Cracks in gel coat-Stern tow hook

[SColby7]

Was getting the boat ready for the weekend and noticed these cracks in the gel coat. Guessing it's from the stress of pulling tubes. We don't pull crazy and I hadn't noticed them before. Pretty sure it's still fine to pull using it but wanted to throw it out there. Anyone else have this? what did you do about it? Thinking of having it taken care of this winter.

 

[swatski]

Was getting the boat ready for the weekend and noticed these cracks in the gel coat. Guessing it's from the stress of pulling tubes. We don't pull crazy and I hadn't noticed them before. Pretty sure it's still fine to pull using it but wanted to throw it out there. Anyone else have this? what did you do about it? Thinking of having it taken care of this winter.

I'm concerned... Do these things have load ratings?
This goes right into the heart of the old discussion - pulling tubes from tow hook or the tower?

 

[2nazt]

I would just monitor and see if it spreads if not I would wait towards end of my YES warranty and have it covered as late as possible.

 

[Matt Phillips]

I've used a sharpie on things like that to see if they are increasing. Might be the thing to do to get through the season, then take it in for a YES claim at the end of the season as this will be a good month of down time.

As for pulling tubes from the tower, mine specifically says not to...use the stern hook instead.

 

[Crlos16]

I'm no fiberglass expert, but those look to be like a impact crack. If this was caused by towing tubes stress cracks would be around the tow hook.

 

[SColby7]

Thanks all.
As far as I know there has never been any impact in that area. Either way I will make some phone calls and see what needs to be done to have it taken care of.

 

[jameskeller76]

Looking forward to hearing the response from Yamaha.

 

[SColby7]

Sorry I hadn't replied with any response. Last fall I made a phone call to the dealer and was told that its just cosmetic and it wouldn't be covered. So fast forward to this past weekend at the local boat show. I was able to talk to the Yamaha rep there and told him about it. Showed him the same pictures. He was pretty surprised to see this and seemed as though it would be covered as long as I still have warranty. He told me to call the dealer back , send them the pictures, and have them call the tech line at Yamaha. So we'll see where this gets me.

As a bonus from the boat show I did pick one of these up. Looking forward to giving it a try this summer (https://paddlenorth.com/products/portager)

 

[Jaime]

Was getting the boat ready for the weekend and noticed these cracks in the gel coat. Guessing it's from the stress of pulling tubes. We don't pull crazy and I hadn't noticed them before. Pretty sure it's still fine to pull using it but wanted to throw it out there. Anyone else have this? what did you do about it? Thinking of having it taken care of this winter.

Wow that's a lot of stress crack!!!! Have you talk to your dealer and if not that's and easy fix!!!

 

[Overspray]

It's because you put that State sticker in there... sorry, had to go there. I'd certainly hope they would repair that under your warranty. I'd say it was from the stress of towing, as there's no actual signs of impact, plus it spiders from various spots. BUT, it definitely shouldn't be doing that.

 

[Jaime]

It's because you put that State sticker in there... sorry, had to go there. I'd certainly hope they would repair that under your warranty. I'd say it was from the stress of towing, as there's no actual signs of impact, plus it spiders from various spots. BUT, it definitely shouldn't be doing that.

All boat get stress crack but in the area where the towing hook is at it should be reinforced so that doesn't happen.

 

[SColby7]

Called the dealer yesterday. They were pretty much closed down due to the boat shows. I should hear back in a day or two once they are back at the shop.

 

[Jaime]

Sorry I hadn't replied with any response. Last fall I made a phone call to the dealer and was told that its just cosmetic and it wouldn't be covered. So fast forward to this past weekend at the local boat show. I was able to talk to the Yamaha rep there and told him about it. Showed him the same pictures. He was pretty surprised to see this and seemed as though it would be covered as long as I still have warranty. He told me to call the dealer back , send them the pictures, and have them call the tech line at Yamaha. So we'll see where this gets me.

As a bonus from the boat show I did pick one of these up. Looking forward to giving it a try this summer (https://paddlenorth.com/products/portager)

Why I'm not supprised that the dealer denied your claim!!! Most of the time they don't want to do the right thing..

 

[SColby7]

UPDATE:
Since I hadn't heard anything from the dealer I called yesterday to try and find out what is going on. Found out things have been approved and are going to be taken care of. So I made another phone call to get the boat from storage next week. Should have the boat to the dealer Friday. Then its just the waiting game till we have it back and can get on the water.