I am in the process of buying a larger boat (have small deposit down but have not yet committed). Everything is in pristine condition on the interior and exterior. The only rub is the health of the keel bolts (they are quite rusty) - its priced super well. Some rust is to be expected as it's a 1975, but I do think this sat with water in the bilge for some time, and I don't think there has ever been a refit. There is absolutely 0 Catalina smile and the exterior of the keel looks great. Sanded and painted every year, sits dry over the winter. No softness around the interior bolts. Brackish water.
Are these a dealbreaker for you all? I know Catalina sells a refit kit w/ lag bolts that penetrate into the keel. Curious if you have ever dealt with something like this and/or undergone a true refit (new bolts, removing the wooden core, glassing that area). Losing a keel would be a real PITA in addition to a huge safety hazard (sailing in pretty light waters + wind). Though presently, I'd be a lot more worried about circular cracking around the bolts themselves, potentially indicating the wood is rotted out. I've never heard of one of these boats losing a keel.
Are these a dealbreaker for you all? I know Catalina sells a refit kit w/ lag bolts that penetrate into the keel. Curious if you have ever dealt with something like this and/or undergone a true refit (new bolts, removing the wooden core, glassing that area). Losing a keel would be a real PITA in addition to a huge safety hazard (sailing in pretty light waters + wind). Though presently, I'd be a lot more worried about circular cracking around the bolts themselves, potentially indicating the wood is rotted out. I've never heard of one of these boats losing a keel.
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