Catalina Smile on a Catalina 38?

[dcmeigs]

I am considering the purchase of a 1983 Catalina 38. Photos taken at the last haulout show a crack at the typical "catalina smile" location. I was under the impression that the 38 didn't typically suffer from this problem. Please, catalina 38 owners, comment with your experience on this subject. I can't find any comments in the archive that relate directly to the 38. Dave

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ummm, ALL Catalinas

doMOST BOATS DO, TOO, EVEN IF THEY WON'T ADMIT IT.

 

[Mick]

Smile

There are different designs for the keel. Catalina bolts a lead keel to a reinforced stub at the bilge. Some other boats make the keel part of the boat and fill it with a weighty material (cement, iron pellets, etc.).