252 Crack in Transom Area OK or run?

[andy7684]

New to forum and Cobalt boats. I am not new to boating, but mostly with outboards.
Looking at a Cobalt 252, late 90's for family skiing, cruising, swimming and fun. 252 fits the budget, boat slip size, and I really like the style.
I am looking for relatively low hours, good interior, good exterior with good paint.

I found one that I am interested in that checks all my boxes. After a test drive, I inspected the boat, but found a stress crack where the integrated swim platform meets the transom. More than spider cracks and more than 1/2 the length of swim platform.
Also small spider cracks on one hull tine on starboard side, about 3 feet long.

Both have me concerned, but especially the transom as it could allow water intrusion. I have read that cobalts do not get stress cracks below water line and on transom. Interior cracking can be normal.
I looked in cowl area and did not see that the crack went all the way into the boat, but hard to tell.

Also, there is chipping of the anti skid around the ladder.

I told sales guy that this is big concern, so he is having his dealer getlcoat guy take a look.
Looking for opinions. Walk away now? repairable? get moisture test? other thoughts?

I'll attach pictures.

[AsLan7]

.
Hey Andy. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

My initial thoughts are that these may be normal gel coat stress cracks and not structural in nature. Do you have any pics? That may help.

The fiberglass repair tech will certainly help diagnose.

And welcome aboard mate!

[andy7684]

Thanks for the Welcome!
Let me try to attach the pics again.

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[andy7684]

Few more....

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[andy7684]

I will add that in the worst spot I can push next to the crack to make it bigger.

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[andy7684]

I'm tempted to think that the previous owner backed into something, but no issues on the outside of swim deck.
She stress crack on the transom is definitely a gap that can allow water. I can push on the crack to make it wider and move.
The spider cracks on the hull.....I worry what caused those. Hull should be solid unless a stringer is loose or heavy impact?
I talked to a mechanic and he never sees stress cracks like this on cobalts. The spider on the hull he may see on 1 of 25 boats, but this is on a very rough water lake that can take its toll.
Again, I am waiting on the fiberglass guy to get back to me. Water intrusion is my other worry.

[AsLan7]

After looking at those pics Andy, I'm inclined to agree with you. It does appear a previous owner collided with something. Those cracks being that wide is a red flag. Plus you shouldn’t be able to press your finger through them.

Of course everything is repairable. Just takes time and money.

Let’s see what the technician has to say.

[akorcovelos]

Walk away. There a many very nice 252s on the market right now, and that is not normal in any form or fashion. That boat was beat hard, be an accident or storm damage, if that’s what you can see on initial inspection lord knows what you’ll find once you start using it.

[andy7684]

Update:
I did talk to the salesman to see if the fiberglass guy looked at it. He told me to call the service manager in the morning, who will tell me this is purely cosmetic. Long story short, but the sales guy says I'm being way too picky for a 20 yo boat and most boats have stress cracks. 20yo boat wont be perfect....nicest 252 he's seen for a long time.
My response is that I've never seen this similar damage, esp. on a cobalt. I can handle spider cracks, but not these large stress cracks in the transom, of all places. I understand 20 year old boat will have a few issues....i.e. trim gauge not working, depth not reading, anchor light not working, etc. all repairable in time. But not a crack in the hull. I will admit that except for these cracks, upholstery, exterior, and mechanical are in very good condition. Despite all the good, I think this is enough to say no.

Besides, I am too proud to drive around a boat with a crack in the swim deck/transom, especially in such a visible location. Even if just cosmetic (not sure who to trust), I would want to repair which costs more $$$.
I'll talk to the service manager, but made up my mind to ask for my deposit back.

Appreciate the thoughts from you guys. There will be more nice 252's, just might take some time to find.

[Big Block Power]

Yep walk. Many of us here will show you what a 20 year old boat should look like and we are proud to show them off.

So where do you live and boat and what's your budget. I'll spend your money.

[andy7684]

Ha!
Southern Missouri, Table Rock Lake.
My lift is rated 6000lbs. Lift guys says 25' cobalt is max.
500 hours or less. Prefer fuel injected.
I really like the Look of the older 252. Family of 4. We ski, swim, wakeboard, etc.
Good interior, but understand that the sundeck might need reupholster.
Exterior - not many scratches and not a lot of fading. However, I understand that buffing can remove the chalk on the paint. True?
Trailer not necessary, but preferred.
Budget < $20k.

I know they are out there.

[Big Block Power]

Your not out of line. Yt has a used 240. Just saying. Sorry I just blew your budget. Darn it
How about a 232?

[andy7684]

Maybe on the 232 if a good enough deal. But, I'm now hung up on the 252. Service history is a big plus.
I have feelers out with a couple dealers and they've mentioned they get this type in quite a bit on trade in's. Patience will be the key for me. I saw quite a few before I had the boat dock......not I have the dock, they seem to be harder to find! This one was very close, but not the one.

[Big Block Power]

I've bought so many boats and getting records is next to impossible. My last 2 or more boats where 1 owner and still couldn't get them even though they maintained them.

[Ytmsn]

As the others said, walk. Your salesman isn't working for you, he's working for a commission. Nothing wrong with that, but hes not being straight with you. Yes, some boats have spider cracks, but nothing you can spread by pushing. .There are some 3o year old plus boats on this site with no cracks.