I have a 1989 440 Convertible,...

[Billo]

I have a 1989 440 Convertible, and there are hairline cracks all around the exhaust ports on both sides.  Any idea what might have caused these and best way to fix.  I think at the moment they are just cosmetic, and they are, of course above the waterline, but the exhaust spits water out them. Thanks. 

[fwebster]

The exhaust cracks are cosmetic and they are caused by the method of construction Sea Ray uses in building that style of exhaust outlets. The exhaust tube is inserted in the hull then resin is mixed with cabosil to thicken it then the exhaust port is shaped before the patch hardens. The best way to fix the cracks is to grind out the cracked area down to the hull and exhaust tube then fill the area with fiberglass cloth and resin to the shape desired and finally spray the repair with gelcoat , fair it and buff with compound.