97 22ZX Gelcoat Issues?
 

Hello,

I'm on a hunt to purchase my first large powerboat, and I recently took a look at a 1997 Donzi 22 ZX. Overall the boat is pretty clean, however I did notice one thing that concerned me.

There are numerous hairline cracks in the Gelcoat all around the deck of the boat. The cracks appear to stem from in behind the stainless rub rail, and propogate straight up (vertically) for up too 2-3 inches. There are cracks like this nearly all the way around the deck from midship to the bow (both sides), spaced about 4-6 inches apart. There is an especially high concentration of spider cracks around the gas filler cap. There are no gelcoat issues on the lower hull, just on the deck sides for some reason.

Does this indicate a serious structural problem with the boat, or are these merely cosmetic? The rest of the boat is exactly what I'm looking for, but I don't want to buy something with any serious issues that will require extensive repairs. I'm wondering if this may be an indication that the boat was run in extremely rough conditions or perhaps the deck is coming unbonded or something?

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob

Here are a few pics to show what I mean.


http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/44...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/42...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/45...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/42...600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/42...600x600Q85.jpg

my 98 has none of those issues! Wow, think id stay away!

I had a 1998 that had that issue it was from stress in the hull.

By stress in the hull do you mean it was flexing too much due to a structural issue, or the fit of the components when assembled was poor and left residual stresses that caused the hairline cracks to form?

I have a 94 Medallion and a 96 ZX and I do not have any at all. I think I would keep looking or buy it right so you can take the deck off and see what is going on with that and do the repairs. It is just the deck. good luck!!

You still have that?

Why yes would you like to buy one? I got that nice little 21' Medellion that I would let go to a nice home.:party-smiley-048: