Spider cracks around pole bracket

[Mike W]

I don't get it. I just reinforced under my pole bracket (UMI) and now there are spider cracks around the base of my pole bracket close to the corners. The cracks are bad enough to feel rough when I run my fingernail across them. It looks like the gel coat will flake off if I don't do something.
Would it be from over tightening the nuts (which I don't think I did) or from using the stock backing plates? Or do they all crack there?

 

[cdubb]

they crack, Ill bet it was cracked before the reinforcing and the gel coat was holding it together.

 

[Freestylin-FX1]

My FX1 has the same issue appears to be in the gelcoat only though

 

[Mike W]

I found a backing plate that came off my '98. I think I will throw it on there and call it a day.

 

[McDog]

That sucks. What did you reinforce it with again? 2 layers of 12oz?

 

[Mike W]

That sucks. What did you reinforce it with again? 2 layers of 12oz?

I believe it was 12oz. I hope its just a common problem and not get any worst.

 

[WaHoo_1]

ask your wife to quit riding your ski when you're away! At least tell her to lighten up some, or get her own!

 

[thegoldenboy]

I lay a layer of glass overtop the bracket mounting area and run it into the hood channel. Only 1 layer of 12 oz. You also have to sand it smooth (take down the biax threads) once cured.

Although it may only be 1 layer, its purpose is to prevent the crack from going further. It also stiffens some, although not much. More if you do put it into the channel, be careful though as the hood seal will need to reinstall and you don't want a big buildup preventing flushness.

 

[Brenden]

did you run the pole tight now that you swapped over to the umi bracket?
that may be a reason it would do that
there is a big load once the pole is tight

 

[Kennay]

I found a backing plate that came off my '98. I think I will throw it on there and call it a day.

Wait, what? So you aren't running a backing plate currently? If not, that's why it cracked. It doesn't take much flex to crack gelcoat.

 

[Idok]

Mike..I have a NEW Xmetal backing plate....pay shipping and its yours...

its a dual breather style, so you'll just have to mod it a bit..

 

[McDog]

If Mike doesn't want or need it I'd be thrilled to get it. I got a 24-7 bracket and I need a backing plate for it. I don't want it if Mike needs it though.

 

[Mike W]

did you run the pole tight now that you swapped over to the umi bracket?
that may be a reason it would do that
there is a big load once the pole is tight

I didn't torque it down real tight. Just real "snug"

Wait, what? So you aren't running a backing plate currently? If not, that's why it cracked. It doesn't take much flex to crack gelcoat.

Technically I was running backing plate. Those cheezy stock ones.
I installed a full backing plate along with the stock backing plates. It should be good to go now.

Mike..I have a NEW Xmetal backing plate....pay shipping and its yours...

its a dual breather style, so you'll just have to mod it a bit..

Thanks Scott but I made mine work already. Did you get my PM a couple weeks ago?

If Mike doesn't want or need it I'd be thrilled to get it. I got a 24-7 bracket and I need a backing plate for it. I don't want it if Mike needs it though.

Go for it brother.:cool2:

 

[Mike W]

ask your wife to quit riding your ski when you're away! At least tell her to lighten up some, or get her own!

Yea, she is a maniac:splatt::icon16:

 

[Rickster]

I reinforced with 5 layers of 1208 biaxial and one layer of 6.5 oz carbon fiber, and I have had no cracking whatsoever...

Did you run the reinforcments over the pole pad area and down the sides of the top deck?

This tends to lock the pole mounting area to the side of the top deck for added strength... If you do just the pole pounding area, the cracks just find the next weakest area to live...

FWIW