Cracked Up....

[pelicanpoint]

I just bought a beautiful 2005 Champ 203 out of East Texas. After getting home with it, and admiring it like a proud papa, I noticed an area on port side below rub rail mid way between cockpit and very front of boat that was extremely stressed cracked. The area was about 1 1/2 feet wide and ran from rub rail down midway to bottom of boat. Should I be concerned about the integrity of hull or is this just in gel coat? Would love some input or similar issues discussed. Are the hulls under transferrable warranties or is that wishful thinking? Thanks in advance for comments!

[Steve 187]

I would get it checked out for peace of mind.

[bigfish1259]

I agree with Steve, that's not a normal spot for a stress crack may have got into a dock...

[tracy shannon]

get it checked out previous owner hit something may not be anything but better to know for sure

[Lpolk]

Could you post some pictures, up close and normal distance. Also might want to talk to the previous owner and find out what happened. Sounds like a bump , not stress, if so it's in a location, you wouldn't expect it to be.

[Lea]

Definitely get a good shop to check it out.

Regarding warranties...the current owner, Platinum Equities, has stated they will honor existing warranties. Not sure if an 05 qualifies. If your issue is a result of banging a dock, etc, that would not come under warranty, as far as I know. You might check with the Points of Contact I have pinned in a post up at the top of this forum.

Good luck! The 203 is one fine rig!!!!

[iron banks]

Pics would help with an opinion. That is not the usual area for stress cracks. usually in corners on the transom area. Hope it is just cosmetic. If just turns out to be cosmetic then use the but and don't worry over it.

[pelicanpoint]

Thanks for all the input. I will try to post pics but you have to really look close to see. Don't know if camera will show it. Anyway, I have contacted my fiberglass guy (Lake Fork Fiberglass) and going to take it in for inspection on Thursday. Will update with report.

[mixermarkb]

I've never seen a champ that was run hard in big water that wasn't cracked where you describe. Maybe minor, maybe a lot of stress cracks, but that's right where they show up. I don't think it's anything to worry about at all. I think it's just the nature of having a boat that will take at speed things other boats have to slow down for.

YMMV,
Mark Burris

[SCOTT196]

I have some in same spot. No problems. Some guys run them too hard.

[dukhntr]

mine has cracks.....aint worried about it.

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">mine has cracks.....aint worried about it.</td></tr></table>

From rub rail down to bottom?

[Bass Commander]

Sounds like impact damage. Probably cosmetic in nature but enough to make you crazy...the repair wont be cheap.

[pelicanpoint]

Had the boat checked out on Thursday. He said that it looked like impact....not to worry, it was only cosmetic. Anyway, $2000 to repair but I have piece of mind now. Thanks again for the input!