Cockpit Seam?

[Chez]

i am new to this forum and could use some insight from the members. I am looking at at Catalina 30 wing keel, tall rig and would like to get some insight relating to what appears to be a seam in a location that i would not expect a seam to be. Attached is the photo of the cockpit that is giving me concern; the port side where the horizontal and vertical portion meet appears odd to me. The platform is located in NY and I am in Rhode Island; I'd like to get some feedback from you owners as to whether this is indeed a seam location or not(?), whether there are known issues with this location or any other information any of you might have regarding my concern. If this is an issue, I'd rather find out now as opposed to driving 4 hours to find I've been duped by the seller.

The seller says it's purely a cosmetic issue but I am not so sure. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Gene Neill]

I'd ask for a close up pic(s) before I took the drive.

 

[Ted]

It's difficult to tell from this photo but generally speaking, it is not uncommon for gelcoat cracks to appear in corners when they have a tight radius like the one in your photo. It looks like someone tried to make an unsuccessful repair. Drive the 4 hours and take a closer look at both sides of the area of concern to make sure the crack doesn't go beyond the gelcoat. It's fiberglass. It's repairable. While you're there, take a good look at the rest of the boat. From this photo it appears that it isn't very well maintained.

 

[woodster]

take a good look at the hardware on that boat it looks like it has been updated with some good stuff ..self tailing winches,later model traveler ...deck tracks...ect, ect .....

 

[JohnVTX]

Probably a poorly done gelcoat repair.

 

[mortyd]

and, there should be a builder's plate just below the hatch entrance.