Question about prospective boat

[x1sspic]

Hello,

I am looking to be a first time Nautique owner, and checked out a boat this weekend for private sale - a 2003 AN 216. I was pretty pleased with the condition, test drive, etc. I did note what appeared to be a hairline gelcoat crack that looks like it came from the right pitot tube. Running fingers over it you don't feel anything.



I am looking for any feedback from someone more experienced than myself. It looks like it comes from the right pitot tube, ?from screwing that on/tightening. Or is this a sign of more serious issue? I really liked the boat and, it is at a reasonable price (definitely not a 'too good to be true scenario'). Should I walk away and keep looking? Thanks in advance,

Scott

[NautiqueJeff]

That's likely just cosmetic, probably from an improperly-chamfered hole drilled for the pitot tube. It can be fixed, and if done correctly, it shouldn't return. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying an otherwise-good boat. Use it as a bargaining tool to get the price down a few hundred dollars and then have it fixed and have a great boat.

[swatguy]

As Jeff stated. From the pic it looks purely cosmetic. The more common term is a “spider crack”. Gelcoat does harden over time and it’s not uncommon for small imperfections like that to occur. It’s fixable and if done properly won’t appear again. Again common issue on many boats across many different manufactures of boats of that vintage.

[x1sspic]

Very good, thanks for the responses. Glad that I joined the PN community!

Scott

[Cadesun]

That's likely just cosmetic, probably from an improperly-chamfered hole drilled for the pitot tube. It can be fixed, and if done correctly, it shouldn't return. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying an otherwise-good boat. Use it as a bargaining tool to get the price down a few hundred dollars and then have it fixed and have a great boat.

This exactly.

I had a couple on my old Super Sport that never did anything beyond looking a little scary.