cracks in gel coat along toe rail

[crieders]

I have a lot of hairline cracks along horozontal of toe rail running along port side only. Most are just spider-like cracks but in one place it does look like the gel coat is lifting off. Whats the best simple fix, if any?

[Stu Jackson]

Along with the C34 manual came a handy little two to four page: How to Fix Gelcoat Hairline Cracks manual from Catalina.  Any West System or other "chemical expert" can provide instructions.  Basically you need to gouge out the cracks to make them a bit deeper, and insert material and gelcoat.  That's the perfectionist's way, the few we've had I take care of with MarineTex.

[Roc]

I've noticed the same on my boat after a few years.  I believe it's basically cosmetic.  Will I ever fix them?  Probably, but not in the near future.  You really need to look hard to see them.