Gel Coat Cracks...Shoud I be worried?

[swatguy]

I wouldnt say the boat was filled with water just judging from those pics. I would say it's definitely a salt water boat. Condensation is awful in Florida and having salt water during that wil do exactly what is shown in those pics. If water sat for any period you would see algae and scum everywhere. The rust you see is very common in high humidity areas with salt water.

I hope you got a deal in that bad boy. As others mentioned check the fluids to be sure

[8urchvy]

Gel Coat Cracks...Shoud I be worried?

I thought I was getting a deal at $34k for 2007 220 team edition with <100 hours. Not sure now. Seems like average at best.

I'm going to replace fluids this Saturday. I will let you all know what I find.

[Quinner]

Most likely impact caused those cracks, pier, pylon or possibly even the trailer fender, looks like there is a small gouge in the white gel as well, perhaps related to the impact. If there is no splintering on the back side then it is probably structurally sound.

[pe4me]

I bought my first MC and it looked exactly the same. I cried as the photos were no where near reality. In the end however, I had no issues when I redid the gel damage that hurricane isabell did to the boat. The rust was just that, surface rust. I used the boat for 5 years with 1400 in change when I sold it. Water Displacement 40th formula will keep any toy looking like new when it's time winterize/summerize. I have coated snowmobiles and boats down for 20 years and proof is in the resale. The boat didn't deteriorate any more in the 5 years I owned it. Yes, I sprayed it on everything within reason and left it sit the winter/summer, wiped it down when it was time run it again.
The gel repair was the scariest portion because it was damaged down to the glass. I learned from a friend who worked at Carver yacht that preparation is key. Take the damage to the glass or as deep as the scratch is otherwise the crack will return. Grind out the entire affected area, get the spec boat bondo and reshape to perfection, spray with matching gel. Sounds like a lot but in the end it was just routine for anyone in the "know." I wasn't in the know initially, but now those scares look WAY worse than they actually are. This guy was literally flown around world to fix yachts that had gapping holes in them from their owners that had more money than boating experience.
Dont sweat it. Clean it up, make sure it's structurally sound and replace what you need to (if any) and replace what you want to when you have the funds. Cracks need to be fixed at some point (glass needs the gel), but get a guy with some experience and you would be surprised what an experienced dude can do...anyone with body experience will tell you gel is more forgiving to work with.
Either way, good luck and post some full pics

[pe4me]

Also,
Boat flooded from bottom up and stress cracked the hull when the tidal waters came up and the boat was secured to the lift. Gouges, torn rub rail, fading...I thought the boat was gray...turns out it was purple.
Like others have said, check the fluids for any sign of water. Again, I drained all mine (multiple times) and the thing ran like a top. Never leaked or burnt oil.

[swc5150]

Agreed, I wouldn't worry at all about the cracks. A close friend had a 3' hole punched in the side of his MC, and you'd never know it after the repair.

[8urchvy]

I bought my first MC and it looked exactly the same. I cried as the photos were no where near reality. In the end however, I had no issues when I redid the gel damage that hurricane isabell did to the boat. The rust was just that, surface rust. I used the boat for 5 years with 1400 in change when I sold it. Water Displacement 40th formula will keep any toy looking like new when it's time winterize/summerize. I have coated snowmobiles and boats down for 20 years and proof is in the resale. The boat didn't deteriorate any more in the 5 years I owned it. Yes, I sprayed it on everything within reason and left it sit the winter/summer, wiped it down when it was time run it again.
The gel repair was the scariest portion because it was damaged down to the glass. I learned from a friend who worked at Carver yacht that preparation is key. Take the damage to the glass or as deep as the scratch is otherwise the crack will return. Grind out the entire affected area, get the spec boat bondo and reshape to perfection, spray with matching gel. Sounds like a lot but in the end it was just routine for anyone in the "know." I wasn't in the know initially, but now those scares look WAY worse than they actually are. This guy was literally flown around world to fix yachts that had gapping holes in them from their owners that had more money than boating experience.
Dont sweat it. Clean it up, make sure it's structurally sound and replace what you need to (if any) and replace what you want to when you have the funds. Cracks need to be fixed at some point (glass needs the gel), but get a guy with some experience and you would be surprised what an experienced dude can do...anyone with body experience will tell you gel is more forgiving to work with.
Either way, good luck and post some full pics

Good advice! Thank you!

[8urchvy]

Quick update to my situation...I just got the boat back from the fiberglass shop and it looks great! They did a complete repair and repaint of the entire side of the boat. I have started the boat with an out of water flush kit and it fired right up. I'm going to replace all the fluids before I actually get it on the water. Right now, I'm in the process of installing SeaDek and a new graphic. I'll post the complete update in the Show your Nautique forum once it's done.

[Paxdad]

I bet you are feeling much better. Mind sharing with the group how much the repair cost? Looks great!!!

[nautiques4life]

Wow; what a difference... Thanks for sharing and keep us updated with the rest of your progress

[JoeA]

Congrats. Post pics as you add the graphics and sea deck

[8urchvy]

Thanks guys.
The total was $3,200 to redo the entire side and re-gelcoat the white, green and black. I also spent another $800 to wet sand the other side and remove oxidation from some other spots.

[8urchvy]

Quick update. Here is a pic with the graphics. The seadek is almost done. I also added a stereo.

Just put nothin water and noticed the steering is a little tough to turn and it is taking on water at the prop shaft. Need to try to tighten the packing nut and probably a new steering cable.

Bust Out Another Thousand!

[nautiques4life]

Looking great. & those prices are way better than we get at my local dealer here

[Paxdad]

Looks great!! Glad to see your progress. Can you provide more info on the graphics?