Small stress cracks

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  • SANman
    • Dec 2003
    • 7

    • Northern California

    #1

    Small stress cracks

    I have a 2000 SAN and just last week when cleaning it I noticed two extremely small stress cracks about 1/2" long coming straight out of the top of the rubrail, about two inches apart. They're on the driver's side about two feet back from where the rear tube of the FCT comes down. There almost imperceptable, but if you run your fingernail over them they're enough to make it catch.

    This completely bummed me out. Has anyone else experienced this on late model Nautiques? I don't think it's anything too serious, but I'm taking it to get looked at next month. Also, after finding those I looked the rest of the boat over and found another one up near the front eyelet that gets the trailer strap hook.

    I'm the second owner (bought it from a family member), so I know the boat has always been babied. Any input would be appreciated.

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
  • OldFart
    Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
    • Jun 2004
    • 401

    • South of North & East of West

    #2
    RE: Small stress cracks

    unfortunately, sh*t & gel coat cracks happen! Not all boats, but quite a few. it's just a cosmetic finish. take to your dealer, or to save $$, take direct to who he uses [if u can find out ]
    \"The voices aren\'t real...but they have some good ideas.\"

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    • DavidF
      Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
      • Sep 2004
      • 611

      • Austin, TX

      #3
      RE: Small stress cracks

      gelcoat cracks at the rubrail is not uncommon. It is a function of how the rubrail is attached. In order to prevent stress cracks from eminating at screw holes, the factory chamfers the screw hole with a countersinking bit prior to affixing the part or inserting a screw. This works when you know the exact screw location. However, with the rub rail, the exact screw placement cannot be known. the screws are installed as the rail is installed. Consequently, the factory does not chamfer the screw holes and the gelcoat is more prone to crack at the holes.

      The solution is to remove the rub rail and chamfer every single hole and then re-install the rail exactly as it was previously. A bit of work, but will help stop future stress cracking at the screw locations. BTW, the cracks usually end up being about 1 to 1.5 inches long and then do not seem to progress any further.

      Comment

      • SANman
        • Dec 2003
        • 7

        • Northern California

        #4
        Guys, thanks for the input....much appreciated. Looks like I have another winter project.

        Comment

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