Catalina 34 MKii delaminating cabin top around fixed windows.

[cheeseNcrackers]

Hello and thanks in advance for reading. I am looking at a 34mkii and there is some delamination around a few of the fixed windows. Im hoping someone here has a good idea of how these were built and can tell me if this is just the cosmetic liner separating or if this is structural damage? Cheers!

 

[JoeWhite]

It appears to me that it was hit by an other boat.
Take a look on the outside and inside nearby cabinets. Are there additional damage that has not been discovered yet. I would be concerned about this crack.

 

[dlochner]

Most production sailboats are made in 4 big pieces, the hull, the liner, the ceiling liner and the deck. There is a gap between the deck and the ceiling liner. This looks like a crack in the filler between the 2 pieces. Over time, polyester resin and putties tend to shrink a little, that may be at the cause of the crack. Boats also twist and bend due to the forces developed while sailing, that too could cause the crack. The crack is not abnormal nor necessarily indicative of an accident. I wouldn't walk away just because of this crack.

If the boat is otherwise in suitable condition for the price and one you would be interested in, get a survey.

 

[jssailem]

It appears you’re exploring a used boat and found a blemish. Is the window leaking?

A SWAG at the cause: you live in Vermont. If the boat is also in that location it experienced moisture ingress. During the winter freeze the moisture expansion thaw cycle created the separation resulting in the crack.

If the boat, overall, is in good condition. All the systems function normally. The sails are in good shape and the boat design appeals to your eye, I would consider that problem as a minor blemish like the mark of a car door ding on a paint job. Easily buffed out.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

It appears you’re exploring a used boat and found a blemish. Is the window leaking?

A SWAG at the cause: you live in Vermont. If the boat is also in that location it experienced moisture ingress. During the winter freeze the moisture expansion thaw cycle created the separation resulting in the crack.

If the boat, overall, is in good condition. All the systems function normally. The sails are in good shape and the boat design appeals to your eye, I would consider that problem as a minor blemish like the mark of a car door ding on a paint job. Easily buffed out.

I agree. A common problem particularly up north and especially so if boats aren’t properly covered in winter. I’ve seen this same issue on multiple boats and it was never a structural problem. Easy fix.

 

[cheeseNcrackers]

Thanks for the responses! There is not any visible evidence of collision.
Yes it is used and has blemishes. I see no evidence of that window leaking (that one is over the Nav Station) or the one aft of that one in the head. both have this cracking. Some of the opening ports on this side show evidence in the woodwork of some minor leaking but that seams normal to me likely need rebed or just new gaskets?
overall it's a nice boat with updated sails and substantial solar setup (which is important as I prefer my mooring to a slip with shore power). Large Cockpit is also high on our list for this upgrade. No cracking in the gelcoat anywhere on the boat. Yes the boat is in VT where I am and has been on this lake for about 10 years (originally came from Florida).

 

[jssailem]

Perhaps you have a great find. Especially if the layout will treat you in the style you want to become accustomed to.

 

[Stu Jackson]

For everything you need to know about the Catalina 34: Catalina 34 International Association