2007 Outback - Cracks in Bow Hatch Cover

I own a 2007 Outback, used mostly for fishing coastal inlets and marshes, and I love it. I've had cracks develop in the two recessed areas in the large bow hatch cover, where the fittings are located. (See pics below) So far, they have not caused any problems, but I'm concerned about them getting worse. If anyone has run into this before, I'd appreciate suggestions for repairing them. Thanks for your help.

Dude, welcome to the forum.

Yakaholic had a similar situation with some seat peg holes. I believe he covered them with PVC end-caps filled with 3M ScotchWeld DP 8010. That is an epoxy that bonds effectively with polyethylene. He and I have both had excellent success with it. It's relatively expensive and you may have to get it from an industrial supplier. Here's more info on it: http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... light=8010
Or contact 3M.

Aloha Dan has suggested an alternative -- West Systems G-Flex epoxy. I am not familiar with it. Dan has provided this link:
http://www.gougeonbrothers.com/G-flex/description.html

Insofar as it's not a high stress repair, you might be able to experiment with something more common.

RoadRunner -

Thanks for the welcome, the info, and the links. It definitely looks like a solution worth considering.

BTW, as a 1-year+ lurker, I thoroughly enjoy your excellent postings. Thanks for sharing the great info with the rest of us.

I would first, drill small holes at each end of the cracks to stop them from splitting any further. After that, then maybe the PVC caps can be glued or epoxied.