Gel coat cracks

sumcat1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
106
I have a new boat with fine cracks in the gel coat where the swim platform curves into the transom. The dealer says he has someone who can fix them but they are barely visable and I'm afraid I'll end up with a bigger mess.What are the long term consequenses of these cracks and should I worry if I do nothing?
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Gel coat cracks

Many boats get small cracks in them during the building process, far more than you would think. Most are fixed before they are shipped and the cracks never return, but sometimes they do, other times they are missed during inspection and then found by the dealer or customer. There may be nothing wrong with the boat, but you do need to have it looked at and repaired. Talk to the person that's going to repair it and see if he can tell why it cracked. Most new boats have some type of repair on them and you can't even tell it's been done. If it's a brand new boat and the dealer has a person he uses, it should turn out OK.
 

brine

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 24, 2005
Messages
262
Re: Gel coat cracks

Hold your dealer responsible for repairing this to your satisfaction. He should consult the builder for info regarding needed repair and who should do it. Disregarding their advice will absolve them of responsibility. What brand are we talking about? :)
 

Richard Petersen

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 17, 2004
Messages
778
Re: Gel coat cracks

Take some pictures with the dealer watching you take them. It lets him know the repair should be better than now.
 

brine

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 24, 2005
Messages
262
Re: Gel coat cracks

Cyclops2 makes an excellent point. There is no better motivator for action than a photo record!! Tahoe should back their boats well. I hope they do, that is a nice boat!! :) :)
 
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