Cracks in gel coat around the prop shaft strut

[Catch the Sun]

While inspecting the hull this spring I noticed some cracking in the gel coat around the prop shaft strut. Is this a sign of anything more serious?

 

[Deadline]

As with all things boating... it depends. Could be cosmetic but even so it's not good to have gelcoat cracks below the waterline. Try to take a close-up photo to post here for others to weigh in. Other than that, is the strut sloppy? That is, does it move when you try to shake it? If not, the cushing should be good.

 

[Catch the Sun]

Is the strut sloppy? That is, does it move when you try to shake it? If not, the cushing should be good.

The strut is solid and does not move. I'll take some pictures and post them here. I think I'll repair the gel coat just to be sure.

 

[Catch the Sun]

Here are photos of each side of the strut.