Catalina 30 mkii 1989 (built November 1988) serial number 5578, Fiberglass or Wood Core Keel?

[Marty1]

Hi,
Newbie here from Massachusetts. I am considering buying a Catalina mkii 30.

I have a questions about the keel and the Catalina Smile. I have looked at this boat in the water and have not been able to see the keel. There was a survey done a year ago when the boat was out of the water and there was no mention of keel problems.

This boat has stainless steel keel boats that appear to be in good condition visually. I did not check them for torque when I looked at the boat. The owner did say it does have the "catalina smile" on the shoal wing keel. Maybe it is only cosmetic and not a real worry?

Based on some internet sleuthing, any boat made after serial number 5397 should be a fully fiberglass keel. Since this boat was made in November of 1988 with serial number 5578 (181 boats after the cutoff), and considered a 1989, it "should" be a fiberglass keel with no wood core.

Can anyone confirm that is does not does not have wood in the keel? I am ready to make an offer on this boat so a quick answer is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Are you referring to the wood Catalina used to support the mast post step?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

My 94 wing keel had some cracking around the keel joint. I ground it down and found it to be superficial. There were also some voids in the lead which were filled in with thickened epoxy injected with a syringe.

 

[jssailem]

You ask a good question. Welcome to SBO. I would make a contingent offer if the boat looks good to you and you feel the price is fair for what you are buying.

The contingency is designed to let you and the seller move forward in the deal, with the process involving inspections to ensure that what the seller is saying is acceptable to you upon inspection. Typical contingencies include Auxiliary motor inspection, Hull inspection out of the water (this would give you the chance to look at the keel and get out of the deal with your deposit returned if the keel is not as represented.

The owner did say it does have the "Catalina smile" on the shoal wing keel.

), Surveyor inspection, rigging inspection, and a seatrial. If the boat fails on any of the inspections, you can renegotiate the price or walk away and get your deposit back.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ask this question on C30 'sites, you'll get more boat=specific responses from people who have a C30.

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This comes from this sbo thread by weekendrken:

1992 Catalina 30

Also: www.catalina30.com

 

[Alan Gomes]

Are you referring to the wood Catalina used to support the mast post step?

Catalina used wood in the keel stub until the end of 1987, possibly into '88. His stub *should* have no wood. My 1987 *did* have wood in the keel stub. Fortunately, mine had no leaks or other problems. (The bilge on that boat was always bone dry.)

And yes, there is also a wooden mast compression block, which is a separate issue.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Catalina used wood in the keel stub until the end of 1987, possibly into '88. His stub *should* have no wood. My 1987 *did* have wood in the keel stub. Fortunately, mine had no leaks or other problems. (The bilge on that boat was always bone dry.)

And yes, there is also a wooden mast compression block, which is a separate issue.

Thanks. Hard to tell to which the OP was referring. Suspect we’ll never know…

 

[KCofKC]

Marty, Michael Dupin could be a good resource for you as he is the current Mainsheet tech editor for the C-30. He can be reached at dupin.catalina30@yahoo.com There is also an online group as mentioned above. The term "Catalina Smile" is some what a misnomer actually it is not unique to any brand. It is generally caused by running aground or not being cradled or trailer-ed properly or could be as simple as the original bedding compound is deteriorating. If you check in side of the keel sump and it is dry, nothing looks cracked or broken, in almost all cased the keel bolts should be torqued to the proper torque values you could simply clean, fill and fair it next time it is out. Do check for any shifting or cracking inside. like others mentioned there should be nothing but f/glass for the keel, do check for a wooden block at the mast support butt. There are groups like this one, a FB and I think a yahoo group and the Mainsheet which is a concentration of the specific model you have and have more intricate knowledge of the boat, warts and all. The offer with a contingency and survey is an excellent one as well. Good luck with your prospective purchase. Ken Cox