Is it
normal to get stress cracks on our gelcoat? I started to notice some under the rear platform towards the port side.
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Define "Normal".
There are so many variables involved when it comes to stress fractures, spider cracks, hazing, whatever you want to call it. It happens for many reasons.
If it's normal for a manufacturer to make errors when applying gel coat, then YES it's normal. But it really isn't acceptable that a manufacturer should make mistakes like that, but it happens. Even on hulls produced by machines.
Materials used today are much different than those used years ago due to changes in environmental laws. It isn't hard to find a well cared for boat that is 20 years old and practically free of cosmetic issues such as stress cracks.
Voids or air bubbles can become trapped in the layup or under the gel coat creating an issue down the road when something just happens to strike that area and all of a sudden you are looking at a hole in your gel coat!
Structural deficiencies in the design of a hull can lead to excessive flexing and "could" result in stress cracks if the gel coat isn't applied correctly - sometimes the flexing is so pronounced that even the best gel coat application will crack. But that doesn't mean the boat is going to sink or that your vessel is ruined. Gel coat is a protective, cosmetic coating that is easily repaired.
So while I wouldn't call it Normal, I would say that it happens to many boats at some time or another and on some boat models in or around the same areas - that's a design flaw if you ask me. Perhaps consideration should be given to reinforcing the structure to prevent excessive flexing in areas of habitual cracking on certain models.
The best way to avoid any damage at all is to leave the boat on the trailer. Now that's what I call fun!
But if you load the boat on the trailer incorrectly and the boat is not resting on the bunks correctly...guess what, that could cause stress cracks. A boat is designed to float in water, not lay unevenly across planks of wood. So take care to load the boat properly and make sure you are sitting correctly on the properly adjusted bunks before you drive away from the ramp. That will help maintain the boat in the shape it was built.
There are other things you can do to help avoid cracks, but there are no guarantees. If you love to jump wakes and slam down hard guess what? Yeah, stress cracks (or worse)
If you like to "kiss" the dock every time you come into the marina, guess what - yeah, you're a knucklehead with dings all over...but to each his own. Some people don't stress over cracks..I know a few, nothing fazes them.
Recreational boating is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Don't let a few cracks get you down. If they are well above water fix them when the season is over or wait until next season- they aren't going anywhere. There are a bunch of products out there for the do it yourselfer if you are so inclined.
