5 Signs Your Boat Needs Fiberglass Repair (And What Happens If You Wait) In New Bern, NC

I'll never forget the call I got last spring from a boat owner. "It's just a small crack," he said. "Been there for two seasons. Should I worry about it?"

When I arrived to look at his boat, that "small crack" had turned into a spider web of damage spreading across the hull. What could've been a $300 repair two years ago was now a $2,500 job.

After 15+ years repairing boats, I've seen this scenario play out dozens of times. Boat owners notice something small, figure it can wait until next season, and end up with a much bigger (and more expensive) problem.

So, let's talk about the warning signs that your boat needs fiberglass repair—and what actually happens when you ignore them.

Fiberglass boat repair New Bern NC: when to call a pro (before it gets expensive) If you already know you want a pro to look at it, start here: fiberglass and gelcoat repair in New Bern, NC.

1. Spider Cracks in the Gelcoat

What they look like: Thin, hairline cracks that spread out like a spider web, usually around stress points like cleats, through-hulls, or anywhere the hull flexes.

Why they happen: These are stress cracks. They form when the fiberglass underneath flexes more than the rigid gelcoat can handle. They're especially common on older boats or after impacts.

The danger: Here's what most people don't realize—spider cracks aren't just cosmetic. They're the gelcoat telling you there's stress or movement in the fiberglass underneath.

Left alone, water seeps into those cracks. In our Eastern NC climate, that water gets into the fiberglass laminate. Then the sun heats it up, it expands, and those small cracks become bigger cracks. Eventually, you're looking at delamination—where the fiberglass layers separate.

What I've seen happen: A boat owner had spider cracks around his bow cleat. "I'll fix it when I haul out for bottom paint," he said. Six months later, the entire area had to be ground out and re-laminated because water had gotten between the layers. Cost went from $200 to $1,800.

The fix: Catch them early, more on what we do and what to expect here: gelcoat repair and color matching. We can repair spider cracks in a few hours. We grind them out, re-laminate if needed, and refinish with color-matched gelcoat. Quick, relatively inexpensive, and prevents major damage.

2. Soft Spots on the Deck or Hull

What they feel like: Press on your deck or hull. Does it flex more than it should? Feel spongy? That's a soft spot.

Why they happen: Water intrusion. Usually from a crack, failed sealant, or hardware that wasn't properly bedded. The water gets into the core material (often plywood or foam) and causes rot or deterioration.

The danger: This is serious. A soft spot means your boat's structural integrity is compromised. The core material is what gives your deck or hull its strength and rigidity.

I had a customer who ignored a soft spot near his helm for three years. When we finally opened it up, the entire section of plywood core had turned to mush. What started as a 2-foot square problem had spread to a 6-foot section.

What happens if you wait: Soft spots don't heal themselves. They spread. And the repair gets exponentially more expensive as the damaged area grows.

The fix: We cut out the damaged section, if you’re seeing flexing or spongy areas, check out structural fiberglass repair options. Dry everything thoroughly, replace the core material, re-laminate, and refinish. It's not a fun repair, but it's necessary. And catching it early makes a massive difference in cost.

3. Gelcoat Chips and Gouges (Especially Below the Waterline)

What they look like: Chunks of gelcoat missing, deep scratches, or gouges that expose the white fiberglass underneath.

Why they happen: Impacts with docks, pilings, other boats, or underwater obstacles. They're almost inevitable if you boat regularly.

The danger: Above the waterline, gelcoat damage is mostly cosmetic (though it does make your boat look rough). Below the waterline? That's a different story.

Exposed fiberglass below the waterline absorbs water like a sponge. This is called osmotic blistering or "boat pox." Once water gets into the laminate, it causes blisters, delamination, and structural damage.

Real example: A boat owner had a gouge on his hull from a dock collision. "I'll deal with it next year," he said. By the time he hauled out, the area around the gouge was covered in blisters. The repair cost tripled because we had to treat the blistering in addition to fixing the original damage.

The fix: Gelcoat repair is one of our specialties. We fill the damage, fair it smooth, and color-match the gelcoat perfectly (yes, even metal flake finishes—we've never missed a color match). Below the waterline, we also apply barrier coat to prevent water intrusion.

4. Cracks Around Hardware or Through-Hulls

What they look like: Cracks radiating out from cleats, rails, through-hulls, or other hardware mounting points.

Why they happen: Stress. Every time you tie up to a cleat or put load on a rail, that stress has to go somewhere. If the fiberglass wasn't reinforced properly (or if the backing plate failed), cracks form.

