2004 195 Classic - Stress cracks?-gctid363139

[Guest]

Hi Everyone! My husband and I are looking into purchasing our first boat. We both grew up boating and we finally saved up enough money to buy our own. We looked at a used 2004 195 Classic last night. Everything looked good, except a spider/stress crack on the right side of the gunwhale (I believe that is the correct terminology). He told us that its simply a manufacturing defect with this style. He also mentioned that there was a ton of threads regarding this issue on BOC. I can't seem to find them though. I want to make sure this is the actual issue and that he isn't BSing us. I'd love some help!

[Guest]

Its not really a defect so to speak, but it is fairly common. I have seen this in many manufacture boats, he gelcoat is stressed and can cause hairline stress cracks. These are normal and nothing to worry about, you can fix them if you wish by grooving out the cracks and filling in the groovs with new gelcoat.

oh and Welcome to BOC!

[Guest]

Good that makes me feel better. My parents boat always had some small ones and I never thought twice....but its difference when we're spending our own money - ha! We're going to look at another Bayliner tonight too.

& thanks... I'm so excited!

[Guest]

Kdahm wrote:
Good that makes me feel better. My parents boat always had some small ones and I never thought twice....but its difference when we're spending our own money - ha! We're going to look at another Bayliner tonight too.

& thanks... I'm so excited!

I hear ya, my big boat has some really big ones that I will be doing some repairs on this year. My bowrider had a coulpe, my 2355 had a few also but nothing major.

You will absolutly love that boat, I had a 98' capri 1950, I miss it alot

[Guest]

Welcome Kdahm.

I'm guessing you were at Fox Lake Harbor since you were at a dealer, and you're local.

Yes, as mentioned, stress cracks happens. Luckily, Bayliner uses vinylester resin which is less impervious to water penetration that other resins.

An '04 will be out of hull warranty, but Bill is the guy to go to. (he does FLH's work) and he will give an honest, independent assessment. Bottoms Up (Bill) in Johnsburg. He is the best in the area. If you're worried about it, FLH won't pass up the sale on a 3rd party check. Bill can also check other systems, as he is complete boat restorer.

http://www.bottomsupboatrepair.com/Bottoms_Up_Boat_Repair/Home.html

I have several friends on the Chain that have had work done by him, and all swear by his honesty and workmanship. Really, just call. I have NEVER heard a complaint about him or his craftsmanship.

Ted

[Guest]

New or used I would get a survey. It's amazing what a trained ear and small hammer will tell. It's not always cosmetic, and I would rather find out before I buy it than after.

[Guest]

biohazard wrote:
I hear ya, my big boat has some really big ones that I will be doing some repairs on this year. My bowrider had a coulpe, my 2355 had a few also but nothing major.

Geeshh, how many boats do you have? You starting your own marina? Lol ;-)

When is the first splash in the cities coming? Ours here in Madison can't come soon enough, lol.

[Guest]

maxximus wrote:
Geeshh, how many boats do you have? You starting your own marina? Lol ;-)

When is the first splash in the cities coming? Ours here in Madison can't come soon enough, lol.

lol, I only have my 3055 and a dinghy now

One of my dock rat friends tells me splash is around april 13th, I have not heard much from our marina yet though. My boats uncovered, camper top up, working on upgrades and maintenance now.

[Guest]

Great - thank you for all your help! We ended up purchasing the boat, but we need a few things done. I plan on calling Bottoms Up today

[Chief_Alen]

Welcome aboard !

[Guest]

Where are you planning on boating? You will find a lot of local Illinois boaters here. Ted is an expert on the Chain, I spend a lot of time in Lake Geneva and the Illinois River out my way.

Best of luck and welcome