Small Stress Fractures

[hagpacmom]

I am a newby to the boating world and I have a question about some stress fractures that I noticed after taking the kids tubing. I have a 21.5 ft. Bayliner with a small round ski tow mounted on the transom (I guess that is what it is called). After we came home I was inspecting the boat and noticed very small stress fractures coming out from the ski tow. I felt the backing plate and it sure seems small to me for the amount of force that is put on the ski tow and the surrounding fiberglass. Is this normal??? Or do I have a problem?

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Rob454]

Re: Small Stress Fractures

Stress cracks are normal. EVERY finerglass boat gets them eventually. The only thing you may want to do is put a bigger backing plate on the tow eye. other than that dont sweat it its normal
Rob

 

[gcboat]

Re: Small Stress Fractures

Yes, completely agree with rob454 about the backing plate. Put the biggest thing back there that will fit - 12" X 12" would do nicely. Good marine or aircraft aluminum, but remember to use aluminum bolts. Or stainless with appropriate bolts.