I'm considering purchasing a '93 Catalina 320. The boat isn't Bristol but it is pretty good shape overall. Hasn't been sailed hard from all appearances. However, the first thing I noticed when climbing down into the cabin was that the floor (sole?) showed evidence of water damage. The faux teak showed heavy water stains and some warping. The panels had been pulled up at one time (several screws missing), probably to dry it all out. I have yet to get a response from the owner concerning the origin of the water damage. Question: Is there any reason to believe that this damage could have been caused by a structural breach or other problem between keel and hull? I did notice that the the auto bilge pump was not functioning (floatation device was not working). The packing gland is the dripless type. There is no sign that water sat for a long period on the floor since there is no waterline marking on the bulkheads. The engine mounts show some moderate rusting. Anyone think I should be concerned about this problem? Maybe the boat just sat for several months unattended and the bilge overflowed because the bilge pump didn't kick in. That's the best case scenario I think. But how did the water get there in the first place with a dripless packing gland? Any thoughts appreciated. Mark Farley San Diego
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Doubt it was flooded.
My guess (from your description) is that someone left the hatches cracked during a monsoon. The locking mechanism on the hatches permit them to be locked in a ventilating position. Any rain at all will wet the floors when they are left so. As the interior finish is a water based poly, I would expect a week of rain to produce the effect you describe. If the bilge flooded I would expect to see bulkhead damage/watermarks. As for the motor mounts, mine look bad too (2001 model).
My guess (from your description) is that someone left the hatches cracked during a monsoon. The locking mechanism on the hatches permit them to be locked in a ventilating position. Any rain at all will wet the floors when they are left so. As the interior finish is a water based poly, I would expect a week of rain to produce the effect you describe. If the bilge flooded I would expect to see bulkhead damage/watermarks. As for the motor mounts, mine look bad too (2001 model).
Water damage to floor
Mark, Chris' hypothesis is probably right. However, something that happened to me the first year with my 320 was that, while under way, the fresh water line popped off the water heater and started flooding the floor with water (I had left the water pressure switch on). I caught it before it did any damage, but there is easily enough water in the system to flood the whole place. As for the floor boards being pulled up, I seem to remember hearing that the early 320s had a different bilge design that resulted in pockets of water not draining properly. Since the 320 did not come from the factory with a dripless shaft seal, the owner may have been trying to get at this water. An archive search might turn up something.
Mark, Chris' hypothesis is probably right. However, something that happened to me the first year with my 320 was that, while under way, the fresh water line popped off the water heater and started flooding the floor with water (I had left the water pressure switch on). I caught it before it did any damage, but there is easily enough water in the system to flood the whole place. As for the floor boards being pulled up, I seem to remember hearing that the early 320s had a different bilge design that resulted in pockets of water not draining properly. Since the 320 did not come from the factory with a dripless shaft seal, the owner may have been trying to get at this water. An archive search might turn up something.
Ditto
The first year I had my C320, I experienced the same problem with the water line on the heater coming off. Since I had the pressure water CB "on" it just kept pumping water onto the sole, and the bilge pump kept pumping it overboard. Fortunately, I was right there when it started and got things shut down & mopped up quickly. However, if it had been left alone it would have emptied the fresh water tanks and then stopped on it's own, leaving the crew to wonder why the sole was damp! --RonD
The first year I had my C320, I experienced the same problem with the water line on the heater coming off. Since I had the pressure water CB "on" it just kept pumping water onto the sole, and the bilge pump kept pumping it overboard. Fortunately, I was right there when it started and got things shut down & mopped up quickly. However, if it had been left alone it would have emptied the fresh water tanks and then stopped on it's own, leaving the crew to wonder why the sole was damp! --RonD
Water Damage
All the prior posts are certainly reasonable, but I'd find out for sure before the purchase. I assume you'll have a prebuy inspection, the inspector (be sure you get a sailor) should be able to help. At any rate, the water damage should assist in lowering the price...if it is not low now.
All the prior posts are certainly reasonable, but I'd find out for sure before the purchase. I assume you'll have a prebuy inspection, the inspector (be sure you get a sailor) should be able to help. At any rate, the water damage should assist in lowering the price...if it is not low now.
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