Spider Cracks?

[sigbear]

I was walking around the marina looking at boats for sale the other day and saw a 2005 Bene 373 for sale. I noticed spider cracks where the backstays connected to the top side of the boat, both sides.

I looked at several older boats (10-15 yrs. older) and saw no cracks.

I guess I wouldn't expect to see cracks like this on a fairly new boat.

What's you take?

Sigbear

 

[Tim R.]

Sounds like some flexing in the chainplates. Run.

 

[alexco38]

Point that out to the owner and knock $10,000's off the asking price ;-)

Not that hard to fix. Just need to beef up the backing plate area and fix the gelcost.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Well, you get what you pay for, as they say.

 

[Ducati]

Gelcoat Cracks Are Common On A Beneteau

This is a common issue with Beneteau boats. I know because I have owned two.

Sailboats flex. Gelcoat is rigid stuff. It's not rubber therefore it will crack. It is unlikely there is water below the surface however have it checked out. This is a common Beneteau complaint and they have their gelcoat specialists flying all over North America doing warranty repairs all the time. Structurally gelcoat has no bearing on the integrity of the boat unless water gets in. (Highly unlikely) I just spent over $1000 this year doing out of warranty gelcoat crack touchups because I like my boat to look pretty. Gelcoat is really an easy repair so maybe next year I will learn how to do it myself.