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Oscar,

Not normally a structural issue.

Gelcoat cracks show up at stress risers (corners) and at impact sites. Generally, reinforced polyester laminates are more tolerant of flex than the gelcoat is.

Over time, microcracking within a resin rich laminate (wet layup) makes the boat slightly more flexible (not to a level that causes concern). Add in buffing and polishing that makes the gelcoat thinner over time and cracking becomes more common.

If cracking shows up in the middle of a panel, look for a stress riser behind the panel. Could be a bulkhead or other interior structure.

Overall, gelcoat cracking is like wrinkles on our bodies - evidence of "experience".

Some folks go after them with dremel tools and gelcoat repair kits, but that's expensive and there's a real art to matching faded gelcoat. At some point it's time for th $20,000 awlgrip "face lift".

Bottom line, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Larry

Melelana
Catalina 42 # 175
1990 3cbn, wk

Solomons, MD