Stress Cracks In Fiberglass

[jaredkelley6]

Hey guys, I have a 96 Champion 191 Boat. The boat is in pretty good condition for its age (in my opinion), but the hull does have some minor hairline stress cracks. I have not had the boat for a while, I got it through a trade. I'm not real familiar with fiberglass boats. Is this typical? Is it a major concern? Is there any way to fix it with products, etc.?? Any knowledge/experience with this issue would help, thanks!!

[Jig Man]

Where are the cracks?

[Ski213]

If they are truly hairline then they are most likely just stress cracks in the gelcoat. If that's the case, at least from what I've seen, they are pretty normal and not anything to worry about. I have a 98 stratos and it has them in two or three places. One on a console where somebody over tightened a screw and one on each side of the gunwale behind the seats. If yours are above the rub rail and not at the transom I wouldn't sweat it much but thats just my opinion. Might be worth getting somebody who is reputable and familiar with glass boats to actually put eyes on it though. Be good for your piece of mind. Gelcoat is kind of to glass boats what a paint job is to a car. It's for looks but also to protect the fiberglass. If water can get into the actual glass it can create problems.

[Way2slow]

Stress cracks are totally normal. Bump a dock too hard and they will show up, and very common around the corners of the transom at the splash well. That's as long as they are stress cracks, fine hairline like spider web, not something you can see into.

[jaredkelley6]

Thanks for the info guys! They are small hairline cracks, and didn't think it was anything major but I wanted a little input from some other people! I appreciate it. Hopefully by the end of the week I can get it to a marine service center and have everything front to back gone through. Last thing I need is issues on the water , especially in tournaments, haha. Thanks!!