SX/SXi/SXi Pro Hull repair question...

[sxipro02]

I have a small crack in my hull between the chines near the front of the ski. Its been there three seasons now without cracking further but I decided to fix it while the motor is out. I started by grinding out all the damaged area from under the ski and cut the edges back to form a nice channel that will hold the repair. Heres the issue, from inside the hull the crack lines up under the support area where the fuel tank straps bolt in. Do I need to cut that open to access the crack and repair it from the inside as well? It wouldnt be that big of a deal to close it back up when finished. The crack is about 3" long. I can post pictures tonight if needed.

 

[aytee]

Post pics... if it hasn't cracked any in 3 seasons of riding I'm not sure I personally would worry too much about getting to serious.. maybe glass up to the support and do a little glassing on the outside to get it sealed up good.. kinda hard to say for sure without seeing it though...

Sent from inside a beer can

 

[Balduccimoto]

Since you already started grinding underneath you really should feather the repair area out some (6"x6" perhaps) in a V-shape, scuff with 80 grit, pre-cut some reinforcement and lay down a few layers to build it back up. I would wait for each layer to gel before laying the next to prevent any warping or air bubbles getting trapped. Be sure since it's still cold to pre-warm the resin before mixing the hardener it definately helps get a thinner viscosity to wet out the reinforcement and after laying down reinforcement, warm it some with a heat gun to squeegee out any excess resin. Optional; After it's cured you can get some West System 410 filler and mix that in your epoxy resin to use as a easily sandable fairing filler to smooth out the surface for paint.

Is it a 750? I cant remember if they're fiberglass or SMC bottom deck. Either way i'd use epoxy resin to be safe

I used this method on a 8" crack on a 750 and I just did this to way to repair a hood. It's now painted and impossible to notice any repair

Post some pictures of the inside, it will help to put a layer of reinforcement there as well.

 

[sxipro02]

I did the repairs last night but I"ll post a pic anyway. I cut the damaged area out and made a "V" shape with the narrower side at the bottom of the ski to hold in the epoxy better. I used epoxy resin mixed with micro spheres to make a filler went to town. I dont think I'll bother with the inside of the hull much. I sanded down the paint to find the damage and its directly under the tank strap mount, All the glass looks great on the inside around the support area. As far as finish work, its really not a beauty area to say the least. I coat the underside in a light coat of bed liner, holds up well for a river ridden ski.

 

[Norcaltrd]

Cleaned up nice!

 

[GTIJosh]

Looks good.
I am still unsure about the rough texture of the bed liner.
The engineer inside me is screaming about surface finish and boundary layer.
Now for the motor.

 

[sxipro02]

All parts for the motor are ordered
For how I ride and where we ride id rather have a little extra protection and easy repair than a pretty finish.

 

[GTIJosh]

I can't say my skis finish is smooth anymore and is a fine shade of white with off white stains all over.
I don't think the added drag would be anything other than someone doing top speed runs on calm water would be able to notice.

 

[sxipro02]

Yea, I never noticed anything from it. Just sucks to drag off a stand or trailer.