The danger: Two problems here. First, the cracks themselves allow water intrusion. Second, the hardware is no longer securely mounted—which is a safety issue.

I've seen cleats pull completely out of decks because the cracks weakened the surrounding area. Imagine that happening when you're tied up in rough weather.

What happens if you wait: The cracks spread, more water gets in, and eventually the hardware fails completely. Then you're looking at a much bigger repair that involves re-coring and re-glassing the entire area.

The fix: We remove the hardware, repair and reinforce the fiberglass, properly bed the hardware with marine sealant, and add backing plates if needed. It's the right way to do it. We also do mobile boat repair at your dock or driveway for smaller hardware-area fixes.

5. Visible Delamination or Bubbling

What it looks like: The fiberglass surface looks wavy, bubbled, or like layers are separating. You might see white patches or areas where the gelcoat has lifted.

Why it happens: Water got between the fiberglass layers, usually through cracks or failed hardware. Heat from the sun causes that trapped water to expand, pushing the layers apart.

The danger: This is advanced damage. Delamination means your boat's structural strength is seriously compromised.

The reality check: I had a customer last year who bought a used boat with "a little bubbling" on the transom. When we opened it up, the entire transom core was rotted and the fiberglass was delaminated. The transom had to be completely rebuilt. Cost: $8,000+.

If he'd caught it earlier—when it was just a small crack letting water in—the repair would've been under $500.

The fix: We have to cut out all the damaged material, dry everything completely, replace core if needed, re-laminate properly, and refinish. It's extensive work, but it's the only way to restore structural integrity. If you’re not sure whether it’s cosmetic or structural, start with a free repair estimate.

If you’re seeing any of these warning signs, it’s usually cheaper (and faster) to fix it early—before water intrusion, spreading cracks, or a soft spot turns a small repair into a bigger project. If you’re searching for fiberglass boat repair New Bern NC, we can take a look and tell you exactly what’s going on, what it’ll take to fix it, and what happens if you wait.

The Bottom Line: Small Problems Become Big Problems

Here's what I tell every boat owner: fiberglass damage doesn't get better with time. It only gets worse. And it gets worse fast in our Eastern NC environment with the sun, salt, and humidity.

The pattern I see constantly:

• Year 1: Small crack, $200-400 repair

• Year 2: Crack has spread, water intrusion started, $800-1,200 repair

• Year 3: Delamination, core damage, $2,000-5,000+ repair

The boat owners who save the most money are the ones who call me when they first notice something wrong.

What To Do If You Spot These Signs

Step 1: Don't panic, but don't ignore it either.

Step 2: Take photos and note when you first noticed the damage.

Step 3: Get a professional assessment. Request a free estimate. We offer free estimates and can tell you exactly what you're dealing with and what it'll cost to fix.

Step 4: Make a plan. Some repairs need to happen immediately (anything affecting structural integrity or below the waterline). Others can wait until your next haul-out, but they shouldn't wait indefinitely.

A Quick Story about Prevention

Last month, a boat owner called me about a tiny gelcoat chip on his bow. "Is this worth fixing?" he asked. "It's so small."

I drove out to look at it. The chip was maybe the size of a quarter. I could've told him not to worry about it and saved myself the trip.

Instead, I repaired it on the spot. Took about an hour. Cost him $250.

Two weeks later, he called me back. "I was talking to a guy at the marina," he said. "He had the same chip three years ago and didn't fix it. Now he's spending $3,000 on fiberglass repair."

That's the difference. Small problems, fixed early, stay small problems.

Your Boat is an Investment—Protect it

Whether you're in New Bern, Havelock, or anywhere in Craven or Pamlico County, your boat faces tough conditions. Sun, salt, humidity, storms—it all takes a toll on fiberglass and gelcoat.

The good news? Most damage is repairable if you catch it early. The key is paying attention to these warning signs and acting on them before they become major problems.

Got a crack, soft spot, or damage you're wondering about? Let's take a look. We offer free estimates, and I'll give you an honest assessment of what needs to be fixed now versus what can wait.

Contact Riptide Boat Repair:

• Call or text: 252-229-9869

• Visit: www.riptideboatrepair.com

• Location: 115 N First Ave, New Bern, NC

We serve New Bern, Havelock, Craven County, and Pamlico County. Mobile service available—we can come to your dock or driveway.

Have questions about fiberglass repair? Drop a comment below or give us a call. After 15+ years fixing boats, I've probably seen (and fixed) whatever you're dealing with.