Spider Cracks - Big Deal?

[lifeisradincbad]

I’m potentially going to buy a used 2016 Yamaha 242 Limited SE. Overall condition is good inside and out, but there are some spider cracks around one side of the stern grab handle (other side is fine). Is this a big problem, little problem, or no problem? Thanks.

 

[rkluck]

I never had that happen. I am thinking they must have used it to tow a tube or something. Curious what the fiberglass experts say. I have has some some spider cracks but not that big. I would think if the handle is still in place and doesn't move it is not a big problem and could be fixed but you would want to make sure the handle is secure. Just my thoughts and there are lots of very informed fiberglass people on this forum.

 

[adrianp89]

I don't think it is a major issue. This is a pretty cheap repair anyways I'd say less than $500. I'd use it to negotiate a $1000 off.

 

[Neutron]

That doesn't look like simple spider cracks. Looks like either handle was loose for a while or as @rkluck said something was towed from it

 

[lifeisradincbad]

That doesn't look like simple spider cracks. Looks like either handle was loose for a while or as @rkluck said something was towed from it

Agreed.
Question is what to do? Leave it? Fix it? Not buy the boat? Thoughts?

 

[Joshua Miller]

If that's the only issue and the boat is otherwise in good working order, I would not let that hold up the sale. That handle is for pulling yourself up onto the swim platform so as long as it's secure it's still functional. Just don't tow from it or use it to secure ballast bags.

 

[Neutron]

Agreed.
Question is what to do? Leave it? Fix it? Not buy the boat? Thoughts?

It needs to be fixed or it will get worse. Figure that into price, get estimate to fix and go from there. If the seller is against this then its up to you but i would walk if they are not willing to work with you

 

[zipper]

Before any gelcoat repair, pull the cleanout hatch and look at the condition of the frp, fiberglass structure for cracks on the inside at that handle mounting point. Any backing plate there should be reinforced before the cracks are ground out and repaired. The handle looks like it moved up and down. The sealing of the glass edges with epoxy/resin. at the thru hull will be needed to stop water ingress to the worn out raw fiberglass thru hull (hole) as well as rebedding with a real marine sealant, not silicone.

 

[David Martin]

Vary large person used it as a step to climb in boat. Fix is a pain....... labor wise .........its all the sanding buffing a much larger area.....ask for discount of several hundred dollars. Dealer would touch it at around 500 green backs and up..

 

[lifeisradincbad]

Before any gelcoat repair, pull the cleanout hatch and look at the condition of the frp, fiberglass structure for cracks on the inside at that handle mounting point. Any backing plate there should be reinforced before the cracks are ground out and repaired. The handle looks like it moved up and down. The sealing of the glass edges with epoxy/resin. at the thru hull will be needed to stop water ingress to the worn out raw fiberglass thru hull (hole) as well as rebedding with a real marine sealant, not silicone.

Appreciate the advice in not putting a bandaid on it as real problems can follow. Starting to think this boat isn’t worth the trouble with this issue.

 

[rkluck]

I think it all depends on the price and what you want.

 

[HangOutdoors]

I would bet they towed another boat from there. Could be structural. Would definately get a reputable shop to look at it and price it out and figure that into the price.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Vary large person used it as a step to climb in boat. Fix is a pain....... labor wise .........its all the sanding buffing a much larger area.....ask for discount of several hundred dollars. Dealer would touch it at around 500 green backs and up..

I would doubt that is the case.

 

[flyingnugget]

Something’s not right there.. but to trash the sale over it is a bit of a reach IMHO. Pics you show looks like the boat is in great condition. I would talk to the owner and get them to come off the price a little. If the hours are good, engines look good, other inspections look nice then go for it. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I used that handle on my previous boat.

Good luck.

 

[lifeisradincbad]

Something’s not right there.. but to trash the sale over it is a bit of a reach IMHO. Pics you show looks like the boat is in great condition. I would talk to the owner and get them to come off the price a little. If the hours are good, engines look good, other inspections look nice then go for it. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I used that handle on my previous boat.

Good luck.

I haven't yet asked the seller the cause of the spider cracks - natural, stepped on, towed person, towed boat? Nevertheless, the rest of the boat is in good shape. I just don't want a small problem to become a big, expensive one (structural, water ingress, etc).

 

[lifeisradincbad]

Something’s not right there.. but to trash the sale over it is a bit of a reach IMHO. Pics you show looks like the boat is in great condition. I would talk to the owner and get them to come off the price a little. If the hours are good, engines look good, other inspections look nice then go for it. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I used that handle on my previous boat.

Good luck.

Hard to understand how the cracks are only around one side of the handle but not the other. For reference, here are the other photos and price ($50K) for the boat. The seller is going to have it serviced at the local Yamaha dealer and replace all trailer tires. Log into Facebook

 

[HangOutdoors]

It may be a good deal and a solid boat. All I am saying, is have someone whom can look at the cracks and tell you how much to fix. Do your diligence, if you don't that is your call. Without it being fully looked at all you get is opinions of what it could be. It may be nothing to worry about. It may be more than that. It may be something you can repair yourself if you are handy.

 

[rkluck]

When it is serviced at the dealer ask the owner to provide a written statement on the spider cracks from the dealer. You don't care about the cause but you do want to make sure you understand the cost to repair it and what is repaired. Then you can decide what to do. Even if you don't get the boat the owner will now have something to show the next potential buyer.