Hairline cracks
I had a similar problem when I had purchased a Catalina 380 in 1999 and I took delivery in August 2000. Within 4 months, I noticed hairline cracks around the cleats and some of the stanchions. All were on the stern of the boat. I called the dealer and he told me that was normal wear and tear for a boat and they did not think it was a problem. I don't think so. They finally agreed, although belately, to send someone to the marina and repair it. Whoever they sent did a beautiful job and I never saw another crack anywhere up to the time I sold the boat last year. You would never have noticed that it was repaired. Would I refuse to accept the boat? Don't know as it may just be a gelcoat issue that is easily fixed like mine was, but then again, mine at least had been sailing quite a bit for 4 months. I have had bad luck with Catalina and gelcoat. They sprayed the wrong gelcoat inside my 350, so all the storage lockers and bins were really sticky. Only took them about 6-7 months of calling to fix a problem they at least informed me of prior to me taking the boat. The fix was suppossed to be done prior to taking the boat, but the gelcoat person was "never available". I guess I would have found out sooner or later. I wonder sometimes who does Catalina's quality control on these boats before they leave the factory as I think it needs a whole lot of improvement.