Spoke to a fiberglass buddy and he thought that if I glass this joint in, that it might put pressure elsewhere and create problem.

Would 5200 be solid enough to keep this area from flexing ? I would hate to use it and find out it didn't and have to remove it…

Structural guys ?

5200 is not structural, it is an adhesive/sealer... and a good one if both sufaces are clean. If you have something that needs structure and strength it needs to ground, glassed and finished.

That is what I have been trying to ascertain - is this particular spot supposed to be glassed in or have inherent flex ? I have gotten good answers from both sides of the issue. I'd like to have a definitive answer so I do it once - right.

Adding a hardtop has made me notice that these joint areas where the topside and the liner meet - low, near the foot rests and up, flex A LOT more than without the hardtop. The OEM set up was Potter putty, but it is inconclusive if this was used as a spacer or mechanical connection. The fact that the Potter Putty was sandwiched between un-sanded, gelcoat is odd...

I have found the best resource for these type of answers at the above link. Use our above tool bar Quick Links/Marks Forums Read/Boatbuildercentral/forum and how to tutorials.
Their forum and how to tutorials have been very helpful to many a novice.

Good Luck and happy boat building

Wild Bill :cool:

Wild Bill,

Thank you for the response. I am not in need of the how to. That I know. I'm looking for the correct application with a specific, peculiar joint in the boat. With the right advice, I'll be good to go.