Cracks in Gelcoat

[RicM]

I know that it's not unusual to see stress cracks in gelcoat, but these around the thu-hull kinda freaked me out. Should I be concerned?

[Merry Kate]

Hey Ric!

Looks like the thru-hull may have been a little over-tightened. I've had the same thing on some deck stantions since day 1 and can't detect any water intrusion or further problems. If you really have some time on your hands and some more warm days in RI you can remove the fitting and be sure the penetration is sealed well (glassed that is, not just caulked) - otherwise, would'nt worry too much about it.

BTW, nice picture. Did a professional photographer take that???

Ed

[RicM]

Ummm......yeah but it was with my little Nikon CoolPix point-and-shoot. Which proves my point that it ain't the camera it's the lighting!

[RobS]

Hey Ric - Here's some more photos of the one I did not buy

The one I did buy had minor cracks like yours and I did notice this on several other boats. The surveyor, Ken Johnson, said that it's present on pretty much ever one that he has surveyed. It's mostly found on the smaller diameter fittings and appears they were just using too tight a fit. Plus a very thick gelcoat. We did soundings & moisture readings around them all and they all proved dry.

[RicM]

Rob:

That is a pretty gnarly looking boat. The worst one I looked at was a green & cream in Fall River, Ma. They guy was living in it (it was January). It was REALLY scary. It's amazing what can happen to beautiful boat in just a few years of neglect. How's your repair job going?

[RobS]

Rob:
How's your repair job going?

Ric,

Did you see my latest posts and pics in "General Discussion -> RobS /Toy-rific Christmas transmission" ?

I have since detailed the bildge and just received the new lip seal from Tides Marine. This is the seal that goes inside the Strong Shaft Seal. It was not dripping but no time like the present to change it: $38 and 10 minutes. I'm also changing the 3/8" water line and clamps plus 4 new clamps for the flex hose too. I should have the shaft back this week. Just need to pick-up the grade-8 bolts for the coupler and it's ready to drop back in. I'll upload a couple pics to that post real soon.

Thanks for asking!

[RicM]

I guess I feel a little responsible for recommending that you run it home, and that it happened on that trip. I guess it would have happened anyway and you are handling it the right way. These boats are pretty much bulletproof when well maintained. The money that you are putting into it now will be returned in lower fuel costs. Believe me, the guys on my dock are sitting around polishing their twin outboards while I go out fishing. They burn 30 Gal/hr, my burn rate is more like 3-10 Gal/hour. LOL.

[RobS]

Yes, as I've stated before - if I was running it home this Spring and had this happen I would really have been upset. I can work hard and make more money but time is gone forever...

Fortunately when I made my purchase I stayed well within budget so the money for these repairs is not a total bank-breaker, not exactly what I thought I would be spending it on but so be it. I'm actually enjoying the project knowing that it is all going together right, all upcoming maintenance is done and I've acquired so much knowledge of the in's & out's of just about everything on this boat.