Hard top Crack-how to repair?
Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon
Hard top Crack-how to repair?
What is the best method to take care of a crack in the hardtop of the cabin. I think this is fiberglass, but not sure. It is hard to see in the picture- you may need to enlarge. thanks.
1971 SeaVoyager 36 "Scallywag"
-
prowlersfish
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 12724
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va
From what I could see in the photo you have canvas on your cabin top. You’re going to want to do something with the crack in yours. You don’t want water to get in and rot the plywood. Caulking the crack is a temporary fix, but you will want to either replace the canvas or fiberglass the cabin top.
My 1969 31 Trojan had a canvas cabin top that I replaced. I did it about 25 years ago, but remember that it was a bit of work. Once the canvas is removed, any bad wood in the roof MUST be replaced. (When the new canvas is installed, any imperfection in the wood shows through) I used fairing material to cover the seams in the plywood and sanded them until the joint was smooth. (Fiberglass Bondo would work well, it doesn't absorb water.) The old adhesive on the roof will also need to be sanded. (Not an easy job since it clogs the sandpaper quickly. A solvent can be used, but extreme care must be used. Solvents are flammable.)
(This is a 2 man job) The canvas is actually a vinyl, but I refer to it as canvas. The canvas is glued to the cabin top with Nautilex adhesive. (I would think that any vinyl flooring adhesive would work.) (Don’t apply too much adhesive it will puddle and show through the canvas. I drew a line marking exactly where the edge of the canvas would follow. (It took 3 strips to cover the cabin top of my boat. Center section was done last.) I applied the adhesive with a 1/16" notched trowel. I applied the adhesive to both the cabin top and the canvas, making sure the adhesive was spread right to the line on the hardtop. I then placed the canvas in place and rubbed the entire surface. Now remove the canvas and allow the adhesive to dry a bit. (Just a few minutes) Put the canvas back in place and make sure the edge follows the line exactly and staple the canvas along the line. Once the edge is stapled, you can lift and pull the canvas while the canvas is rubbed into place. Work all the wrinkles out. (Don't try over stretching the canvas.) Staple the edges. (Use Monel staples, they don't rust)
On my 31 Trojan the windshield rested on the canvas, and the cabin hard top extended into the cockpit forming, for a lack for a better word, a dashboard. I did not replace that area. I used a razor knife and cut the canvas at the windshield. I screwed a trim board set in boatlife caulk to cover the joint. I also covered the seam with a stainless steel rub rail set in boatlife caulk.
Latter, when the canvas wore out I glassed it and sprayed it with Emron, but that's another story. It was the final solution.
West Marine sells cabin topping, page 780 of 2008 catalog. Shop you can beat there price.
My 1969 31 Trojan had a canvas cabin top that I replaced. I did it about 25 years ago, but remember that it was a bit of work. Once the canvas is removed, any bad wood in the roof MUST be replaced. (When the new canvas is installed, any imperfection in the wood shows through) I used fairing material to cover the seams in the plywood and sanded them until the joint was smooth. (Fiberglass Bondo would work well, it doesn't absorb water.) The old adhesive on the roof will also need to be sanded. (Not an easy job since it clogs the sandpaper quickly. A solvent can be used, but extreme care must be used. Solvents are flammable.)
(This is a 2 man job) The canvas is actually a vinyl, but I refer to it as canvas. The canvas is glued to the cabin top with Nautilex adhesive. (I would think that any vinyl flooring adhesive would work.) (Don’t apply too much adhesive it will puddle and show through the canvas. I drew a line marking exactly where the edge of the canvas would follow. (It took 3 strips to cover the cabin top of my boat. Center section was done last.) I applied the adhesive with a 1/16" notched trowel. I applied the adhesive to both the cabin top and the canvas, making sure the adhesive was spread right to the line on the hardtop. I then placed the canvas in place and rubbed the entire surface. Now remove the canvas and allow the adhesive to dry a bit. (Just a few minutes) Put the canvas back in place and make sure the edge follows the line exactly and staple the canvas along the line. Once the edge is stapled, you can lift and pull the canvas while the canvas is rubbed into place. Work all the wrinkles out. (Don't try over stretching the canvas.) Staple the edges. (Use Monel staples, they don't rust)
On my 31 Trojan the windshield rested on the canvas, and the cabin hard top extended into the cockpit forming, for a lack for a better word, a dashboard. I did not replace that area. I used a razor knife and cut the canvas at the windshield. I screwed a trim board set in boatlife caulk to cover the joint. I also covered the seam with a stainless steel rub rail set in boatlife caulk.
Latter, when the canvas wore out I glassed it and sprayed it with Emron, but that's another story. It was the final solution.
West Marine sells cabin topping, page 780 of 2008 catalog. Shop you can beat there price.
Gerry
1979 F36 Twin Chryler 440's
1979 F36 Twin Chryler 440's