Gel coat cracks

[tarachanowicz]

Hello all,
Have a 2014 220 bought in 2015. Having issues with gel coat cracks since day 1. All the cracks are in cockpit area. Have had the same 3 repaired 3 years in a row under warranty and now gel is out of warranty cobalt told dealer they are not going to repair the same 3 again under warranty. Dealer told me it would cost me 2500.00 to repair. I would think it is more of a structural problem causing repeat cracking in same areas? When I bought this boat I bought into the compromise nothing notion cobalt preaches. It took the salesman almost 3 years to get into a 220 and when I did I think it was the biggest mistake I have made. Very disappointing with the brand. The 19 year old boat I traded in had no gel coat cracks, and nothing was wrong with it. I regret trading it in on a new boat. The bad experience all started on delivery I'm may of 2015. While out on delivery water test when boat was under load but not on plane at about 2000 rpm the engine was spark knocking and missing. Took back to dock and sent back to dealer. They had to water test to duplicate due to being under a load, found engine timing was way off. Adjusted and gave back to me. All good till end of season found 3 areas of gel cracked. Repairs with winterization. Come spring summer 2016 5 miles out in Lake Michigan hit a small wave engine shuts off. Found blown ign breaker. Reset start engine blows breaker In 3 seconds, try 2 more times same results. Get towed back to port, drop off at dealer, found main ign wire rubbed through on top if steering column support. New wire run and insulated brace all good till fall 2016, bring for winterization same gel coat cracks. Repaired under warranty again. Spring 2017 dealer gets boat running for season take boat out for 2 hour run open engine cover when done puddle fresh engine oil under engine. Return to dealer front crank seal walked out replaced front cover had to pull motor have to remove oil pan to replace cover. Dealer gave loaner boat due to diag authorization and repairs took 3 weeks. Got boat back fall of 2017 winterize and same 3 gel coat cracks repaired again. Come 2018 surprise no problems. Get winterization done this winter 2019 same gel cracks. Dealer check with cobalt cobalt says no more warranty. I was patient with cobalt for the first 4 years now I'm pissed off I do not expect to pay 2500.00 every year to repair gel coat cracks that have been repaired 3 other times. It sounds like the cracks will come back every year. I'd say that is a structural problem not a gel coat issue and since hull and deck have a 10 year warranty it should be covered defect. In my opinion. Any thoughts as how to pursue this? Other than writing cobalt with all tha history I've had on the pos sitting in my garage? All service , winterize , maintenance, repairs have been done by my selling dealer. They told me to get in contact with cobalt myself since they may respond to owners request than the servicing dealer themselves. I've heard things have gone to *** At cobalt since malibu bought them out.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome an be sorry for your issues. Yes everything can have issues. It happens. It's how they are takin care that matters. Maybe the dealer is to blame? Maybe they should step up to the plate? I blame malibu! Just kidding well maybe not.
The engine issues well that's not Cobalt that's merc or Volvo. The writing yep Cobalt. Timing that sounds far fetched as these are fuel injected engines and nonadjustable timing engines. What engine is in her? What dealer?
So to help you aver your question. Yes I also think you may have a structural issue. I would call Cobalt cust assistant number first. I bet they help. Them write them then BBB with the dealer then BBB with Cobalt. Cobalt is goofy on the gel issues I give you that much. But I have seen them stand up at the plate also. Good luck and show us pictures of that baby or it isn't real. Please get back to us with the results. We here people complain then never here how they were takin care of. Cobalt and this forum deserves that.

[tarachanowicz]

Big block power, it has the volvo 5.0 liter engine so the distributor can be adjusted. As far as the dealer they said they would split cost in half in spring with me since I have had so many problems with it. They gave me the customer assistance # 620 325 2653 and person of Rick schoonover they personally call for issues. I'm gonna give them a call and send them a letter in the next week or so too see if I can get anywhere with the issue.

[Big Block Power]

Big block power, it has the volvo 5.0 liter engine so the distributor can be adjusted. As far as the dealer they said they would split cost in half in spring with me since I have had so many problems with it. They gave me the customer assistance # 620 325 2653 and person of Rick schoonover they personally call for issues. I'm gonna give them a call and send them a letter in the next week or so too see if I can get anywhere with the issue.

Rick is the best. He was our tour guide when we were there for tn he cc tour. He also had helped me a couple of times and other people that have been on here. Hope it does good for you. My boat is 17 years old and doesn't have any cracks either. I would not be happy either. I just put more on the dealer. They should be the ones putting pressure on for you. I cross my fingers that Rick helps you.
Yes my bad I guess my heads been in the BB too long. It has a distributor. Not thinking old school for that new of a engine

[tarachanowicz]

Thanks Bbp. One question trying to upload pictures but dont see a option any info would help

[NautiGirl]

Thanks Bob. One question trying to upload pictures but dont see a option any info would help

Welp it's official from this point forward we be calling BBP "Bob". Go ahead and change your signature now buddy, it's happening.

[tarachanowicz]

Stupid auto correct.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks Bob. One question trying to upload pictures but dont see a option any info would help

Welp it's official from this point forward we be calling BBP "Bob". Go ahead and change your signature now buddy, it's happening.

Go away I have a merc to work on.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks Bbp. One question trying to upload pictures but dont see a option any info would help

Just click on the attachment tab just under the submit tab then click the add tab

[Big Block Power]

Thanks Bob. One question trying to upload pictures but dont see a option any info would help

If you click on the pencil looking icon next to the X
It will let you make corrections. Don't ask me how I know Bob

Don't feel bad I've been called worse. Even a twerk

[NautiGirl]

Stupid auto correct.

Don't feel too bad, this gives us a chance to pick on BBP...err Bob...

Back on Topic my wife and I were on the tour /w Bob and met Rick in person. I have no doubt he will take care of things for you. Give him a call.

[tarachanowicz]

Our 220

[Big Block Power]

Our 220

Nice pictures. I was going to say are you from Michigan. Is that Higgins? Or Torch?

[tarachanowicz]

Torch, spent a week on it this summer for vacation.

[Ytmsn]

Yes, this sounds like a dealer issue in fixing your gelcoat. I would just about bet money they have NOT talked to Cobalt about your issue. And I would also bet that after you talk to Rick they will make it right with you on the cracks.

The motor is a GM longblock with Volvo components bolted on to marinize it. And as engines go, sometimes you get a bad one. The good thing is you have it all documented. But again, the dealer can squirrel out of warranty work and make you think its coming from Cobalt. We've seen this happen here before. And I would also bet, if you push hard enough you may get a new motor?

Structurally we've seen first hand how these boats are built, but again, something has slipped and causing your problem to reoccur every year. A 220 is a very popular boat with several on this site, and no cracking issues, so something specifically is going on with yours.

Please keep us posted as to how this is handled. The folks at Cobalt monitor this site as well, so we are all hopeful you will be taken care of!

Now excuse me while I go pour another glass of koolaid. ..