I purchased a new 2008 Beneteau 40. This was an upgrade from my Oceanis 390, which was probably the finest boat I ever owned. I like the boat. Its easy to sail singlehanded and sails well, roomy, and has navionics to die for. However, its been a quality control nightmare. My dealer has been very good at getting things fixed, but the very fact that it left the factory with these kind of problems is quite amazing.
My last "issue" is the subject of this query. Shortly after delivery I noticed some "hairline" cracks in the gelcoat. The first appeared on the curved part of the deck on the starboard aft side in the curved part as it accends toward the cockpit. There were also several cracks begining to appear in various areas of the cockpit to include the cockpit table access doors.These were very noticeable and were actually cracked entirely through the doors. The dealer replaced the doors, and declared that we should "keep an eye on the other ones". I agreed with this assessment since they were barely noticeable. At this time we also noticed a small "chip" (very small) on the non-skid decking just outboard of the starboard helm on the flat part. It looked as if someone stabbed it with a sharp object from below. A crack was begining to appear, but again it was very small. I could only think that a wayward line with a shackle perhaps smacked it.
Long story short, the cracks have further materialized and more have appeared in the cockpit. The one on the decking now lhas completely spiderwebed and looks as if you droped a wrench on a mirror. I then looked at the port side and it became clear that it was right over the aft bulkhead on both sides. It was not rocket science to conclude that the deck was "pressed" into position over a bulhead that was too high. The commissioning boatyard and Beneteau themselves came to the same conclusion without my input.
To relate Beneteau's solution, and who is to pay for it is probably inappropriate at this time, but my limited research thus far has turned up others that have this problem. My guess is that there are more to come as well as the boat is still relatively new. The initial cracks appeared very quickly after delivery, but took about a year to develop to point that I knew this would be an issue.
I would suggest that owners check these areas. I would also appreciate knowing if this has been a problem for anyone else.
Thank you!
Charles
