85 Catalina 30 Cockpit delamination

[Dan Barrera]

I am in the process of buying my first boat, and saw an 85 Catalina 30 which appeared to be in decent shape consdering the age of the boat except for two items. I would really appreciate your comments as it will likely play a big part in whether I ultimately go through with the deal. The owner is asking $28,4001.There is a soft area in the cockpit floor in front of the companionway where it appears that a rectangle shaped area of the cockpit floor has separated from the fiberglass core. It is approximately 2 foot by 1 1/2 feet in dimensions. The owner stated he never noticed it before which causes me even more conceRn because who knows what else he has missed. IS THIS A BIG OR EXPENSIVE REPAIR?2.The diesel has been overhauled and appears in otherwise good condition however I was told that it was reinstalled raised up so that water wouldnt get into the exhaust. As a result, the access panel under the seat cover has been cut out and a plastic panel put in its place it accomodate the higher sitting engine. HAS ANYONE heard of this before? It is a 21 HP Universal. Thanks for your responses.

 

[John Finch]

Engine raised?

Dan:I can't address the delamination problem, but the engine is Universal M-25xp engine is factory installed with the cut-out you described in the access panel. What you need to do is get a professional survey before you buy any boat.Good luck,John Finch, s/v Doxology

 

[John C. Bollinger]

I have the same engine...

Hello Dan,I have a 83 C30 with the same engine.Be sure to get a survey...If there is a soft area in the cockpit floor that is big as you say it is that is about 40% of the floor, it would make me worry that it was never noticed...and as you say what else was missed.As far as the diesel being raised up so that water wouldnt get into the exhaust. There is only so much room to "raise" the engine and still maintain proper shaft alignment. If you look at the engine it probably doesn't have much clearance under the oil pan, how much lower could it have been?? As far as the access panel under the seat cover being cut out and a,(fiber glass)plastic panel put in its place it accomodate the higher sitting engine. I have the same thing, I think you would find this is common.My mechanic or someone else told me that this is due to the transition from the Atomic 4 engine to the MP25 which is a larger engine, this insert provided a little extra room over the top of the engine. Be sure to do yourself a favor and get a good survey, nothing is cheap or easy to fix when you want to go sailing.There are tons of C30's for sale so take your time and look around to compare prices and options, oh and one more thing, they sure do sail great!!Best of luckJack"Hey Jude"# 3155

 

[Rob Rich]

I agree, Survey

Got a survey on my boat last year before I bought it, found all kinds of stuff that needed work. I used an accredited surveyor, and even he missed a couple of small items. Can't imagine what I would have been in for if I didn't get it surveyed.Anyway, I think you may be able to drive the price of the boat down a good bit. The guy "not noticing" the soft cockpit means one of two things a. he is not a sharp skipper, and the boat is gonna need some work, or b.) he knew about it and is downplaying it, which indicates deceit. Either way, you will need an expert, as people can hide many of a boat's ills if they realy want too. If he doesn't want to have it surveyed, run (don't walk) very fast in the opposite direction. Best of Luck!Robp.s. - any chance that the overhauled engine and the cockpit floor are related, maybe by an engine overheat? Just a thought....

 

[Steve Franklin]

ABSOLUTELY SURVEY

So it'll cost a couple hundred bucks plus the haulout, but it's MUCH cheaper than even one moderate "surprise" repair. Also, have an engine mechanic do a survey of the engine. Mine found a couple of significant, but surprisingly inexpensive do-it-yourself repairs. I had never had a diesel before, so the 2 hours ($90) he charged for was a terrific bargain. I learned a LOT.I agree that if he doesn't want a survey done, run far, run fast and don't look back. There are lots of Catalinas available, but they go fast cuz they're great boats. Good luck!!