Hull flexing question

[JohnB]

I have a 89 Tracker SeaCraft Scepter which has developed enough flex in the hull (side to side, from the center cleats starboard to port) that it has developed cracks in the back corner of the Alum. top, right near the bends.
[image]http://www.revcmpsys.com/fishing/picts/boat/11.jpg
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What I know so far, is that the gas tank cover panel is loose and needs to be remounted. Is there any structural things I should be looking at before I reset the cover, and what should I use to seal it?
Thanks,
JohnB

[ocuyler]

John,

I think PipeDreams may have some input into the stress cracks in the hardtop frame. If not installed and loaded correctly, and the boat is driven and/or trailered hard, it's almost a given.

I think some flex in the hull is part of the deal. I've noticed some on my '89 23 CC. Because the t-top is on the console and centerline, it's not effected by that.

I would want to look hard below decks, if posible to be sure there is no damage to the stringers before re-sealing the fuel cell hatch. Depending on your level of experience, you may wish to have a "pro" look at it.

[JohnB]

Thanks Otto,
The top is 7 years old, and either something is moving around it is bolted to creating flex/stress, or maybe it is one of those over time, metal fatique kinda things. The fuel cover definitly needs to be resealed though, and I will look around real close at what I can see from there.
What would you use to reseal? silicone?
Also, some of the screw holes are pulled lose from where the bite, what do you guys suggest? fill with marine tex and redrill?
Thanks,

[PipeDreamsMarine]

I don't think your hull flexing is cracking your top. the cracks in the pipe were you say, are caused by lack of bracing to stop side to side movement. The funny thing about pipe tops is that they will show you where the bracing needs to be in time. If the bracing was moved to the place where the cracks are it wouldn't break again and it wouldn't shake any more either. As far as the screw holes go I'd marine-tex or fill the holes and redrill like you said.