I was checking a out cat for sale nearby and noticed cracks on the back end of the hulls where the rudder castings attach (gudgeons?). The cracks appear only to be surface cracks...........maybe the gelcoat? I am not sure how best to describe them. I am assuming this may be a cat to stay away from. I am not really sure exactly what I should be looking at or if I should run away from this boat. Any advice would be appreciated.

Have a nice day,

Walter

Is it a H16? Are the cracks in the lip? If yes to both it's not a problem.

If the cracks are in the stern where the gudgeons attach I'd walk.

It is an TheMightyHobie18 and yes, the cracks are in the stern where the gudgeons attach, but they appear to be minor.

Like always, depends upon price. A couple of access portals + fiberglass + resin can do a lot!

Gelcoat cracks generally aren't a problem, but in this high load area they could be a sign of a structural problem, particularly if they are radiating from the gudgeons/pintles.

Have a good look inside to confirm suspicions and see if it is repairable. There should be a large stiff backing plate of some description.

I agree. Plus, you should be able to use the cracks to negotiate the price lower.

Well, I decided not to buy the boat. I would prefer to keep looking and find a cat in which hull integrity would not be an issue. I am still attempting to make contact with the owner of the Prindle 18 that I looked at several weeks ago. Yes, it had minor defects with the mainsail and needed a new tramp and rigging, but the hulls were in fantastic shape. At any rate, I appreciate the input from the fine people on this forum. I know I will be asking other questions in the future................hopefully not questions that are too dumb. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Thanks,

Walter