I recently climbed into the cockpit (boat on trailer) to glue strips of material in the daggerboard trunk to prevent hum/chatter. While doing so I heard a soft snap and looked down to see two fine cracks (they look like two 18 inch or so lengths of black hair) running lengthwise in the cockpit, about 2 inches on either side of centerline).
Are these typical stress cracks on fishes? Will a couple of lengths of fiberglass tape suffice? Or just leave as is, it's a non-issue?
Note to self: before setting foot in cockpit like this again, put a few folded up pieces of heavy cardboard or something to spread the load.
I’d never get on my Sunfish unless it is in the water. Too much risk of damage like this. You can probably leave the cracks alone unless you find water is leaking through them into the hull.
Seven or eight years ago, I bought a 1974 Sunfish (and trailer-$300) that had cracks--actually more, around the tub.
Bothersome to see, I figured they were of no consequence, and covered them with lengths of 2-inch black Gorilla tape. (Gorilla tape now comes in white. ) The tape has held up well, and I have no plans to "fix" something that is only cosmetic in nature.
Between sailing adventures, this same Sunfish has been stored on a wood ramp. On occasion, I've added gizmos while standing or sitting in this Sunfish. Meanwhile, similar deck cracks have surrounded the tub! (In one small place, a sharp edge has appeared).
This Sunfish arrived with a nice soft trailer "ride"--but had rollers and no form-fitting bunks. It also had a rough and salty racing life with the previous owner.
My guessing relates to four causes: It's partly trailer, wood ramp storage, heavy skipper and being "hard-cured" in Florida sun.
As Beldar states above, water support is probably needed to avoid these cracks in the footwell.