225hcca

My 96 Fountain 24cs has several areas on the boat that have spider cracks in the gel coat , hull, deck, etc. How concerned should I be about spider cracks?

tomtbone1993

iTrader: (3)

welcome to Fountain ownership.....let me guess back of the swim platform, in front of rear hatch on the sides, by the vents, and the dash in front of the passenger front seat. All three of the Fountains I have owned have had stress cracks in those areas....

225hcca

Swim step yes, other area no(t yet). I also have cracks in the gel at the cap/hull joint right at the fire wall and botom of the hull. All spiders none open (yet). Don't know if I should be worried or if this is Fountain.

Krisco

Mine 24cs does too in both places.

glassdave

iTrader: (1)

if they show up on both sides and in similar places they are most likely superficial. Just a natural occurrence on many boats and dont pose any structural issues. Biggest problem they can cause is if they are deep enough to hold water, freeze/thaw cycling can do some damage as well.

LAKESIDE RESTORATIONS

Small spider cracks aren't necessarily out of the ordinary, even though they are unsightly. Especially in some of those areas that were mentioned. Keep an eye on them, if they start to worsen then it would be wise to at have them looked into further. Sometimes reinforcing the area from behind more can help eliminate them from spreading or coming back once repaired.. Jamie / Lakeside

225hcca

thanks for the input, I have done some medium to large repairs on the nose and am monitoring the rest. currently they are not an issue cuz the motor let go two weeks back so the "fat bottom girl" is dry docked for a while!