310 aft bulhead

[madmac]

2004 Catalina 310 is showing separation of the rounded corner molding from the bulkhead. This screams "I may have a problem here." New to me boat that was surveyed without mention of this. I didn't initially see it either but noticed it after a 150 mile trip along Long Island sound. Can't believe I would not have seen this till now, but I cannot swear to it. The boat has a clean history with no hard groundings or crashes that I am ware of. There is no sign of water intrusion or soft deck, but it is underneath port hatch cover frame. The crack starts at about 1/16" at top and bottom and opens to about 3/16" in the center. It does not seem to affect opening and closing the head door.
Has anyone seen this or have any suggestions on how to investigate?
Thanks for any input.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Find out how it is built and just glue it back together. I believe you are over reacting to issues any 20 year old boat would have.

 

[madmac]

Thanks for your comments

 

[Ward H]

I agree with Stu. It’s not structural. The trim is just bowed a little in the middle and the factory glue did not hold it. Maybe the trim was cut a bit long forcing the bow. Can you easily push it back into place? If not you may want to remove it, sand off a smidge of length, then glue it back into.

 

[madmac]

Thanks Ward. More of the type input I was looking for. My concern was that it may be structural and only showed after some hard sailing. I will admit that the only thing I know about Catalina construction is what I have read and learned from owners. I still think it is a solid production boat with a good reputation and a good boat for the money. And, yes, it is a 20 year old boat, but the newest sailboat I have ever owned. My first boat was a 1964 Alberg 30. I imagine its still out there sailing to a stiff breeze.

Regards and safe sailing