Gelcoat Cracks Below Waterline

[Mike1305]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and hope this is the right place to post. I'm in the market for a boat and came across a well-maintained 2001 Tige 21V with low hours. Everything looked great at first, but I noticed some thin gelcoat cracks on the bottom of the hull.

The cracks are difficult to capture in photos due to lighting, but there are two parallel cracks running from one side of the hull to the other, about halfway down the boat’s length. Additionally, there’s a similar crack near one of the fins, but only on the port side.

My last bowrider was about the same age, but I don’t recall seeing any gelcoat cracks below the waterline. I did some research but couldn’t find much on this specific issue. I plan to have the boat inspected soon, but I’d love to hear any input from the group.

Has anyone seen this before? Should I be concerned? Any advice is appreciated!

[Mike1305]

Few photos.

[bsreid]

I wouldn’t be too concerned. Pretty common in gel coat and purely cosmetic.

[Mike1305]

Thats what i’m hoping. They’re barely visible but i was most concerned because there are two parallel cracks that run the width of the boat. If it was a single 6 inch crack, i wouldn’t be worried at all, but these are long. Not sure, also consulting with a local marine body shop.

[lee]

What is going on in the yellow gelcoat?

[Mike1305]

Not sure. Some dock rash im assuming.

[Mike1305]

I would think this would be relevant since there are 2 parallel cracks running the width of the boat. They look cosmetic but im afraid the cause is structural.

[h2o-ski]

Those bottom cracks look like stress cracks from the tracking fins. I would not be concerned one bit as the fiberglass is really thick along the keel.