I have a brendella that has stress marks on the bubble deck and on the back of the boat on both corners.  The paint is getting old and it is the origanal paint.  The boat was in the hot boat magazine in the Dec. issue (the Night Stalker).  I love the boat and the paint but with the stress marks and seams showing in some places, I'm afraid that the boat my break apart.  My question is, would it be cheaper to get the stress marks fixed and repaint the boat or would I be better off buying a new hule and who still makes the moulds? I live in Ca. and any advice would help.   <!-- Edit -->

Post Edited (dhicks) : 1/5/2008 5:11:22 AM GMT

Gel coat stress cracks in older boats are not at all uncommon.  Gel coat can be thick and brittle and in some boats may develop surface stress cracks. You could have them fixed but are probably nothing to worry about (if in fact they are just gel coat stress cracks).  If they are getting bigger and wider (like big enough to get your fingernail in) then you may have something to worry about.  If you can look at the back side of the cracks you may be able to see if they are larger structural type cracks (you might see a white fuzzy looking crack under the glass) if they are structural you will need to fix them ASAP. Additional use/stress and exposure to water will only make the problem worse. Post pictures and maybee we can further evaluate. Good luck.