Fiberglass Question?

[oscar]

I've never owned a fiberglass boat until this year, and was wandering if anyone had any input on a situation that I've noticed? I was getting ready to winterize my 1850 Reata today and while washing and waxing it, I noticed some what looked like stress cracks in the fiberglass on the starboard side around the front of the outermost bunker. My boat was just purchased this spring, but I do trailer to fish, most places being less than 1 hour. There are no cracks on the port side, so I was wandering if this is normal for a glass boat or should I be concerned and contact my dealer or Ranger if this is going to turn into a problem? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[Shellback]

Are you speaking about the bottom of the hull where it sits on the trailer bunks? if so, I wouldn't like that at all! Boats will often develop stress cracks or spider cracks on the top side, that's pretty much a given, but I wouldn't want them on the hull below the deck joint.

[oscar]

It almost looks like circular spider cracks around just the front of the outer most bunk - on the hull itself, but like I said it isn't on the port side. I'm afraid that the bunk is not set right, even though there appears to be no difference. I'm afraid that the right side may have extra stress on the hull (for no reason that I know).

[counterguy]

If you dont make sure your boat is perfectly straight and centered on the trailer everytime you load it this could happen. putting extra weight on one side of boat.:D

[phowler]

If you dont make sure your boat is perfectly straight and centered on the trailer everytime you load it this could happen. putting extra weight on one side of boat.:D

The trailer makes sure the boat is straight & centered.

I have the same boat purchased in March of 2008, I don't have this cracking you describe. I would call your dealer & see what they say. If they don't tell you what you want to hear or don't seem too concerned then call Ranger directly.

[rapp]

Do you have a roller bunk? If so this will cause spider cracks. You need to fill the crack with wax & polish. Eventfully the water will damage your hull this may take 10 to 15 years.

[eyecatcher01]

i dont know much about fiberglass boats but i would be having it fixed! you paid lots of money for a boat and to have to deal with something like this...i dont think so. even if they claim it not to be anything structurally detrimental i would insist on it being fixed as you may sell it some day and take a hit at that point.

[rebs]

I would not want or accept any cracks in the bottom of the hull, take it back to the dealer and call the factory soon as possible. This seems to me that it could be a real problem, possibly structural and possibly the trailer. Is there any chance that bunk is shorter or located different from the other side ? Perhaps it is falling short of a cross member in the hull ?

[Burr]

It may be nothing, or it may be an indication of something weak or broken in that area of the boat. I'd have the boat looked at. Which could involve taking the cap off. Take all of your stuff out of the boat before dropping it off at the dealer. Winter is a good time for it to be investigated.

[oscar]

I plan on calling the dealer tomorrow. I just got the boat in May 09, so thanks phowler and to rest of you all, at least I know that this isn't normal. I'll post again after speaking with the dealer. I think they'll help me out and if they don't I'll give Ranger a call and see whay they say. I also thought that the design of the trailer was to eliminate the possibility of this occurring. If all goes well I'll have some answers soon. I'll let you know. Thanks.