Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1999 18' Dauntless has cracks in transom

Posted by Phil T on 11/04/13 - 6:28 AM
#11

Thanks for posting the photos.

The gel coat cracks are interesting as they are in locations not typically seen.

They appear to be stress related but it is not clear what caused them. Often, if a piece of hardware (through hull fitting, lifting eye etc) are installed and the fastener holes are not beveled, the gel coat can crack due to stress. This may explain the ones around the through hull.

I would offer the opinion that the boat may have had been damaged by being dropped or bumped while trailered or in a yard. They are not serious but do warrant attention.

To repair hair line cracks, one would gently grind out the crack slightly in a V shape (with a dremel type tool) and refill will gelcoat. It is a DIY depending on your mechanical talent. A yard could repair but it could be $ 500.