Gel coat cracks

[milkerson10]

Have these gel coat cracks that go down the side of the boat toward the swim platform on both sides of the boat. They are hard to see on the tan gel coat. The crack goes down the entire crevice the. goes down in the one picture. Has anyone else had this issue with their A28. I can fix the gel coat, but wondering if it is a structural issue and then they will just come back and not worth me fixing it


Thanks for any help

[dsthomas]

My understanding is that those can occur for a number of reasons but that they are a cosmetic issue. They can be from an underlying structural issue like a bulk head being "too tight" which is something I've read but I don't know how to fix or what that would entail to correct. Other reasons would be from the gel coat being applied to thin from the factory in that area, or from a substandard batch of gel coat or even from longterm wear and tear. Also from a blunt impact of some kind. I'm no authority on the subject this just what I've read on forums such as these. You still have a beautiful boat, out of curiosity how old is your boat?

[milkerson10]

It is a 2012 A28, the previous owner took immaculate care of it. We have enjoyed it for the last 4 years. We would love to upgrade to a R8 Surf, but just not in the budget right now. I do enjoy having a slightly older boat, as I really enjoy tinkering and detailing cars and boats in my free time

[milkerson10]

Photos

[NautiWeasel]

That's a great looking boat Milkerson.

[dsthomas]

that is a beautiful boat and great set up. Sure doesn't look like a 2012, looks new! I had an A25, those A25-8 series are the best looking boats cobalt has ever produced I think.

[milkerson10]

Thanks!!!

Had to get a GMC 3500 to pull it, the 1500 in the picture did not like towing it in the hills driving to table rock lake

[Krob1114]

Thanks for the pictures.
Beautiful boat.
Welcome.

[Bratcho]

Love your boat, but I am biased as I have the 2014 A28. Zero gel cracks. The craftsmanship on this boat is excellent, and if you continue to take care of it (like the previous owner) it will Continue to perform beautifully. Enjoy!

[milkerson10]

Getting ready to work on the gel coat cracks this coming week, wish me well, hoping for the best, have done plenty of work on the white gel coat, just not the colored

[dsthomas]

You're more skilled man than I am! Good luck, and post the after pics!

[SeattleA28]

Milkerson10 Your work looks great. What products did you use?

[milkerson10]

Spectrum gel coat repair, then multiple round of sanding from 240 up to 800, then 1500 and 3000 wet sanding, then rotary compounding with stark level R compound, then final finishing polish with menzerna 400 on orange LC foam pad with DA polisher

Maybe be overkill, but got great results