Hi, finally got around to work on my own boat, a 2008 Doral outboard, and found this next to the motor, should I be worried? Is it just a surface crack or will water get in? It's a quarter inch above the water level.
It's just a flex crack in the gel coat but it may worsen and allow moisture in. The transom in older boats is generally wood so it's not a good thing in the long run. Doral closed for good last year after many years of financial struggles.
The boat only has 40hours on it, and it's only in the water 3 months a year. So I just sealed it up with some spray can rubber sealant for now, and will keep a close eye on it. Thanks Rick for the info... Too bad Doral used to make great boats
It looks to me like that tie down eye might have been bolted in too tight and caused the stress crack. Make sure you seal well around it both outside and on the inside of the transom. I doubt you'll ever have a problem with it.