Big crack between windows on Catalina 470

[Popeye18292]

Hello everyone,This crack is in the aft head area of a 1999 Catalina 470.Does anybody else have a similar crack on their Catalina ?What do you think could have caused this problem ?What has Catalina done to eliminate this problem on newer boats ?Happy New Year 2006

 

[Bob W.]

That Crack

"PopEye--" In looking at your photo, I notice that the bulkhead panel has moved to the left slightly disclosing what appears to be a small hole. Did you move the panel to disclose that crack and hole? How far behind the panel does the crack extend? Has the crack been there since you acquired the boat or has it happened recently. Judging by what I can see, it appears that an attempt has been to repair that crack prior to the textured interior coat being sprayed on. That crack would have to occurred from pressure from the outside laterally inward. Has there been haul-outs where a sling was placed on the exterior hull at that point? Does the crack exist on the exterior side or only on the liner as we see it? One of the tricks of the trade in manufacturing when a crack developes is to drill a hole at one or both ends of the crack to prevent its gaining further length. Thats what this appears to look like. If that panel was moved back in position, is there a screw that goes thru a flange on the panel into that hole? Sorry for all the questions needed before we can get answers.

 

[Tom S]

I would take that picture and call Catalina

and ask them thier thoughts on that crack. (I would specifically ask for Gerry Douglas and send him that pic) Is it only on the inside? Pretty sure all that area in these Catalina's are an internal headliner. I can't tell from the picture but it looks as if some of the headliner has shifted ?? As was previously asked, have you owned this boat since new? When was this first noted? ...lots of questions

 

[Tom S]

I would also ask other C470 owners

Go here and post and ask all these same questions you have. (its the C470 specific list on sailnet) I'm sure they'd have some input.http://list.sailnet.net/read/?forum=c470 Also try emailing rfrizzelle@aol.com at the Catalina 470 National Association

 

[Popeye18292]

Re: That Crack

Actually this isn't my boat. I just placed an order for a 470 with 3 staterooms and then saw this on an older boat with 2 staterooms that the same dealer has for sale. I intend to write to Catalina too but they won't be back to work until Tuesday.I didn't move anything to take the picture and don't know how long the crack has been there. I think the glass window extends forward to the side of the shower stall so you'll have to look through the glass to see this crack from the outside.Thanks for your inputs.

 

[Big Windy]

Catalina

Here's their corp number: 818-884-7700