Cracks in Searay 240 Sundeck hull

[qwertyuioplmnbvcxza]

Hi. I have a 2004 Searay 240 Sundeck. It has been a great boat and well enjoyed by family and friends. A few years ago some small gelcoat cracks appeared on the top edges of the hull...underneath the windshield, along the areas where the tonneau cover snaps are. This was no big deal, until this year when many more (i.e. 50-100) started appearing.

Boat is with the Searay dealer and they are checking with the factory, so hopefully they will address it. As I wait for a response, I wondered- Has anybody had a similar situation ? THX!

 

[Lazy Daze]

It sounds like you are describing what is commonly referred to as "stress cracks" or "spider cracks". Regardless of the term, they are cosmetic only and do not affect the underlying fiberglass - they are only in the gelcoat. They can appear almost immediately, after 5 years, or after 20 years. Not uncommon and can happen to any model/hull. They are fixable, but will sometimes return again. If you google (or search on this forum) for stress or spider (or even hairline) cracks, you'll come up with lots of reading material. They look bad, but are not a structural problem.

 

[BlueYonder]

Here is a nice article on gelcoat cracks

http://www.passagemaker.com/channels/gelcoat-cracks-should-you-be-worried/

 

[SKYLORDD]

Back in 2006 or 2007 there was a recall on this . took it to the dealer and they fixed it but the cracks came back. It appears that they are cracking at the attaching points for the windshield. Probably not enough support on the back side where the nuts attach to the bolts. should have put a long piece of metal to distribute the crush when tightened.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Back in 2006 or 2007 there was a recall on this . took it to the dealer and they fixed it but the cracks came back. It appears that they are cracking at the attaching points for the windshield. Probably not enough support on the back side where the nuts attach to the bolts. should have put a long piece of metal to distribute the crush when tightened.

Lack of reinforcement or the "crush factor" isn't the problem. It's the nature of gelcoat and just as you noted, and as I mentioned above, they can come back. A likely, initial, cause is that the gel is a little too thick in that area or the screw threads are contacting the gelcoat. Given the abuse and flexing (especially a bowrider's windshield/walkthrough area) that a boat goes through, I suppose it wouldn't be unheard of to imagine that a screw that was originally properly centered, could eventually come into contact with the gelcoat hole.