are these gel coat cracks or something more serious? (pic included)

[gman546]

I think you missed post #8, we posted at almost the same time.

As far as root cause, it's old. Water got in and did it's thing, normal with wood core.

all good. yep makes sense. seems like the gel coat cracking is more of an indicator of the wood core rot, from just water over time.

 

[racerone]

I know of a yard littered with boats like that.----Insurance can't be found for them.----Dealers politely and CORRECTLY tell folks----" Not safe to take the wife and kids out on that "

 

[Scott Danforth]

the gel cracks and the bead of caulk around the outdrive indicate that the transom has been rotten for a long time.

to repair this, plan on removing both outdrives, both motors, the swim deck, all the interior on the deck. then replacing the transom, stringers, bulkheads, a portion of the cockpit sole and all the flotation foam.

I would walk from this boat.

 

[JimS123]

In the first post when you said a 39 year old fiberglass boat, my first thought was "no way" even before I looked at the pictures.

Surely, if cost is no object, and the boat is just what you want, then no discussion is needed.

Regardless, my prediction is that after a couple of years toiling, the work will get old.

 

[Mc Tool]

Or
I for one are interested in this potential project . How about you do the repairs , take photo's and some explanatory text along the way , keep us all posted , and then you could tell us how much it cost and how long it took ,
I feel for you Dude , I would find it hard to pass that up ...... but I would .
It doesnt look like a well loved boat and experiance ( not with boats like this in particular just general project experiance ) hints strongly to me that just about everything you touch on this boat will need some attention You may find your enthusiasm for the project ends before it does ( very common )

 

[JASinIL2006]

I have to agree with those who say the transom (and probably stringers and other structural elements) are rotten. To make the boat safe, you'd likely be looking at a gut-and-rebuild.

If you don't want to restore the boat, and if you're getting a great deal and can sell the trailer and part out the boat, go for it. If you decide to restore, you're in for a big job.

Let us know what you decide to do!