Wellcraft Boat Owners Forum

Purchased 2013 232 Wellcraft Fisherman with 250 Yamaha (500 hours) last year, boat passed structural survey, boat is in good condition and appears to be well maintained. At time of purchase there were some small areas of gel coat cracking on the port and starboard gunwales near the rod holders. The cracking on the starboard side is now migrating down to the rub rail. I would guess the cracking has moved 6"last season, I have asked the prior owner if there was ever any damage to the boat and or repairs made in this area which he responded no. There are no other areas of gel coat damage. I use the boat on Lake Saint Clair, Michigan. I do not run the boat hard or in rough conditions. Has anyone had a similar problem with this model or have any knowledge of a similar problem with this model. Just seems odd that the cracking to gel coat has moved that much in one season on a 9 year old boat.

Thank you.

Joe

The gel coat is really hard stuff, it's probably crazing. happens a lot in areas that have a big temp. swing. a lot of sun beating down on it, in fact it just happens, Spider cracks can indicate impact damage or serious structural problems that will need to be addressed to prevent spreading, but most often they result from relatively inflexible gelcoat that is too thick. Stress by thermal expansion or when bulkheads and liners were installed can cause minor flexing.