[Paddlewise] Sound of one hull cracking...

I recently purchased a new Carbon/Kevlar Nordkapp which was probably 
made in 95 or 96.  It did have a few minor star shaped cracks in it 
from prior demos, but was in new condition. 

I have only launched the boat from knee deep water till this weekend, 
when I took it to the beach where I "Seal Launched" of the sand into 
1 foot seas. The action of flexing the hull from sitting on the sand, 
then lifting the boat has created huge cracks in the clear gelcote. 
The cracks are 3 or 4 feet long and substantial enough to have flakes 
of gelcote fall out.

In addition there are other worsening cracks in the the deck above 
the rear bulkhead.

This sounds like a defective gelcote? When I press on the hull, I 
hear the sound of one hull cracking! 

Before I ream Valley a new orafice, I wonder if anyone has any 
comments or suggestions. I have not experienced anything similar with 
either my Seda Impulse or Falcon 16. I had heard that Valley had 
received some misinformation about working with Carbon/Kevlar and it 
seems that the Gelcote doesn't have the flexibility required by the 
hull and deck and it seems to shatter as if it were made of glass.

I really love the boat and am just starting to get comfortable with 
it.  Thanks for the input. I am going to request a new boat if they 
don't have a magical solution.

Cya
Bob Denton
Gulf Stream International
Boynton Beach, Florida
Internet Web Site Development
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