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  1. #1
    Member Ranchdip's Avatar
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    Question Gel coat cracks on top cap

    Hello, I’m looking to purchase a used bass boat that has these 3 gel coat cracks on the top cap. Should I be concerned with the boat and possible resale if I need to sell this boat later? This is a 2021 21ft bass boat that was I think owed by a pro for a year. Prefer not to say brand so not to shed negative light on a manufacture. Thanks!
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    Last edited by Ranchdip; 03-18-2023 at 11:46 PM.
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  2. Member Jasonrs's Avatar
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    #2
    Personally i would be afraid more would show up after i bought it. Probably cosmetics only, but i would pass on that one

  3. mikesxpress
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    #3
    Kyle they are most likely stress cracks just in the gelcoat. If it's a boat you are seriously considering, get it to a glass shop for inspection and quote for repairs if it's not structural. That quote is your negotiation tool.

  4. Member haus9393's Avatar
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    #4
    Personally I wouldn’t be.

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  5. Member crank68's Avatar
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    #5
    I would not buy a boat with finish flaws, ie, cracks, crazing, “some” fading issues, etc. Way to expensive to repair. I see it all the time at my shop…folks buy a boat with finish issues and find out how much it cost to fix it and get blown away. In most cases the finish cost as much in some cases more than motor work….
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    #6
    Very expensive to fix correctly, I would not purchase a boat with stress cracks.

  7. USAF and DOD retired Phoenix Jim's Avatar
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    #7
    For me I could never buy a pro’s boat.
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  8. Member Jasonrs's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Phoenix Jim View Post
    For me I could never buy a pro’s boat.
    Same here!

  9. Moderator
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    #9
    I'm sure it's cosmetically only. However I'd still pass. I've run Champs previously for years and years. Them are some gel coat cracking transom failing rigs like none other. I should have died in my current boat a couple times (not really) but I've been in some insane rough water and it doesn't have a single crack, anywhere. Makes me wonder what the rig above has been through?!?!

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    #10
    boats dont get stress cracks in the gel cote from sitting in garages they get them from running too fast in rough water if its cheap enough go for it most manufacturers dont cover gel cote cracks for this reason.

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    #11
    I've got a crack like that on my boat, it hasn't changed in 10 years.

  12. Member
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    #12
    Cracks never get smaller. Take that to the bank. Then fish under that lay down. Anyhow, it LOOKS to me like there is an issue with the white gel coat, I don't see impact cracks anywhere. You are concerned, as previously said, take it to a fiberglass specialist. I don't think there is structural issues, but maybe the white was improperly mixed or applied.

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    #13
    I wouldn’t worry about top cap cracks unless they are big.

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    #14
    In that solid white color I would not hesitate to buy it’s cosmetic only and it doesn’t get easier than white gel to repair if you wanted to.

  15. Member ifishinxs's Avatar
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    #15
    Those are nothing to worry about. If they bug you have them repaired. You could use them as negotiation tool though.
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  16. Member Ranchdip's Avatar
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    #16
    Hey thanks everyone for the input. Seems like a split decision amongst everyone here. I still might pull the trigger if I can get a professionals option on the source of the crack and the repair costs. I would be the third owner in a year so I’m not sure if the warranty would cover it.
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by ssmithboats View Post
    boats dont get stress cracks in the gel cote from sitting in garages they get them from running too fast in rough water if its cheap enough go for it most manufacturers dont cover gel cote cracks for this reason.
    Wrong.
    My boat has not seen a hard life and has stress cracks in the gel coat.
    Been to 2 shops that know me and the boat.
    Stress cracks can also start from the factory during layup and being removed too quick (Friday boat) among other things.

  18. Member
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    #18
    It’s really personal preference. I don’t know if I’d buy a boat with them already on it but if my current boat gets them, I won’t be worrying about it. Especially if they’re on the top cap. They happen in every brand.

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    #19
    Unless the deal is too good to pass up I would take a pass on it. If I did really want it a good fiberglass person would have to do a close look to make sure there is not any structural damage.

  20. Member
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    #20
    Cosmetic in gel coat. No biggie. All boats (if used) will get them. Often hidden in bass boats because of wild paint patterns. No worries

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