Splitting off this thread to save my internet conscience: http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=121283
So this bench making the noise doesn't actually have hinges(circled in red)
It's just a very minor flexing/crackling noise as I step on it. Like you said, Tenders, maybe I don't have to worry about this whatsoever? I notice no significant flex or softness.
Originally Posted by pgadd
Every Ericson I've walked the deck on has had areas that go "crack" when you step on them, indicating a potential delimitation or not enough epoxy or whatever they use in fiberglassing).
Geoff W: Not to hijack the thread, but to hijack it - what sort of repair job is this? I've noticed the port bench in my cockpit crackles a very slight bit when I step on it. But I see no cracks in the gelcoat or anything, so I'm not sure it's worth freaking myself out about.
Examine the hinges, they may be lose.
Fixing the crackling noise is easy - you don’t have to (in my opinion), except maybe to get religion about sealing any deck penetration to stop further water from ingressing, which you should do anyway.
Only when the crackling is accompanied by sponginess, indicating an actual breakdown of the structure, do you need to fix it. And then, the repair is intimidating and messy - but ultimately not very difficult and very satisfying once you’ve convinced yourself you can do it. It was amazing to me how few tools were involved - a table saw, a grinder, a sander, scissors to cut the fiberglass, and an optional oscillating saw (Harbor Freight, $17). And a whoooooooole lotta epoxy.
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoex...-E32-cockpit-core-repair-an-illustrated-guide
This was a bigger, more existential job; if it didn’t work it would’ve been the end of the boat. But, spoiler alert, it worked perfectly:
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoex...?13256-Seeking-advice-on-E32-mast-step-repair
EDIT: I see Christian was opining on the crackling too. He’s absolutely right, because the benches and hatches have only a small portion of cored glass, and it’s often well-sealed. But the hinges, if they’re loose or stressed, can concentrate force and make the surrounding fiberglass flex and make those sounds.
So this bench making the noise doesn't actually have hinges(circled in red)
It's just a very minor flexing/crackling noise as I step on it. Like you said, Tenders, maybe I don't have to worry about this whatsoever? I notice no significant flex or softness.
Last edited: