1995 - 268 Islander Gel Coat cracks on all compartments

[bberry]

I have a 1995 - 268 Grady Islander that has low hours and very good condition stored on trailer. But all my compartment tops and hard top are starting to have deep cracks and the corners of the compartment tops chipping off . The Gel coat on some of the tops are atleast 3/8 to 1/2 Inch thick, which I think is to thick of Gel Coat.
I carried 1 - top to a Fiber glass repair shop and he wants $300 .00 to repair for just that 1 - small top , because he said it is time comsuming.
I like the Boat but now I do not know if it is worth fixing all the tops and puting that much money in the boat ,because I think with that thick if gel coat it will continue to crack.
Has any one had any simlar problems with their Gradys or any advise how to stop the cracks from starting.

 

[1st grady]

I have had many cracking issues as well. I bought the spectrum gelcote to match but have to mix about 25% plain white into it to match well. I have had to respray the fish box/ cooler top edges, ground off the hard top edges,applied a new resin coating and brushed on a couple of coats of gelcoat, recored the trash can lid (watch the lift knob, it will allow water to permiate the particle board coring) cracks around the cabin entrance, and the cabin hatch. I had to have the pulpit reconditioned for $700 and then I started reading about doing my own repairs. I bought a Dremmel with an engraving tip which works well at grinding out the crack. I am getting pretty good at fiberglassing and gelcoating. You can spray it with Prevail sprayer, spray it with a $15 spray gun from Harbor Freight, brush it on with a foam or cheap bristle brush. Wet sand and polish. I just started with small inconspicuous repairs first. The hardest part for me is getting the color matched but I think only I can see it.
I think the delamination is caused by the bottom edges of the hatches wicking up moisture and then the sun and freezing doing its business of expansion. I believe the hard top edges often have water dripping from them which means they are wet as well. I think these areas need wax?