star cracking around shrouds

[fenceguy2]

I have some star cracking around my port side shroud, anyone have any experience with this?

[markpj23]

Would help if you could identify your make / model of boat and perhaps post a picture... You can add boat info to your profile

[Ex-Calif]

Agree with Mark. Too little input.

Cracking usually means flexing. Cracking is not the normal state of things. Flexing is not the normal state of things. Something is wrong...

[hellosailor]

I'd bet that whatever the shroud is attached to has come loose, and is trying to rip through the deck. Catastrophic failure if it does.

[AnchorageGuy]

"Star" cracks are usually indicative of stress cracks in the gelcoat, but it is hard to tell without seeing them. These can be found even on brand new boats any time the area flexes and the gel is stressed since it is so stiff. This can be and usually is minor and cosmetic. However, the flexing should be resolved if possible. You really need a good fiberglass person take a look at it and determine the extent and the necessary repairs.

[hellosailor]

Chuck-
I'd agre with you, in that "star" cracks usually mean something hit the deck and the gelcoat was shattering off the FRP underneath from the point impact. But when the center of the star (center of the cracks) is a SHROUD...we all know the shroud didn't make an impact strike. The chainplate or other material that the shroud is attached to must (MUST) be striking the FPR from below, in order to make that crack. That would indicate either the rigging had been impacted hard enough to displace the chainplate, or the chainplate was pulling free of the bulkhead, to me.

Could just be someone whacked the boat and the chainplate "struck up" at the deck. Could be something far worse, either one needs to be looked into. I was riding an Olsen (sp?) 911 that got t-boned, and we didn't seem badly damaged at the time. After the race and the haul...the owner got rid or the boat. Bulkheads shifted, tabbing broke, all sorts of un-obvious things shifted from that one strike. Major insurance repairs, and he just didn't want to know what else they missed. All from one strike, which didn't really seem that bad if you took a look at it.

[GordMay]

A couple of earlier discussions may be of interest:

“A Primer on Fiberglass Construction”
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ction-619.html

GELCOAT CRAZING:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...t-1-a-944.html