Bertram33 User Forum

Wondering if anyone has seen this. I have what appears to be stress cracks (on both sides) directly under those angled hand rails in the cockpit. Obvioulsy need to be fixed to stop water from penetrating. Yard is telling me it's gonna be big bucks to fix. Any experience or insight appreciated.

Me too. I had an excuse. Hurricane Wilma ripped out the brackets that hold my aft sunshade which were mounted at the top of those rails. I took a grinder and ground in there about 1/4 in and reglassed it. Been okay since. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC 2007 8.1 Crusaders

I have the same. Repairing them now. As Gene said, its not a big issue to grind down and repair. Just get a reasonable glass guy.

They seem concerned about how far water penetration (rot) may have gone and are sort of suggesting grinding and repairing could be sealing up a bigger problem. Sounds like a "make work" project for them but what they say does make some sense. I assume the cracks somehow relate to how the bridge is supported and stress over time?

I think the cracks are the gelcoat patch to cover the cabin top/deck joint from when the boats were made.

George, There's nothing in there to rot, just fiberglass . Grind it out , do a decent glass repair and re-gel it. It's as simple as that.

Agreed, thanks.

Interestingly enough, I'm in a new yard for the winter and upcoming season and I'm not getting a great feeling about their honesty. They are suggesting a $475 charge to "explore the extent of delamination to fiberglass wings" and state that it is a "critical structural component". This is only one of many "suggested repairs".

Sounds as if you are getting a "snow job"! (Excuse the pun, this is for my New England and New York friends who are still digging out from the recent storm).

Are you able to have someone else do work on the boat in that yard? You could fly Frank down to do the work and it will be cheaper then what they'll end up charging you. I had the same cracks on both of my 33's. Fixed them both with very little effort in a couple hours. I hope you tell them what we're all saying and tell them to stick it.

I can get my brother to do it for free but who has time. I'm contnet to pay for certain stuff but this seems like they are hoping I'm just rich and won't notice... even if I were rich this would tick me off.

If they try to hose you once I wouldn't be surprised if they try it again! I distrust most yards.. I think a large percentage of the workers are poorly trained and poorly motivated. If possible I only let them do things I can check on. There are not many people I trust to do major work on my boat. I do as much myself as possible.