Bilge de-lamination problem

[Bob Zaki]

How big of a problem is the following? Model Catalina 30, 1978. I noticed a de-lamination problem in the front area of the bilge (At the point where the head stops and the bilge begins). You can see wood under the mast support 4x4 in the bilge. It smells pretty bad. I just noticed this, as I bought the boat this year. Any suggestions?

 

[Bob Lufkin]

I think you have the makings of a real problem. I just got my 84 C 30 last week and that was the first thing I checked. What did your surveyor say about it? That is the compression post holding up the mast. I think it has to be dried out and replaced with solid wood asap. But I am only a newbie and others may know more.

 

[Tom]

wood block

This problem's been covered many times on the C30 email list on Sailnet. Basically it involves replacing the existing wood block under the compression post with an oak block that's been epoxy coated. Some have replaced the block while the mast was up, but reduce the tension in the stays/shrouds first. Recent discussion on the email list included possibly using a non-cellulose product instead of oak, but many have had success with oak. Epoxy-coating the oak will prevent rot in the future, as would preventing water from standing in the bilge (fix all leaks, install dripless shaft seal, etc.).

 

[Ed]

I have learned all about this

A common problem with lots of help on the sailnet email archives (just one month ago) and and on the archives of this site. Look for "mast" + "decompression".I included a link with a scematic.I have started working on my block. It turns out that in the '87 C30's, it is a bunch of plywood boards stacked. It looks like only the top two boards are actually wet. Haven't decided yet what my strategy for repair is going to be. I may just drill and chip out the top section and replace with epoxy and either nylon blocks, or a hardwood.The cause of the problem is also moisture coming down from the mast step where the wires come through. I wish the previous owner had told me to keep the mast step covered in the winter to prevent water dripping. It looked sealed up, but I believe this was the source of my grief.Good luckEd