Crack in New Boat

[NCOffSeason]

I just bought my 2001 Glastron GX 185 last month. For some reason it hadn't sold and I got a great deal. The boat looks perfect as it had been stored inside at the dealership.<br /><br />Saturday I'm out washing my pride and joy. I came up to area on the side of the boat and look what I found...a small crack in the fiberglass!! Upon closer inspection, it looks like a small repair was made in the past, about the size of a dime. If you look real close, this dime size area is a slightly different color. I don't know if this was a previous repair or if it's something else??? <br /><br />The crack is where the dime sized area meets the good fiberglass. Reminds me of a bondo crack in the automotive world.<br /><br />The crack is above the water line and even above the rub rail, so it's easliy visible. It's in the middle of the side of the boat, just past the drivers seat.<br /><br />Please give me your opinions. I'm going to contact the dealer, but some knowledge up front would be helpful. <br /><br />Is it a big deal, or is it easily repairable?<br /><br />Should the dealer take care of this?<br /><br />Is it under warranty, or should it be?<br /><br />I love the boat, so I'm not whining for my money back, I just want it fixed correctly. Can it be fixed for good?<br /><br />Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Crack in New Boat

As long as its not a structure issue and I know its a silly fix but put a decal over it.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Crack in New Boat

Same as above although I feel dealer should've said something to be honest....I think I would ask the dealer WHY he did not mention it to you........Good luck.

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Crack in New Boat

I agree, but the crack was not visible upon delivery. I went over it front to back and it was not there.<br /><br />The only reason I can see the possible repaired area is because of the crack. When you look really, really close, the dime sized area is a shade darker. If you back away, you can't see it. It was a good repair, I'll hand them that.<br /><br />The dealer says they did not make the repair, it must have happened at the factory. Sounds fishy to me...<br /><br />The dealer says bring it by and let them order some gelcoat to make the repair. Does that sound OK?<br /><br />I just don't want a small place turning into a big place!

 

[envy83]

Re: Crack in New Boat

Nope, even if the dealers not being quite upfront with you, a good gel-coat touchup is exactly what is needed. And better to let the dealer do it because gel-coat is a b*tch to match for color and they'll have a better idea of the mix needed.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Crack in New Boat

"The dealer says they did not make the repair, it must have happened at the factory. Sounds fishy to me..."<br />This is much more common than people realize. A small flaw or minor damage at the factory will be repaired and the hull used. They don't scrap one just because of a cosmetic flaw or damage.<br /><br />Charles

 

[DJ]

Re: Crack in New Boat

I agree with CharlesW on this one. I seriously doubt the dealer did it, knew it, or repaired it.<br /><br />Factory "touch ups" are common in many industries.<br /><br />Make note of it and don't worry about it.

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Crack in New Boat

That's what I wanted to hear. I do believe the dealer and they said they would do whatever it takes to make it right. I thank you for your wisdom.

 

[flashback]

Re: Crack in New Boat

NC, it is quite common for small voids and surface defects to occur when a part is removed from the mold at the factory, in fact it is almost un-avoidable. everything has to be just right and most of the time in a real world, it isn't. what happens is part of the mold sticks to the hull or deck part and comes out when the part is removed. Your dealer should have a tech around that can repair the ding in your boat. and he also has the gelcoat to match it. although it very seldom matches perfectly. several years ago I worked for a Hunter sailboat dealer and he sent me to the factory for 3 days to learn how to repair their fork-ups............good luck