Another Transom Question

[Shannon C.]

Hello everyone,

Down at the boat today and noticed some cracking in the transom area, are these superficial or is it something that should be brought to the top of the list.

BTW, transom cap was resealed last year. I’m the second owner, had it out 1 time this year and just noticed it today.

Thanks,
I hope everyone had a great weekend .

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

What year is the boat? Those look like flexing going on , I could be wrong. Others here may know or have experience on this issue. If you don't get a good vibe here, it might be worth contacting a reputable surveyor.

 

[Shannon C.]

What year is the boat? Those look like flexing going on , I could be wrong. Others here may know or have experience on this issue. If you don't get a good vibe here, it might be worth contacting a reputable surveyor.

Sorry, it’s an 05 Marlin.

 

[leeccoll]

Shannon,

I have spider webs like that in many places on gelcoat, but my hull is '87.

That is cosmetic in my opinion, but I cannot see where they lie on you transom because of the close up pic.

Usually people grind down the hairline cracks using a dremel or similar and then refinish like so~

 

[seasick]

It's something to keep a picture of and compare to over time. Looks like stress cracks which can be caused by a few different factors; Flexing of course, a problem on the original layup, swelling due to either water ( a moisture test could be helpful, or possible cracking due to freeze thaw cycling ( is the boat store in a cold region? Can you post a few pics with wider coverage? It may help to see where the cracks are radiating from.

 

[Shannon C.]

Shannon,

I have spider webs like that in many places on gelcoat, but my hull is '87.

That is cosmetic in my opinion, but I cannot see where they lie on you transom because of the close up pic.

Usually people grind down the hairline cracks using a dremel or similar and then refinish like so~

That's what I was kinda thinking. I had a BW Conquest before with spider cracks around the same area.

 

[Shannon C.]

It's something to keep a picture of and compare to over time. Looks like stress cracks which can be caused by a few different factors; Flexing of course, a problem on the original layup, swelling due to either water ( a moisture test could be helpful, or possible cracking due to freeze thaw cycling ( is the boat store in a cold region? Can you post a few pics with wider coverage? It may help to see where the cracks are radiating from.

Will do.
The boat left NC and headed straight for SoCal and never left. I keep the boat in Santa Cruz and the climate is pretty steady. I had the boat surveyed and a moister test was done in addition to the hammer test with very little detected, except, that damn aluminum transom cap needed to be addressed so that was the first thing I did. I wonder if they have been there for some time and I'm just noticing it, IDK. I'll been at the boat today, splashing for a week so I can give the trailer a major overhaul, more pics to follow.

 

[seasick]

Have fun working on the trailer! Been there, done that. The secret is a MAP torch and PB Blaster.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Those are just spider cracks in the gel coat. Nothing to worry about. Sort of like wrinkled skin as you get old.

 

[georgemjr]

From what I have been told (and I have seen this on many boats) is that the fiberglass flexes to a greater degree than the gel coat can, especially if the gel coat is thick (or too thick). That fiberglass flex which is completely natural and normal can crack the gel coat.

 

[seasick]

From what I have been told (and I have seen this on many boats) is that the fiberglass flexes to a greater degree than the gel coat can, especially if the gel coat is thick (or too thick). That fiberglass flex which is completely natural and normal can crack the gel coat.

That is true, gel coat is pretty hard and rigid stuff. As I mentioned, I would document and watch those sections to see if and how fast the cracking progresses. The part that originally concerned me was the statement that he "went down to the boat today and noticed the cracks".
If the cracking has occurred recently and quickly, it would be much more of a concern.