Transom fish box hatch

[96TL]

I just noticed one side of my transom fish box hatch has 2 long gel coat cracks spreading from the hinge screws. I’m guessing someone let it drop down a little too hard last season causing the gel coat to flex. Has anyone installed some kind of support spring or shock to assist the hatch, or maybe a cable to stop it from opening all the way down? It’s an easy fix, but I don’t want it to happen again. Thanks.

 

[grouperjim]

The actual problem that caused the spider cracking is a common one with many boat builders........they don't take the time to countersink the screw holes prior to assy. FYI: It is rare that a countersunk hole will spider crack. Countersinking provides relief to the gelcoat.

The transom box screws and hinges are under a lot of stress when they are allowed to flex when fully opened. You'll find many other instances where Parker has not countersunk screw/bolt holes which will eventually lead to spider cracking over time. Be advised that the transom box hinges would be a good place to start with countersinking and re-caulking.

 

[96TL]

I wish I would've read your post sooner. I dremeled out the crack tonight and gel coated over it. When the gelcoat cured, I put the hatch back on. I opened up, layed it down, and CRACK, the same exact crack appeared again. :evil:

 

[96TL]

Tonight I grinded out the gelcoat crack AGAIN. The crack went partially through the glass as well. I didnt notice that last time. Thats probably why it cracked again so easily.

Anyway, I grinded it all out. But shouldn't the crack go all the way through the glass into the screw hole? I didn't want to dremel it deeper, since it looked like I got it all.

I plan on filling it with some West System epoxy, and then gelcoating over it.

 

[Capt. Ronnie]

No cracks.
But the self tapping screws stripped out on mine.
I replaced all with stainless machine bolts & nuts.
Something that Parker should have done from the satrt ! :x