bottom of board full of spider cracks

[minksters]

Hi All!

I've got a Rusty Muffin Top and while I do love the board, it has been constructed so that the bottom fiberglass layer is far thinner than the top and sides, and so the bottom is just full of spider cracks, some of which have gone through to the epoxy.

I'm wondering if you've ever encountered a board with different thickness fiberglass and what the best way to go about solving this is?

Shall I just add another, fresh, fiberglass layer to the bottom you think? Or shall I try and peel off the existing layer and re-do it with a whole new layer? Or shall I just repair the cracks individually??

Much appreciated for your advice!

[IanCaio]

I'd just repair the cracks that are infiltrating. I think the problem with adding a fiberglass layer or peeling and redoing it is that you'll change a little bit of how the board behaves (it will be slightly heavier), and it won't be the same as doing the fiberglass on a freshly shaped foam.

When I was just beginning to surf I had some repairs to do on my first board, I ended up "over-repairing" it and the board became quite heavier than it originally was. Spider cracks aren't that much of a big deal, boards dent and crack, it's the cycle of life, specially if you surf often. Take good care of the board, fix the leaks and it should be fine

[waikikikichan]

1) How old is your Rusty Muffin Top ? Over 5 years ?

2) Are you sure it's Epoxy resin ? Is the glassing schedule single 4oz. bottom / double 4oz. top ?

[dtc]

Just for info, all boards (well, virtually all) have different fibreglass thicknesses on the top and bottom. The glassing is there for strength and waterproofing. You only need a thin layer to waterproof; and the bottom of the board doesnt need as much strength as people arent jumping up and down on the bottom. Plus more glass = more weight, so no point in strengthening beyond what is necessary.

So most boards have double layers on the top (eg 6+4) and single layer on the bottom.