damage under gunwales

[Iced-D]

After two months of ownership (in removing downriggers from Burnewiin mounts on both sides of a new 2025 Gulfstream), I got down on the deck below the gunwales and, looking up, was troubled to see delamination (moisture damage?) under both gunwales. See pics.

I'm not even sure what I'm looking at, and I don't know why any exposed material would be used that could fail so quickly. Is this material installed at the G-W factory, or could it have been added by the dealer? I will be taking this problem up with the dealer, but I'm posting here first to get your thoughts.

 

[DennisG01]

That's fiberglass - that's how it was built. Bad glass layup - but depending on the extent of it, it may really just be cosmetic. It will be interesting to see what you hear from your dealer after they get in touch with GW. But, there's nothing inherently structurally wrong with the exposed end in this situation - it's still plastic, in the end. But it's sloppy.

 

[Fishtales]

I agree with Dennis but I'd bring it up to GW and see what they say. Could get an opinion from a local glass guy. Maybe there is something they can do if it bothers you.

 

[Iced-D]

That's fiberglass - that's how it was built. Bad glass layup - but depending on the extent of it, it may really just be cosmetic. It will be interesting to see what you hear from your dealer after they get in touch with GW. But, there's nothing inherently structurally wrong with the exposed end in this situation - it's still plastic, in the end. But it's sloppy.

Thanks. Helpful info for my communication with the dealer.

 

[Iced-D]

I agree with Dennis but I'd bring it up to GW and see what they say. Could get an opinion from a local glass guy. Maybe there is something they can do if it bothers you.

I didn't see it until I unplugged the electrical power from the downriggers. But I don't know enough to be comfortable that over the years moisture wouldn't make it worse.

 

[SkunkBoat]

its just something you are not supposed to see. There are plenty of places on your boat that look like that.. its nothing.

 

[Fishtales]

The layers look well wetted with resin. I wouldn't be worried, but I'd let GW know. The QC people may have to slap some folks around a bit....

 

[Iced-D]

its just something you are not supposed to see. There are plenty of places on your boat that look like that.. its nothing.

I've e-mailed pictures and a description to the dealer. They'll forward to G-W. Have to say I'll be disappointed if G-W thinks that's meeting their build-quality standards.