Headliner Cracks

[Fishtales]

This year I got a couple of them. I can't figure out why. This was a mild winter. The boat is 8 years old. You think by now the stress of heat and cold snaps would be worked out by now. GW really needs to improve the design, it ticks me off that I'm dealing with them yet again.... :x

The first cracks were fixed under warranty. These I'll be addressing. Anyone that has experience or tips - I'm all ears.

Thanks

 

[Scott D]

Fishtales

Who repaired the cracks the first time?

 

[Fishtales]

Hi,
The dealer did under warranty. This was year 2 of the boat. Year 9 this year. Cracks are in a different area.

 

[Fishtales]

Happy to report that GW is sending some folks up to repair the headliner. Pretty stand up folks at the factory. Can't say enough how they handled it to this point. Will have it all done in less than a month.

 

[JB]

GW sent someone to fix your 06 in 2016? Did they charge you? What model is your 06?

 

[glacierbaze]

Mine is cracked in a couple places. If I recall correctly, it is screwed in. Maybe drill the holes out oversized, and use a white nylon washer on the screw, if you had to repair it yourself.

 

[Gman25]

I had several cracks in several different areas over the years. GW sent people from the Carolinas(To Long Island) to repair mine. Its a big job and it was explained to me that the headliner had to be removed from the structure so the headliner "Floats" and isn't bonded to anything.

 

[Fishtales]

Yes. You are correct - big job. They put a mesh material on the backside, repair and paint. As I understand it is mounted in fewer spots to allow for difference in expansion (headliner and glass structure above). The guys that do it don't work for GW anymore. They started their own biz and do this under contract for GW. GW covered mine both times FWIW.

 

[bartoma]

I have several significant cracks in my headliner on my 2001 265... I am the second owner... Is there any point in contacting GW about this? What's the best course of action under these circumstances? Anybody done a repair themselves?

 

[captain swag]

I own a 2002 265 and have the same issue.

 

[Fishtales]

Contact GW through their customer service link on the website. They have 2 guys that worked for GW that went out on their own and do this type of work for warranty and customers. They will know how to contact if they are still in business. As I understood it, they went all over the country do this work.

 

[seasick]

Yes. You are correct - big job. They put a mesh material on the backside, repair and paint. As I understand it is mounted in fewer spots to allow for difference in expansion (headliner and glass structure above). The guys that do it don't work for GW anymore. They started their own biz and do this under contract for GW. GW covered mine both times FWIW.

In what timeframe did they do the repairs? That is, how old was the hull when you reported the cracks.
I can't imagined that after 19 years as one owner has noted, there would be any warranty still in effect

 

[SkunkBoat]

I own a 2002 265 and have the same issue.

yep me too. Fish don't seem to care

 

[Kizuna]

I have several significant cracks in my headliner on my 2001 265... I am the second owner... Is there any point in contacting GW about this? What's the best course of action under these circumstances? Anybody done a repair themselves?

When I bought my used 2005 in 2018 the headliner had a bunch of cracks and had the dealer repair them before taking delivery as part of the deal. The following spring it had cracks again . I contacted GW directly and they send a couple of guys who repaired them correctly this time. It's not just patching the cracks they had to cut certain areas to relieve the pressure. I would recommend calling GW, they are aware of the issue and should fix it regardless of warranty.

 

[Fishtales]

In what timeframe did they do the repairs? That is, how old was the hull when you reported the cracks.
I can't imagined that after 19 years as one owner has noted, there would be any warranty still in effect

Was out of warranty by a few years. It is a well documented issue. Not sure how long they will cover, but worth a shot. If you bought the boat new, you will have more leverage.

 

[Squid1962]

I have apparently picked up some cracks over the winter on my newly purchased 2008 330 express. I see you speak of calling GW directly. Can someone direct me where/ whom to call at GW? Thx

 

[bartoma]

I called GW this afternoon, and was directed to Carolyn Ray, who was very helpful... She asked that I take some pictures, and we could discuss a course of action... As alluded to by others, they have a team of specialists that travel to do this repair, and the cost depends on the extent of the cracks... There is some cost sharing, but the final cost to the customer is non-trivial... It all depends on the extent of the damage and the time the repairs require... Once I get the pics and get GW's take on next steps (and corresponding $$$), I'll see just how much getting these cracks repaired matters to me...

 

[SkunkBoat]

hehehe the fish don't care....

 

[Squid1962]

Thank u

 

[bartoma]

hehehe the fish don't care....

True dat...