structural and worth having the yard look at and/or repair. I’m a little concerned because the surveyor and yard guys are buddies. I’ll definitely need a second opinion, but wondered if anyone else has actually had structural concerns related to the hull/top sides?? -
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My 1979 424 was Awlgripped when I first bought her in 1986. The paint showed signs of cracking and then a bit of peeling after about 8 or 10 years. It’s expected and not a problem. I recoated it then and several times since with Interlux 2-part poly. The paint lasts about 8 years or so before it loses its gloss and needs a new coat. It’s a fairly straightforward job, IMHO, easier than compounding and waxing. While it has minor brush-marks that are visible if you look closely, from 20-feet away, you can’t tell the difference between that and a $10k spray-on job. You should be able to do it yourself in about 3 or 4 days, out of the water of course. My wife and I can do it in a weekend. You’ll need staging. A bunch of saw-horses and planking to do one side at a time is enough. You need a good sander of course and top-quality brushes. One quart will do one coat on one side. There are instructions available online but if you want my suggestions contact me. You don’t have to prime the work since you’re already coated. Just clean the surface well, fill any imperfections and recoat.
I never wax my topsides. Getting the wax off before recoating is a PIA and as I said, compounding and waxing is a lot of work. I just wash the thing each spring with a good detergent. Don’t use ammonia based cleaners like Windex.
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The cracks in question are on the forward bow section, some far forward; some near bulkhead (could be related to “beer canning”). Another long single crack is on the starboard side transom. They all appear to be surface level ( in the dark blue awlgrip). But not sure.
Truthfully, I don’t care about the appearance. I just want to know if any owners have actually had a hull breach or real structural failure in these locations. I’ve never hear of that, but figured this group would know.
I’ll get some photos today, but it’s hard to see because it’s dark blue.
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Here is a for what it’s worth reply for you. My ‘79 424 ketch, #54, has never had awlgrip and is original gel coat. It buffs and waxes out like a new shiny hull every 2-3 years and has no cracks or crazing. It spent its first life in fresh water Great Lakes and the last 10 years on the Gulf of Mexico.
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