Deck separation

[pbobbitt]

This weekend I noticed that the deck is beginning to separate from the hull.

The issue starts about a foot aft of the port chainplate, and extends aft about three feet.

I'm thinking I can just whip up some epoxy, and create a fillet at the joint behind the seat back... Maybe try to work it into the joint from the outside.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[GreenLake]

You don't state which version DS you sail.

If you can access the deck-hull joint from the inside, a fillet and a layer of two of fiberglass tape should help reconnect the two. When using multiple layers, make each one narrower, to get a a bit of a stair-step taper.

A reason to inject some epoxy into the crack before you add the fillet would be to reduce any volume that could collect water subject to freezing. Obviously, that's not a concern in some places.

At the moment, I fail to imagine any conditions under which you would be better off working from the outside.

[GreenLake]

OK, I went back and looked at your earlier posts, and it seems you own a DS2.

Unlike a DS1, you need to create (or have created) some access to get to the joint from the inside. If that's already possible, or in your plans, then what I wrote above, holds.

From what I recollect from the few times I sailed on a DS2, the hull-deck joint is done a bit differently than for a DS1. Like other boats of similar vintage, the edge of the hull curves over (like a J hook) and the deck is laid on top of that, with the edge also curving down. The overlap should present a significant area of contact.

If you can't access the repair from the inside, but can access the place where the two hulls a separating from the outside, you may be able to glue them back together. Assuming there's enough contact area, this may be the one repair for which 3M 5200 is an option. As an adhesive, it should be powerful enough for the job and this is one place where you don't need about wanting to take the repair apart again in the future.

Or if not 5200, there may be other, similar products that are listed for use on hull-deck joints.

[pbobbitt]

Yeah sorry, it's a DSII.

I'll post some picks when I get closer to doing the repair. As it stands right now, it seems like the separation is occuring only on the outer rim. I notice it when I'm lifting the side of the boat when rolling it into the water off the dock.

I like the idea of using some 3M adhesive for that lip... thinking about it now, I think there may still be some remnants of it in there.

I've finally started getting the confidence to sail the thing solo the last couple of weeks... Still keeping it in light-moderate winds.

[GreenLake]

Just ran into another DSII by chance and was able to confirm my understanding of the hull-deck joint.

[ParkeWilde]

I may have a similar issue. Here are pics (1) a separated section and (2) a section that appears healthier for comparison. Is it okay to put 3M 5200 or another adhesive in the crack and perhaps hold the separation tight with small C-clamps while it dries? Or do I need a more elaborate repair? I may have caused the damage by over-tightening my trailer straps several times. Now I see online it is better to have the trailer straps tight but not over-tightened. Hopefully, after I do the repair with adhesive, normal trailer strap tightening will not renew the damage. Thanks for helping a fairly novice sailor!

Cracked: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4R23Ggy5r1CzfxxX7
Not cracked: https://photos.app.goo.gl/HGfVeEivvPeXEMkf6

[GreenLake]

Problem viewing your pictures for this post today. But here's an attempt at a reply.

The shape of the joint should be an upside down J for the hull with the deck laid down like a lid.

The two are held together by a sealant/adhesive. 3M 5200 would work for that as the joint never needs to come apart again.

If old adhesive has failed, squirting some new stuff in there after cleaning out any loose bits is the way to go. Clamping would help to set, but not so tight as to squeeze out most of the adhesive. You want quite a bit in there.

However, if the fiberglass of the hull is cracked, compromising the integrity of the J, the you need to beef that up with some glass.

[ParkeWilde]

Thanks. That is just the reassurance I needed. I think there was no crack in the fiberglass below the J shaped lip of the hull but I will look it over before proceeding. Your advice is much appreciated. Best, Parke