I have a 2005 model wakeboard boat that I bought new last year. I don't feel the need to mention brand for fear of starting another "brand X is crap" thread. <BR> <BR>When I bought it literally off the showroom floor last year, I didn't notice it but there are two areas where the the gelcoat looks kind of like oxidation. It's not oxidation, but where the black was not spayed thick enough in the mold and white is showing through a little. The most noticeable area is about 3" x 4" and you have to stand within about 2 feet to see it. <BR> <BR>I asked the dealer to have it fixed under warranty while I was out of town. I was suprised that this did not happen and was told that a factory rep looked at it and recommended not to fix it for fear of creating other problems such as orange peel". It's right above the rub rail and some of the area could be difficult to get right I guess. <BR> <BR>Now, I try to be reasonable about these things but this is a $50K boat that I bought new. I understand that these boats are handmade and I admit that my hull has less imperfections some of the brand new 06' models still on the floor. But if I paid this kind of money for a car, you bet it would be fixed. <BR> <BR>Has anyone else had this issue and what was done about it? Is it common? I wonder how much it depreciates the value of the boat? <BR> <BR>I'll also add that I have had my share of issues with my boat and the dealer has bent over backwards to fix them and gave me a great price on the boat in the first place.

Don't look at the profile if you want to know what brand "X" really is. <BR> <BR>Ask to speak to the factory rep who told them not to fix it. Seems to be on the MFG now since your dealer has done everything they could to make you happy, including trying to resolve the gelcoat problem.

Flux, <BR> <BR>I figured the post would keep people objective that wanted to be objective. <BR> <BR>The dealer said "they would try to fix it if I insisted on it, but that the factory rep recommended I leave it alone". "That the factory would not even want to touch it much less send it to a local shop".

Do you know any good paint guys that could possibly take a look at it? Check the austin website 360wakeboard.com...wouldn't hurt to have soemone else look at it if it was a big deal to you.

Sorry Chad, I usually check out people's profile pics because I am always curious of location and what kind of boat they have etc. <BR> <BR>The rep may be correct in thinking that the cure could be worse than the sickness. I have some off center stickers put on at the dealer, nobody ever noticed but me, and I always look at it and it makes me nuts, but I am not shelling out the coin to fix it. <BR> <BR>Hopefully folks will be objective still. gelcoat and color problems could happen on any brand really.

I had the same issue with my Moomba in a couple of places towards the bottom of the hull. I went to a couple of gel specialists, and they told me to leave it alone. I was told that it was an air/gas pocket in the gel, and it wouldn't be worth it to try and fix.

Could it be Malibu!

I've toured 3 boat manufacturing plants, 2 tournament boat factories in TN, and one I/O factory. Every <b>boat</b> has gel defects coming out of the mold that must be repaired by hand. Final finish depends on the eye of the inspector and the ability of the person assigned to the repair. The dark colors are much more sensitive to seeing flaws. That is why most of the I/O boats come in white and other light color variations. They don't want to spend the $ to get it right. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by mobv on June 21, 2006)