Gelcoat problems/delamination on jeanneau 45.2

[Jeff Owen]

I own a 2003 Jeanneau 45.2 and am experiencing significant cracking and delamination of the gelcoat on the deck. The hull is fine, but deck is having a lot of problems. Is anyone else having these problems?

[Curt]

Nobody answered this and I was waiting also for a reply. I have been walking around a lot on the docks and see many older boats with these thin looking cracks in the finish on the decks. I thought maybe they were gelcoat hairline stress cracks or checking but not sure. Can anyone confirm this and is there a solution? There are many boats that are only a waxing away from their former glory but the waxing will not repair these lines. Maybe they come from lack of waxing or other neglect. Maybe just age and UV damage. It would sure be nice to know if there was a proocedure to bring the nice old or a new finish back.

[Gene T]

You could ask your question on the Jeanneau Sailnet email list, it is quite active. But you shouldn't get gel-coat cracks on a new boat. They come from stress and generally from the gel-coat being too thick, which is brittle. Where the cracks are is a good indication of where the stress is coming from. What happened to the boat that could cause the stress? i would contact the dealer or Jeanneau america headquarters also.

[cebretko]

Jeff: I have a 2003 45.2 with the very same gelcoat problems. My dealer is currently working with Jeanneau America to get these issues resolved under warranty. I had a C&C 37 for 18 years that never had this problem. I wax my cabin topsides at least three times a season, so it is not from lack of care.

[Pirateslife]

Are these cracks or dime size divots?

[cebretko]

No, these are long cracks appearing randomly but primarily where the deck has a radius in a transition from horizontal to vertical. I have one divot type which has been diagnosed as a "void" under the non skid which will be filled with an epoxy injection. Jeanneau has resolved the problem. The cracks were gouged out and refilled with epoxy and glass by a skilled local contractor.

[tager]

I guess it is just cheap layup that flexes, combined with brittle gelcoat.

[Pirateslife]

We have a '99 45.2. Have had voids but no real issues with cracks...

[wysailor]

I have been told by several reliable sources that the where the gelcoat is too thick it will crack in the radiased corners.