02-14-2007, 06:03 AM
Fsh4fun05,
The stress cracks are usually in the surface gel coat and depending on the type of gel used are considered normal. That said, there could be an underlying structural problem contributing to the cracks that must be checked. If there are only a few spiders ( very small) on the top portion of the boat, then you probably have no worries. If however the cracks are larger than little spider cracks over a large area of the boat, around the transom, lower hull, or bow, I would be concerned. Usually the "normal" small gel coat stress cracks occur in the gunnel area and top portion of the hull cap.
I own a late model Lund fisherman and it has been a GREAT boat for fishing. However, the lay out and design of the boat is not ideal for family skiing. My teenagers are really bugging me to get a family ski boat again and I don't want to have two boats again! I've been looking for a boat that will meet both needs well. After a year of research, here is what I found are the best mid sized fish and Ski boats that don't compromise one or the other!
1, Ranger 1850 Reata,
2, Stratos 386 SF
3, Skeeter WII8
4, Glastron 185/210 SF
Each of the above boats retain the safe deep vee family boat design, but have the performance and fishability of a bass boat. Do yourself a favor and check out the Ranger 1850. The Ranger 1850/60 has set a NEW standard for performance fish and Ski boats! If you're looking for used, try to find one of the above listed boats. Hopefully I will have my new Ranger soon!!! After years of being frustrated with local boats dealers, (exception being Robertsons marine) I found a really good Lund and Ranger boat dealer in little town in South Western Montana called Townsend Marine. Yes, I drive a little (make a Yellowstone trip out of it) but it's worth it for the initial purchase savings and the excellent service!
Good Luck!
[signature]
The stress cracks are usually in the surface gel coat and depending on the type of gel used are considered normal. That said, there could be an underlying structural problem contributing to the cracks that must be checked. If there are only a few spiders ( very small) on the top portion of the boat, then you probably have no worries. If however the cracks are larger than little spider cracks over a large area of the boat, around the transom, lower hull, or bow, I would be concerned. Usually the "normal" small gel coat stress cracks occur in the gunnel area and top portion of the hull cap.
I own a late model Lund fisherman and it has been a GREAT boat for fishing. However, the lay out and design of the boat is not ideal for family skiing. My teenagers are really bugging me to get a family ski boat again and I don't want to have two boats again! I've been looking for a boat that will meet both needs well. After a year of research, here is what I found are the best mid sized fish and Ski boats that don't compromise one or the other!
1, Ranger 1850 Reata,
2, Stratos 386 SF
3, Skeeter WII8
4, Glastron 185/210 SF
Each of the above boats retain the safe deep vee family boat design, but have the performance and fishability of a bass boat. Do yourself a favor and check out the Ranger 1850. The Ranger 1850/60 has set a NEW standard for performance fish and Ski boats! If you're looking for used, try to find one of the above listed boats. Hopefully I will have my new Ranger soon!!! After years of being frustrated with local boats dealers, (exception being Robertsons marine) I found a really good Lund and Ranger boat dealer in little town in South Western Montana called Townsend Marine. Yes, I drive a little (make a Yellowstone trip out of it) but it's worth it for the initial purchase savings and the excellent service!
Good Luck!
[signature]