Cracking around electronics box

[theclamman]

I've been searching for a used Grady W/A, and I was examining a 1994 Adventure 208 yesterday. The boat itself seemed to be in very good shape, almost no spider cracking, only 2 minor chips in the gelcoat.

However, I did notice some significant cracks in the corners of the electronics box on the Starboard side. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures, however there were 2 main cracks that concerned me. The first crack was on the top starboard edge of the electronicss box, and it went entirely through the fiberglass, it was about 2" long and the separation was about 1/16th of an inch. You could easily pass a nickle through the crack from the interior of the electronics box to the outside. It almost seemed like the fiberglass shrunk and ripped apart. The second crack was on the bottom starboard edge of the electrical box where it meets top of the dash, directly below crack number 1, and it was about the same size.

What concerns me is the large separation in the crack, and the fact that it looks like the fiberglass was ripped apart. I realize this area isn't structural, however it is molded into the walk-around's top skin, and I am concerned about what stress may have caused this, or is causing this.

Has anyone ever seen this type of crack in this location before?

Thanks,

 

[BobP]

On a 17 yr old boat you have a lot more to be concerned with that will cost more to repair than you pay for entire boat, and will not appear as spider cracks, but nonetheless, it is possible someone (large) stepped on top and cracked it, or something dropped from above say when garage stored.
The deck is cored but not housing. I have walked on the bridge deck but will not stand on the housing.

And it may have occured many years ago and since unsupported over time will go it own way. And you are sure it is not a saw cut? Perhaps for sqeezing some too big electronics in there by prying t open a bit?

Whoever is selling boat should find out, have you asked? A very ligitimate question to ask. In my opinion meaningless in value of sale, but still a question and you are a potential buyer.
If boat is repo, more of a need to find out really what is wrong with boat.