Hull gel coat cracking

[captmello]

Hi, I just looked at this boat. Its an 82 Century in very nice shape. I crawled all over it, no rot whatsoever. The interior is 90% perfect. Not faded. Carpet is nice.

The bottem and lower sides of the hull are covered in verticle cracks The transum is full of them too. Most of them seem to be below the water line. the hull is pretty discolored as well.

Do you think is was left floating under a cover for 25 years? There are a number of cracks on the top side as well.

What do I make of this?

 

[captmello]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

try this

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/boa/885011294.html

 

[oops!]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

we really need pics of the area.....gellcoat cracks can be caused from a number of different reasons.....crazing.....(spider web looking cracks) are most common and a constant headach.

 

[oops!]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

didnt help....the yellowing of the gellcoat is no problem.......but the price is.....300....no more.....the cost of the trlr.

 

[i386]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

"needs a good mechanic to fix motor probably needs a new motor"

I think a good rule of thumb when looking at boats is to think about buying the motor, then the boat.

I'd rather buy a junker boat with a great motor than vice versa.

 

[captmello]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

I wish I had a good camera. I took some cell phone pics but they're worthless.

300....no more.....the cost of the trlr.

Actually the trailer was the worst part. Rusty!!!

However How many 1982 boats have no Rot or any tears or cracks in the seats?

I'd rather buy a junker boat with a great motor than vice versa.

Funny, I feel the opposite. Especially now since I have a boat with a strong motor and rotten hull.

With my good motor, I feel like I should shop the cracked block market and see what I can find. This boat was almost it.

 

[Stoutcat]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

Cracks in the transom gelcoat? I'd want to sample that transom for rot...

Danger Will Robinson... Danger...

Alan

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

From that pic I would say the gel coat is too thick, the hull is flexing too much, or some combination of the two. You're right, "how many boats from 1982 have no rot", this one probably does.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

Around Boston those boats (dead engines) are free and I still wouldn't touch them.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

I bought an 18 year old boat that looked perfect to me, except for some hairline cracks in the motor well. The next year the motor clamp bolts started loostening up. Long story short, the transom was rotten, as well as a bunch of floor. Upholstery was, and still is about 95%. Was worth fixing, but if I had known it, I could have paid a bunch less for it.

With a frozen.....er broken.....er totaled motor, it's a bone.

hope it helps
John

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hull gel coat cracking

They're easy to find free.

http://worcester.craigslist.org/boa/886910218.html