Gel coat cracks

[cmattj]

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. I've heard things have gone to *** At cobalt since malibu bought them out.

For those late to the party , do you have any pics of the cockpit area cracking ?
And to add .

Yes the previous repairs were billed to Cobalt in a warranty claim. ( At least the first one as the outside vendor would take responsibility after that repair being it was the same).
So it’s doubtful Cobalt even knows about your reoccurring issue.

Not to be a downer but the vender who has repaired this crack has an obligation to inspect their previous work, and document that they feel this problem will be re-occurring due to excessive flex caused by a issued in the stringer and bracing.
Once it’s determined the area of failure has existed during its warranty term you would be likely to get Cobalts participation in this.
The key is the Cause... not the correction.

Just my 3 cents.

[tarachanowicz]

These are the ones repaired multiple times

[tarachanowicz]

This is a new area of cracking . The dealer stated on repair order that all cracks were extensive and major grinding and filling were required for repairs. I have a feeling they just sanded down some and resprayed when under warranty. I think they did minimum to repair in the past.

[cmattj]

These are the ones repaired multiple times

Okay I have a better visual now. Especially the floor ones were that would be flexing. Other than the estimate for repairs hopefully they have a long term solution to present for hopeful participation from Cobalt.

Fingers crossed.

[Big Block Power]

These are the ones repaired multiple times

Okay I have a better visual now. Especially the floor ones were that would be flexing. Other than the estimate for repairs hopefully they have a long term solution to present for hopeful participation from Cobalt.

Fingers crossed.

You can see where they fixed the floor in the anti skid section. You will never get that to match. I would have been so frustrated from the time it cracked to the time it was repaired.

[cmattj]

These are the ones repaired multiple times

Okay I have a better visual now. Especially the floor ones were that would be flexing. Other than the estimate for repairs hopefully they have a long term solution to present for hopeful participation from Cobalt.

Fingers crossed.

You can see where they fixed the floor in the anti skid section. You will never get that to match. I would have been so frustrated from the time it cracked to the time it was repaired.

2B8D75C1-7506-4486-B860-8634E642147A.jpeg

I’m gonna guess it’s got some gaps under floor we’re it’s not touching the cross bracing over the stringers.
Maybe the mid bulk head has no support? I’m curious now as it’s such a high traffic area?!
Keep us posted!

[Big Block Power]

Okay I have a better visual now. Especially the floor ones were that would be flexing. Other than the estimate for repairs hopefully they have a long term solution to present for hopeful participation from Cobalt.

Fingers crossed.

You can see where they fixed the floor in the anti skid section. You will never get that to match. I would have been so frustrated from the time it cracked to the time it was repaired.

2B8D75C1-7506-4486-B860-8634E642147A.jpeg
I’m gonna guess it’s got some gaps under floor we’re it’s not touching the cross bracing over the stringers.
Maybe the mid bulk head has no support? I’m curious now as it’s such a high traffic area?!
Keep us posted!

If that area is where right by the helm they add metal reinforcements right there to prevent flexing. Right Matt something didn't bond to make it all 1. It's flexing separate. My buddies 226 had cracking in some of those same spots too. That would drive me nuts too and hopefully they stab be Behind it. No one is Going to be able to fix this. Sorry. It's got to go back to the factory. It's got to be separated. If it flexing its never going to stop cracking.

[TwoBurgers]

I'm going to jump on this thread since my topic is gel coat crack related.

I'm fortunate to be familiar with both Cobalt (fresh water) and EdgeWater (salt) brands (both top tier IMO), and have experienced some cracking with both. I've also seen some of the lesser brands, and have learned there are cracks and there are crevasses called cracks. That said, I am interested in hearing about some of our common points of cracking with our Cobalt's. My '13 232 has 325 lake hours, is trailered and not stored inside during the winter.

The hull - I would say I have been fortunate that I have only seen two hull cracks, and they are not expanding. One is at the port-side stern corner where it joins the top cap. It was there from year one and grew from one inch to about five inches at year two (winter). It hasn't expanded since, and I opted to not have it addresses over concerns of gel coat match (navy hull) in the long term. The other hull crack is along the mid-front outer most chine. I noticed it around year three and it hasn't changed. I would bet those were odd curing issues, but who knows.

The top deck cap - The six or so cracks on the top deck cap are all near the tonneau snaps. I don't use either tonneau cover, but the original owner spec'd the boat that way. They have appeared slowly and keep popping up. None are problematic or major, but more annoying than anything.

Also, in the engine compartment, the gel coat in two areas is peeling back. Again, nothing major (maybe six inch areas), just a bit surprising. I wonder if I would have these issues if I 1) kept my boat inside during the winter (I do use the mooring cover) and 2) kept it on a lift versus trailering. Both areas are not wet, and I keep the area clean enough to eat from.

Anyway, just thought I would put out my experience with my babied and much loved '13 232. I purchased the boat with 22 hours out of IN (was a KY boat) and it has been used in Lake Anna in VA since. FWIW, I consider the purchase of my Cobalt to be one of the very few major purchases that has proven to be a very good value. I would include my 4Runner as well - 100% reliable.

Curious as to what you guys have experienced crack wise.

Best,
Chris

[Big Block Power]

So to me I think part of this was caused by the snap installer. I would remove a snap to see if they recessed the holes. Same with the rub rail. I don't think weather caused it. Human did. But the outside winter is not good for it in my opinion. I used spectrum gel paste on a blue hill and I guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell where I used it. I wouldn't worry about that. So I have used this stuff. It actually worked really good. It will cover up a pretty thin crack. Not much work too it. You just work it in the crack. If you don't like it you wipe it off. Cheap repair try. My 2 pennies.