Gel Coat Cracks...Shoud I be worried?

[8urchvy]

I know this is hard to tell, but here is a picture of the side of my 220. To make a long story short, I purchased it this way.

I know it can be fixed, but should I be worried about the integrity of the hull?

[ffmedic74]

Almost looks like a poor gel recoat to me. Sure the boat wasn't in an accident?

[8urchvy]

I sure hope not...I am asking the dealer that sold it to me...

[markj]

I'm curious to know what kind of an answer you get.

[swatguy]

Those are definitely from some kind of damage. Whether a good bump, some kind of pressure on back side I don't know . Stress cracks will not form like that on their own. Something is up. I have seen two boats withe similar but not nearly as severe spots. One due to keeping extra ballast bags full 24/7 for an entire summer pushing on a tight spot. Second from a boat that always kept its ballast full while on the lift bunks.

I'd be curious to see the backside of that gelcoat. Could've also repared a damaged spot with older gelcoat that was "exprired" and thus cured incorrectly. Either way something is up but it can be fixed.

[leetudor]

Looks like impact damage from something.

[Paxdad]

It is hard to tell in the photo but where exactly are the cracks on the hull? Port, SB, bow, stern?? If I had to guess I would say one of your ballast tanks was left full and it froze and pushed out on the hull. It is definitely a concern in my opinion.

[8urchvy]

Thanks for all the replies. The dealer said it was never hit.


It is a 2007 SANTE 220 that has 89 original hours onit. It was basically stored on a dockfor most of its life.Based on the waythat it was taken care of, or lack of care, I bet the ballasts were full when itwasn’t in use, which was most of its life.The boat was a Florida boat, so I don’t think freezing temps could beit, but continuous pressure could do it.



I am going to pull the center access section inside the boatand see what is going on.


This is my first Nautique…yikes!

[8urchvy]

the cracks are on the hull starboard side right in front of the wheel well

[ziepfenj]

I am restoring a 2007 220 with very small cracks like that on both sides of the boat, but nowhere near as extensive. I have two 5" cracks on each side. I'm fully sanding/repairing dozens of other gouges/scratches, but leaving those cracks alone. If you get yours repaired I would really like to hear how it goes.

[Kenv]

Based on 8urchvy's comment above on the location of the cracks...wouldn't this rule out ballast tanks or bags making the cracks? Do you ean wheel well on the trailer. Wouldn't that put them in an area where ballast is seldom used? Just curious. Hurts to see a Nautique with cracks. It's like one of our kids with a big road scrape...lol. Good luck on the repair.

[8urchvy]

Thanks

[leetudor]

I would check your fluids to see if they have water in them and if so change them. Then spray it all that rust down with WD-40.

[swc5150]

From those pics, it looks like it was used in salt water. Maybe the dealer could provide you with some insight? I hope you don't endure any more surprises.

[Bevostein]

Looks like boat filled up with water. I would think all the weight could crack it in the middle if it was hanging in a lift. I would be pretty upset that it wasn't disclosed when purchased.