Star shaped cracks, rib replacement?

[Javapuntnl]

While stripping the varnish of my canoe I've come across quite a few of this (see images) type of damage to the ribs along with a few that are clearly broken. Most of these ribs don't look very badly damaged and it seems like they're still up for the job. Could they be salvageable, is there a definite way to tell? Could i get away without replacing these ribs or will I end up regretting this later?

Thank you much,

Jacob V.

 

[Mark Adams]

Hi Jacob,

Unless I am mistaken, those aren't cracks at all. It is from where the varnish cracked and allowed grunge to penetrate the cracks, weathering the wood below. I have seen the same thing on my canoes, and they aren't cracks.

My .02

 

[john hupfield]

Unless they are compression fractures. If there is no play in the ribs ignore them. For peace of mind you could surface coat the area with epoxy,
I tend to agree with the above comment from Mark.

 

[Javapuntnl]

Definitely cracks. If i push hard from the bottom you can see it opening up. I have to push quite hard and some are worse than others but there isn't much play at all. I guess I'll re-assess when I take the planking off.

 

[Mark Adams]

if they open up with pressure, then they are toast. Replace the ribs.