1998 Crownline with stress cracks in hull in gel coat

[ggundersen3]

I'm looking at possibly buying a '98 Crownline 19' bowrider that's in above average condition except for one concern. On the lower left side of the bow it looks like someone did a repair to the gel coat from some type of impact. It seems very solid even though they didn't use the correct matching color of the product used to fill in. My concern is, there are about a total of 7 or 8 fine stress cracks in the gel coat that spread out in every direction from the repaired spot. I can't see any evidence on the inside of the boat/hull in that area. I'm also concerned they didn't use the correct product for the repair, it's a grayish, rubbery kind of product, I though 3M 5200 is what is supposed to be used. Thanks for your advice/help.

 

[chevymaher]

No it should have the gel coat repaired. Not a band aid. The gel coat repair kit is cheap enough.

 

[Grub54891]

Sounds like they used jb weld. Not a proper repair. Should be ground out, inspected, repaired with glass, and gelcoat.< That's just a quick rundown. How about a pic of the area, from back a bit then come in closer.

 

[Scott06]

Stress cracks in gel coat while not ideal are typical for age and rash type damage. Doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t structurally sound. As mentioned post a picture, if you are really worried have a experienced surveyor or fiberglass repair guy look at it. If it were me I’d use it to chisel the price down knowing that I might have to repair it.

 

[ggundersen3]

Here's the only pic I have. I just took the one close up shot.

 

[Chris1956]

Looks like grey Marine-Tex. Whereas Marine-Tex is a fine product, they messed up the repair. The residual cracks are unsightly, but look to be superficial.

If you like the boat, you can sand the grey stuff flush and paint it to match the gel coat, and call it a draw. It will be better, but still ugly.

You could sand the grey stuff down below flush and backfill with white marine poly or epoxy putty, and it will look better.

The best fix is to grind out all the cracks and re-gel coat. You might get an estimate from a professional, as gel coat is tricky to color and use.

 

[kcassells]

Looks like an impact that stressed the gelcoat. Its a repair but very doable.

 

[froggy1150]

Looks like sillycone to me. We use the same aluminum colored silicon here at my work.

 

[kcassells]

Don't matter what it is.... gots ta go and a repair twos be had says I! Ifin ya buys deboat start postin. :watermelon:

 

[froggy1150]

Tru dat

 

[dingbat]

Nothing superficial about impact cracks in gel coat that span multiple surfaces and planes.

i would have a surveyor inspect for underlaying structural problems

 

[Chris1956]

To add to what Dingbat says. I would put the palm of your hand on the center of the impact and push hard. If you have any movement, there may be additional issues.

If the hull flexes above the impact, check the hull cap to hull joint. They use stainless wood screws to connect the top cap to the hull and these can strip out with impact. A fix is to replace the wood screws with stainless bolts and washers. The rub rail insert needs to be removed to make that happen.

Also, see if you can inspect the inside of the hull opposite the impact center. If you see cracked fiberglass, the hull may need more structural repair.

 

[kcassells]

Guys...I think the fella left.....

 

[racerone]

In my opinion that was a patch to stop a leak.-----No structural repairs were done.-----That needs work !!

 

[ggundersen3]

I'm here. I'm going back to look at the boat again and we'll inspect in more detail. I DID check the inside of the hull/bow (It's pretty low) and saw nothing(no evidence). I DID press hard in the entire exterior area of the repair and the area around it and it seemed very solid. Thanks for ALL the great suggestions and advice.

 

[kcassells]

Best of luck with the possible purchase and look forward to following your thread.!

 

[ggundersen3]

Just some additional info/follow up...I spoke with a reputable local boat repair/restoration shop here in southeast Wisconsin called "Fountain of Youth for Boats" and explained this boats issue in detail and they stated without seeing it, worst case scenario this is a $700-800 repair at the very worst.

 

[saaristo]

That issue is long taken care by now probably. However, in the interest of discussion, to me this kind of gelcoat cracks pattern indicates the source of the force is inside. If it were the result of the impact from outside the cracks would be concentrical rings. So only thing that can deliver that punch from inside is probabli a sharp/pointy end of a stringer or corner of a bulkhead. And the way it does that if the boat is dropped from trailer or more likely ran into sandbar or some huge wave.
would be interesting to hear back from the OP what the shop found?