Gludy
Well-Known Member
I have had some cracks in my blue hull grlocat since leaving Emsworth last year. They were noted in the survey report. Trader are fixing them but this is what they wrote today and I would like comments on what they say.
[ QUOTE ]
Gelcoat, being an un-reinforced layer of organic resin, has a much lower
strain to failure than the underlying layers of consolidated fiberglass
reinforcement. Add to this the fact that gelcoat is on the outside of
the laminate and as such the maximum distance from the neutral axis,
gelcoat cracks are inevitable in fiberglass boats which as you know are
subject to random loading. It is for this reason that some of the
largest boat builders in the world (such as Azimut), expressly exclude
gelcoat cracks from their hull warranty. Although we could have followed
the lead of such companies, we have not, and have already demonstrated a
willingness to deal with gelcoat cracks whilst we undertake other work
on the boat.
However we have to be realistic and the subsequent appearance of minor
(non-structural) gelcoat cracks, especially once the boat is away from
Emsworth, will not be considered as warranty. However with regards to
the very small crack (approx 20mm) in way of the stainless steel rubbing
strip just above the stbd waterline, as we are having to repair and
repaint the join line between the transom mouldings we will deal with
this crack at the same time. Although it is far less noticeable, I have
also instructed that the port side join line should be repaired, as if
this subsequently became more obvious (very possible when dark hulls are
exposed to sunshine) this would be valid warranty and would be far more
expensive for us to deal with remotely.
Although it could be repaired afloat, as the boat is ashore I have put
our repairer onto the job today, so that it can be completed prior to
re-launch.
[/ QUOTE ]
Here are some images of the cracks:-
The cracks are opening up outwards and lay on a seam where one part of the boat is attached to the other. They say it is caused by the filler used to smooth the seam.
I would like opinions - I paid over $40,000 for the blue hull option.
[ QUOTE ]
Gelcoat, being an un-reinforced layer of organic resin, has a much lower
strain to failure than the underlying layers of consolidated fiberglass
reinforcement. Add to this the fact that gelcoat is on the outside of
the laminate and as such the maximum distance from the neutral axis,
gelcoat cracks are inevitable in fiberglass boats which as you know are
subject to random loading. It is for this reason that some of the
largest boat builders in the world (such as Azimut), expressly exclude
gelcoat cracks from their hull warranty. Although we could have followed
the lead of such companies, we have not, and have already demonstrated a
willingness to deal with gelcoat cracks whilst we undertake other work
on the boat.
However we have to be realistic and the subsequent appearance of minor
(non-structural) gelcoat cracks, especially once the boat is away from
Emsworth, will not be considered as warranty. However with regards to
the very small crack (approx 20mm) in way of the stainless steel rubbing
strip just above the stbd waterline, as we are having to repair and
repaint the join line between the transom mouldings we will deal with
this crack at the same time. Although it is far less noticeable, I have
also instructed that the port side join line should be repaired, as if
this subsequently became more obvious (very possible when dark hulls are
exposed to sunshine) this would be valid warranty and would be far more
expensive for us to deal with remotely.
Although it could be repaired afloat, as the boat is ashore I have put
our repairer onto the job today, so that it can be completed prior to
re-launch.
[/ QUOTE ]
Here are some images of the cracks:-
The cracks are opening up outwards and lay on a seam where one part of the boat is attached to the other. They say it is caused by the filler used to smooth the seam.
I would like opinions - I paid over $40,000 for the blue hull option.
