Steve K wrote:No...... if it was release wax, it wouldn't be all over the ballast valve.
I smell a dead fish here.
The gelcoat problems can be solved, but that crack really bugs me. Where, exactly, is it. It looks superficial (not structural). But still, to crack the gelcoat that way, this boat has taken a pretty good blow in that part of the hull, or it is a natural stress point in the design.
I helped a dealer show one of these M boats, early last year(as in boat show). I think it was actually hull #2, but not positive. I have to say, this boat was very nice, both in fit and finish. I've seen both X and M boats lined up in MacGregor's parking lot. I always look these boats over, when I'm there and in general, production quality has looked pretty good.
I've never seen a new boat with the wax residue all over it, like that and I've seen a couple Mac hulls right after they were popped out of the mold. Perhaps they were buffed out before I saw them, but I'm talking bare hulls on the production line. They both looked beautiful. I could have used them for a shaving mirror.
I would have bought your boat, but I would have either made sure I got a deep discount, or made sure the dealer would fix the problems. This must be in writing, of course. (and perhaps you've done this, if so great, but if not, don't worry too much)
I would say
(and this is pure speculation) that the problems with your boat were caused, either in shipping or by a lot boy who isn't very good at moving a trailer around the dealer's lot (bump, ding, oops). I think an attempt to buff the entire boat has been made (and I say attempt, because whoever did it had no idea what they were doing). This is evident by the swirl marks you mention. I don't think they regularly do this at the factory, but not sure. However, a buff job at the factory would be done by a detail man, who knows what he's doing, ergo no swirl marks. Why was the boat, being brand new, buffed out? Well, one reason I can think of is that a nearby building was painted, while the boat was sitting outside. Overspray from careless painters settled on the boat and had to be removed. (see any specks of paint anywhere? is that wax residue in the nonskid areas of the boat, or overspray?)
If you get to the point where you are actually repairing these problems yourself, do read my article on gelcoat repair in the featured articles section. Also feel free to e-mail me directly. I can give you some tips on the proper equipment and methods for buffing gelcoat and cleaning that wax residue out of the non-skid areas. A big mistake I've seen, even dealers make it to try to buff out a boat while it's sitting out in the sun. You'll get swirl marks every time.
Anyway.... this and more...... let me know if you need some help.
SK
MacX#1374
All I know is the surface is not glass smooth that I would expect. Rough feeling..not quite like sandpaper..but doesn't feel right either. There is more to the story I am sure (dealer/shipper/factory damage)
