2. In pic 5, those cracks indicate structural damage -- the glass underneath the gelcoat has been crunched in order to create those spiderweb cracks. So you need to reinforce this area, either from inside (by adding an access port or two) or from the outside. There are threads here on this topic.
I must respectfully disagree w/ you regarding #2 above. It is generally accepted that spider cracks are indications of flexing and not necessarily structural damage. It is also true that spider cracks are more prevalent on late 70s and some early 80s vintage boats (and not just Lasers) because thicker layers of gelcoat were utilized. Gelcoat does not hold up well to any kind of flexing. I would make absolutely sure there is no delamination of the deck (this is a deal breaker) and no structural issues related to the mast tube and thru-hull before considering the hull itself.
I must respectfully disagree w/ you regarding #2 above. It is generally accepted that spider cracks are indications of flexing and not necessarily structural damage. It is also true that spider cracks are more prevalent on late 70s and some early 80s vintage boats (and not just Lasers) because thicker layers of gelcoat were utilized. Gelcoat does not hold up well to any kind of flexing. I would make absolutely sure there is no delamination of the deck (this is a deal breaker) and no structural issues related to the mast tube and thru-hull before considering the hull itself.
I think we could probably come to an agreement --
cracks indicate flexing, yes?
So then, the question is -- was it a one time flex that didn't significantly weaken the hull, or has the hull been subject to repeated flexing there indicating fatigue and loss of structural strength?
I was guessing the latter, which I called "structural damage" as a shortcut, and reinforcing with fresh glass would be indicated for a "full" restoration.
But don't forget to read all the way to the bottom for my final point and recommendation. ;-)