The topic of this thread needs an explanation:
These boats were raced about ten days in Bonaire for at least 4 hours a day in medium winds (5-15 mph). Then they were transported back to LaserPerformance (LP) in the USA, and distributed to dealers. Subsequently, at least two of these boats developed cracks near the mast tube after very little time on the water, as described in this thread. ...
'Looks like the mast step failed where it’s attached at the bottom.I have the exact same cracks on a brand new sunfush....used only once in 8-12mph winds and noticed the cracks the day after. Sent info to LaserPerformace. Hopefully it'll be resolved quickly.
My boat was packed well and arrived without cracking. It arrived in early winter, I waxed it, then it immediately went into storage. Cracks were noticed before I sailed it this spring. They developed as the boat aged. I believe its a gel coat curing issue, or build process change issue. My boat did crack in the non skid area during the first sail. Heard that one happen.The topic of this thread needs an explanation:
These boats were raced about ten days in Bonaire for at least 4 hours a day in medium winds (5-15 mph). Then they were transported back to LaserPerformance (LP) in the USA, and distributed to dealers. Subsequently, at least two of these boats developed cracks near the mast tube after very little time on the water, as described in this thread.
Was this due to the transport?
Note though that these boats were built in the UK and transported to LP in Rhode Island and from there to Bonaire. Or perhaps directly from England to Bonaire?
Calling Sherlock Holmes on his cell/mobile...
Cracks on both boats are in the front of the step on the deck. Thinking now the deck is in tension, like the mast tube is placing upward stress on the deck. Mast tube is molded with the deck, and when the deck and hull are bonded together the tolerance is too tight, or removal of foam has changed the dynamic when they are clamped together. Just a theory, as the tube structure itself appears solid. This issue presents differently than Laser step issues, as those boats age. I have repaired several, and one where the factory only partly bonded the tube to the hull. That was an older boat, took years to become apparent.
Using the fairlead as a guide, your boat has arc'd cracks on both sides (fore and aft) of the step.Cracks on both boats are in the front of the step on the deck. Thinking now the deck is in tension, like the mast tube is placing upward stress on the deck. Mast tube is molded with the deck, and when the deck and hull are bonded together the tolerance is too tight, or removal of foam has changed the dynamic when they are clamped together. Just a theory, as the tube structure itself appears solid. This issue presents differently than Laser step issues, as those boats age. I have repaired several, and one where the factory only partly bonded the tube to the hull. That was an older boat, took years to become apparent.
Stringers would work.Why wouldn't they just glass in some "stringers" or ribs. That would be extremely easy, inexpensive, and eliminate any flexing. If the boat didn't leak, you wouldn't need flotation either.
We are talking LP here!Why wouldn't they just glass in some "stringers" or ribs.
Please start a new thread for this topic.Do you fellows think this mast step plate is a good idea in older boats? TIA
I'm little late and no Holmes, but allow me to deduct...The topic of this thread needs an explanation:
These boats were raced about ten days in Bonaire for at least 4 hours a day in medium winds (5-15 mph). Then they were transported back to LaserPerformance (LP) in the USA, and distributed to dealers. Subsequently, at least two of these boats developed cracks near the mast tube after very little time on the water, as described in this thread.
Was this due to the transport?
Note though that these boats were built in the UK and transported to LP in Rhode Island and from there to Bonaire. Or perhaps directly from England to Bonaire?
Calling Sherlock Holmes on his cell/mobile...
I had those same cracks, too.So this thread segues into a question, on my 1978ish Sunny, there are a few surface cracks in the gel coat, half a foot or so aft of the cockpit. I assume some large person sat there. How do I fix or fill that? I have a gelcoat repair kit, can I just mix up some matching goo and squeegee it into the cracks?
I've repaired chips in gelcoat on my old Hobies and some on Sparky's splash deflector, but never had cracks.