Stress Cracks

[rodjb]

Hello boating enthusiasts and experts. I have a question regarding small 'stress cracks' in the gelcoat layer.
I am looking seriously at buying a very nicely conditioned and maintained 2002 GLASTRON 205GX. She presents very well and had clearly been well maintained.
I have owned boats before, but never a bow rider.
My concern here is that, at the base of the bulkhead....going through windshield into the open bow area, at the floor level...on both sides...there are a series of small, quite shallow cracks...beginning in the corner, and running, close to 6-8" along the panel. The 'panel' of fiberglass does not appear to be a part of the molded structure of the hull, and these cracks do not appear to be new.
I'm trying to figure just what would cause these stresses to occur...The boat is an '02, but has 270 hrs on meter.
Has anybody come across these in their boat?
Should I be concerned? Would this prevent you from buying such a boat?
Any thoughts/ideas/comments...or, if you have come across these....would be appreciated...
Happy boating.
Rod

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Stress Cracks

Got some pictures as it is tough to tell what you saw. . . ???

Stress cracks in that area can be cause for concern as it could mean whatever is supposed to be supporting the bulkhead from underneath is not doing it any more.

You need to look further at this to determine if it is merely cosmetic, or a sign of structural issues.

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

I had asked about stress cracks in an 02 Glasstron 205 and it was suggested to me by Ted on here that I add the photos of the cracks so have done that here. Any comments would be appreciated.
thanks again
Rod.

 

[a1964rn]

Re: Stress Cracks

Hello,
Here's some info on the subject. It may tell you what you need to know.
Good Luck!

Marine Surveying : Hull Design Defects - Hull Failure Part II - Boats and Yachts Surveys

 

[55evinrude]

Re: Stress Cracks

well im not sure if they used the "vec" design in 2002 but if it is in fact a vec hull there is no wood in that boat therefore it wouldnt be a sign of rotten wood, but could still be a problem with the hull.

Nathan

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Stress Cracks

Those look more like Impact spider webbing to me.

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

Hello,
Here's some info on the subject. It may tell you what you need to know.
Good Luck!

Marine Surveying : Hull Design Defects - Hull Failure Part II - Boats and Yachts Surveys

Thank you!
The information made for excellent reading/knowledge....Appreciate it!...Interesting...the cracks are on a floor panel...seemingly not directly connected to the hull structure...and just in each corner....More, as though, there were flex stresses outwardly, from the upper surface of the molding....Seemingly nothing associated with the hull structure....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Stress Cracks

VEC has composite as the stringers . . . the transom is ________ . . . .

It looks like the bow liner is impacting another piece of the structure in those 2 areas, causing the cracks.

So, I wonder if the bow cockpit liner is sitting directly on top of the stringer box . . .

Anyway, does not look too scary.

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

Those look more like Impact spider webbing to me.

I'm hoping that might be the case.....The hull integrity would appear to be the major consideration...Thanks for your comment

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

VEC has composite as the stringers . . . the transom is ________ . . . .

It looks like the bow liner is impacting another piece of the structure in those 2 areas, causing the cracks.

So, I wonder if the bow cockpit liner is sitting directly on top of the stringer box . . .

Anyway, does not look too scary.

Right...it seems as though the stresses are in the cockpit liner...caused from 'horizontal' flex?....Possibility?...from en engineering perspective?...All the comments are very helpful to this 'rookie'...Thank you all....

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

Hello,
Here's some info on the subject. It may tell you what you need to know.
Good Luck!

Marine Surveying : Hull Design Defects - Hull Failure Part II - Boats and Yachts Surveys

Great information...Thank you!...Good reading...

 

[55evinrude]

Re: Stress Cracks

VEC has composite as the stringers . . . the transom is ________ . . . .

It looks like the bow liner is impacting another piece of the structure in those 2 areas, causing the cracks.

So, I wonder if the bow cockpit liner is sitting directly on top of the stringer box . . .

Anyway, does not look too scary.

totally forgot about the transom being wood! anyways at least the stringers arnt!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Stress Cracks

I think its just a poor radi lam that was not built up in the glassing stage of that part.

It cracked because there was not enough build up at their ' cut edge ' .

I dont think it is a failure in any respect .. its just weak glass at the point of edges being made from the layups.

Yes you have to grind and glass/gel those cracks.

If you can beef up the underside of those locations that would be great..

If its too tight to grind and glass the undersides of those weak points .. then your just going to have to live with them in some respects ( It might pop again ).

YD.

 

[rodjb]

Re: Stress Cracks

I think its just a poor radi lam that was not built up in the glassing stage of that part.

It cracked because there was not enough build up at their ' cut edge ' .

I dont think it is a failure in any respect .. its just weak glass at the point of edges being made from the layups.

Yes you have to grind and glass/gel those cracks.

If you can beef up the underside of those locations that would be great..

If its too tight to grind and glass the undersides of those weak points .. then your just going to have to live with them in some respects ( It might pop again ).

YD.

Hmmm.....Thanks YD....Appreciate your comments/assessment.
Rod

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Stress Cracks

its even possible those cracks have been there since the demolding process of the part when it was made. They can be very hard to see until they get some dirt in them. I wouldn't worry about them unless they are a cosmetic issue for you.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Stress Cracks

its even possible those cracks have been there since the demolding process of the part when it was made. They can be very hard to see until they get some dirt in them. I wouldn't worry about them unless they are a cosmetic issue for you.

I find it hard to get through various stages of QC to let those go mate .. Those are post build and Im sure that they are aware of this.

YD.