I'm considering the purchase of a 1986 Catalina 30 but all of the plexiglass windows (ports) in the cabin have a vertical crack from top to bottom. Has anyone seen this before or know of a possible cause? Should I steer clear of this boat or is it still worth going forward with a marine survey to check for structural damage?
Cracked Plexiglass Windows (Ports)
- Thread starter EdL
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Vertical cracks would imply to me
that there was a severe amount of flex in the top.The only way I could see a vertical crack occurring is if there was a lot of force like someone standing on the deck above the portlight and it gave so the frame flexed and the acrylic cracked.Which would imply a rotten deck.Are you saying that only the fixed portlights have this damage.Do the opening portlights have this too? A survey would be the most important thing thing I would have done if the rest of the boat was in good shape and the price was extremely cheap.
that there was a severe amount of flex in the top.The only way I could see a vertical crack occurring is if there was a lot of force like someone standing on the deck above the portlight and it gave so the frame flexed and the acrylic cracked.Which would imply a rotten deck.Are you saying that only the fixed portlights have this damage.Do the opening portlights have this too? A survey would be the most important thing thing I would have done if the rest of the boat was in good shape and the price was extremely cheap.
you aren't by chance describing crazed ports are you. Ours were really really crazed and still are and it has no connection to weakness from what I hear. We have no leaks in those ports at all, and we bought it this way in 2006 (it is a 88 catalina 30) and I actually have grown to like them......they afford more privacy I think.
The strange part is that all four are cracked, on both the port and starboard sides. I definitely would get a survey before going forward with the deal. Thanks!
The opening ports are crazed but the four fixed ones actually have a vertical crack (top to bottom) running through each of them. I can't even imagine how that happens. Thanks!
Flogging Jib Sheet?
My Catalina 30 has the same crack in the plexiglass for the aft port window. It is the result of a flogging jib sheet. I just hope I don't make the same mistake and break all the rest!
My Catalina 30 has the same crack in the plexiglass for the aft port window. It is the result of a flogging jib sheet. I just hope I don't make the same mistake and break all the rest!
They cracks can also start at the screw holes. If someone over tightens them then it cracks the window. The crack can then "run" or spread across the glass.
Be careful tightening up the windows.
you can also replace the windows through Catalina direct and some people on this board have done with the old MK1 windows.
www.catalinadirect.com
Be careful tightening up the windows.
you can also replace the windows through Catalina direct and some people on this board have done with the old MK1 windows.
www.catalinadirect.com
In the case of this C-30, I tend to agree with the over tightened screw theory since all four windows are cracked. I'll definetely get a survey if I decide to buy it. Thanks to all!
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