How do I fix this headliner?

bestfriend · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

Do I just grind it, fill with putty and then gelcoat? I know I have to cut the trim back a little so it doesn't cause the crack again. Thanks.

poopdeckpappy · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

What caused that to begin with ? and second dumb question, did you resolve that problem ??

USCGRET1990 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

I like to drill a hole at the end of the crack before mending. This stops it from running further usually. Like pdp says, try to find the cause first, or it just might just crack again.

sailingfool · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

I'd just open it up a little and then fill with gelcoat patch and wet sand with like 30, however as said by others, unless you have addressed the source its likely to develop again.

SoOkay · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

I understand from your post that you think the trim caused this?

Quote:

I know I have to cut the trim back a little so it doesn't cause the crack again.

I'm not convinced. Is that the companionway? what's topside around there? think pressure from the top was the cause.

TrueBlue · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

It's difficult for me to accept that a quality boatbuilder would allow a corner trim detail such as that. It appears that the original design intent was to have the corner trim flush with the fiberglass facia above. If this was the case, perhaps there is a concealed fastener driven through the underside of this facia from a point inside the locker.

I would investigate the possibility that some lateral force pushed the cabinet face inboard - shearing this attachment point in the process.

bestfriend · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

Thanks for the concern about the cause of the crack. This happened about six months ago and in spite of much investigation, threads on here and other forums, I could not determine the cause. It was not caused by the trim. The photos are also six months old and I drilled holes in the end of the crack immediately, a trick my dad taught me too. Apparently, something shifted during the last haulout, or shifted back. Pre-haulout, the nav table lid did not close properly, it butts up against that bulkhead. After the launch, and the crack, the lid closed properly. Nothing has changed in six months of sailing. Anyway, I need to fix it.

hellosailor · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

It almost looks like the other end (i.e. far right in the larger picture up top) was lifted UP, causing this corner to split apart at the bottom and "tear" upwards.

SoOkay · #9 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

Could improperly strapping the hull during a haulout cause that? I don't know. But if it did, I may have someone with a lot more experience than I have examine the boat for structural issues if it were mine.

bestfriend · #10 (**permalink**) 07-23-2007

If you notice on the top picture, the headliner at the right of the crack, the edge is uneven. It appears that this is the only place in the whole boat where the headliner does not fit and the edge was cut. i do not know when this happened, during the build or progressively. One thought, and its a bad one, is the the coach roof core is wet and is sagging. But, took the headliner out and the glass looks and sounds strong. I need to get a meter to confirm that. This is a really solid boat that was surveyed every three years for the insurance. My best guess is that the bulkhead moved in the haulout.