How significant is this deck cracking

[turneim]

I am looking at a O'Day 272. There is some cracking,... more than crazing,... on the deck around the base of the bump where the hatchway is at. How significant is this? I have not had a survey yet, and may not if this is a known issue. Has anyone else seen this, and what does it indicate?

Thank you in advance for sharing your wisdom and experience.

Ira

 

[cb32863]

Check the core. Could have been wet and then froze.

 

[njlarry]

Ageed. You might consider Tulleys repair to seal things before a more pretty gel coat repair.

 

[Brian S]

Ageed. You might consider Tulleys repair to seal things before a more pretty gel coat repair.

Just be aware that Captain Tulley's Creeping Crack Cure will make the cracks even darker and more pronounced. And will flow outside the crack onto the surface. Don't ask me how I know

 

[Warren Milberg]

Tap the area of the cracks, and then nearby areas, with a plastic hammer. If they sound different (i.e. a dull thud vs a solid sound), the core may be wet. I would also put a moisture meter on the crack area to determine saturation. If the core is wet, this could be a major repair job. If the crack is only the gel coat, that is not too difficult to repair. Either way, discuss this with your surveyor and factor it into your decision to buy or walk away. You may also want to ask your surveyor to just look at these areas prior to committing to a full pre-purchase survey. Most surveyors will do this for a small fee. I think it would be worth it if you are otherwise interested in buying this boat.

 

[turneim]

Thanks folks. Warren, I think your recommendation is on point for me right now. Ask them to look there first and opine.

 

[Pat]

Our 272 LE has the same cracks in the same place.....has been getting them since we started taking it out of the water for the winter in lieu of leaving the boat in the water with a bubbler. It seems to me that with the water in a thawed state, the boat is more stable in the water than out. The cracks all started about two years ago...

 

[turneim]

Our 272 LE has the same cracks in the same place.....has been getting them since we started taking it out of the water for the winter in lieu of leaving the boat in the water with a bubbler. It seems to me that with the water in a thawed state, the boat is more stable in the water than out. The cracks all started about two years ago...

Thanks Pat.
I have a surveyor taking a look tomorrow. He will look at that first and report back, so I understand,.... I won't be there unfortunately. I'll let you know what it means for this boat.

Ira

 

[Pat]

I have periodically tapped on the hull in the areas w/the crack(s) (the glunt) as Rudy calls it, and can not tell a difference in sound, although that may not be so trustworthy. We've had the boat since 1986 and have been so happy with it....the winged keel has been fantastic for our relatively shallow lake...plenty of room below and she's a head turner at anchor, i.e. still a really good-looking boat...hopefully it will work out for you. Patrick

 

[LordNelson]

Beware. I bought a replacement for my oday 20 as I thought it was in better shape. I tapped the hell out of the deck and it seems solid. It had been stored in a shed for 5 years. After I got it home and it sat in the sun for a day, the entire front deck delaminated and bowed up. It was in worse shape than the boat I had so ended up selling it that same week for a loss.