Noticed two hairline cracks in the gel coat ( 2" apart parallel to each other). Starts at the entry door radius at the top and extends toward the front corner going up at almost a 45 degree angle all the way till the side panel stops ( 6-8"). It actually seem like that should be the less likely place for stress crack coming off the radius at the door. I think there is a 3 year structural warranty on the Fleetwood end, which would end next summer. Just wondering if there is a structural problem causing this. Anyone else have a issue like this?

don't procrastinate. report this issue NOW. worry about the seriousness later.get it on record.bumpy

Life with a plastic palace, yes it's normal.

Of course it is not normal. Did the owner's manual advise you to expect cracks to appear in the gel coat?How many boats do you see with cracks in the gel coat? I would suspect that when that panel was built, someone did not lay up the fiberglass cloth properly and this is causing the gel coat to crack from vibration or thermal expansion and contraction. In either case it is not normal and it should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer. I'm sure that if you ask about it at the dealer the salesman there will tell you it is normal because they do not want to address the defect.

Well after some research on the web, it does seem to be common. Yes some can be from stress. Mostly however it seem to be in the dark color Gel Coats ( which mine is) in the places the sun hits it. Many posts about it. It just looks like a scratch ( but isn't). Not through to the fiberglass panel.It is going into service today for a few things. I'll have it looked at.

Gel coat cracks - are they normal | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

et2
Explorer
Oct 19, 2015
Well after some research on the web, it does seem to be common. Yes some can be from stress. Mostly however it seem to be in the dark color Gel Coats ( which mine is) in the places the sun hits it. Many posts about it.

It just looks like a scratch ( but isn't). Not through to the fiberglass panel.

It is going into service today for a few things. I'll have it looked at.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Oct 19, 2015
Of course it is not normal. Did the owner's manual advise you to expect cracks to appear in the gel coat?
How many boats do you see with cracks in the gel coat? I would suspect that when that panel was built, someone did not lay up the fiberglass cloth properly and this is causing the gel coat to crack from vibration or thermal expansion and contraction. In either case it is not normal and it should be brought to the attention of the manufacturer.
I'm sure that if you ask about it at the dealer the salesman there will tell you it is normal because they do not want to address the defect.
Mike_Hohnstein
Explorer
Oct 19, 2015
Life with a plastic palace, yes it's normal.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Oct 18, 2015
Should not be doing it.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 18, 2015
don't procrastinate. report this issue NOW. worry about the seriousness later.
get it on record.
bumpy

Forum Discussion

Gel coat cracks - are they normal

15 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Spider crack in clear coat

Crack in gel coat

Gel Coat Cracking

Gel coat cracking

Cracked roof