Dumb question about stress cracks

[jbenbri]

Wondering what causes stress cracks in gelcoat. Assuming it is stress, but where does it come from? I found some on keel and around strut today that I did not see before today. I am in process of taking boat apart (see my other posts) to get estimate on damage. How do I fix? Anything special besides normal gelcoat repair? Will I get more? How can I avoid? Thanks for any help.

[SGY]

Did you hit something? If not, then the repairs will require grinding through the gel and replacing. Not a big deal if you get the right shop. What year is your boat?

Other than hitting something, I'm not sure what causes the cracks. My 1988 2001 SN had them on the bow. I was told it was due to a hard inflexible cover being placed over a flexible foundation (i.e. gel over fiberglass).