Fix For Broken Gunwale Topper

[drsethsr]

Hey Gang:

I am new to this forum.  I have recently purchased a 1991 Osprey 200 with a 140HP Suzuki outboard.  The plastic gunwale toppers are cracked, and I am wondering if replacements are available.  If not, what would be the best material to fabricate new ones?

Also, the plastic windshield has a crack running about 6 inches from the top edge.  Is there something I can do to fix it or reinforce it to prevent the crack from spreading?

Thanks in advance for your help.


Dr. Seth Anderson
1991 Aquasport Osprey 200
1985 Grady White Seafarer 227
1966 Hunter FG Skiff

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Seth  :!:  :!:
If you have any pix of what you're talking about, post them and we can surely help you a bit better.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2337

[DOCREED]

Drill a small hole at the distal end of the crack and it will not get any longer.

[John Jones]

distal

I think I know your profession  

Sorry for the derail  

[Keith Knecht]

Hey drsethsr,

Think I know what you are talking about.  The earlier models had those pieces made of teak.  Your's are made of starboard.  Not much repair possible.  If you have a plastics fabricator up there they can probably duplicate them in starboard and cut the groves in with a router or you could go back to teak.  Either way it won't be cheap.  :cry:

[drsethsr]

Hey,

That's exactly what I am talking about.  Mine have cracks on both ends, on one end there are two chunks that have broken off at the screw holes.  I guess someone overtightened the screws that hold the pieces to the fiberglass.  They have a rod holder in them.  They are around 6 feet long, 4 inches wide, and maybe an inch thick.  Does Aquasport have a supply of them that I could purchase?


Dr. Seth Anderson
1991 OSPREY 200

[RickK]

You'll probably have to manufacture them yourself.  Teak?  Starboard is not very strong in length, so it may bow if not supported.  Again, pix would help us.

[GoneFission]

Teak was an option for a long time for the gunwale tops, and looks great if you don't mind the maintenance.  Cut to fit, sand, drill, screw on, oil, and sit back and admire...  

You could make a mold from the existing ones and make new ones from those, but I don't think you will find replacements from Aquasport - but I could be wrong...   Some have wood backing that gets soft and you can replace the wood core and then re-gelcoat the tops with pretty good looking results.  

Hope this helps!