deck step mast

[denise]

I am looking to buy a 1981 27' catalina with a step mast. I had a friend with me who was a rigger by trade. He thought the boat was in great condition but is a little concered about the step mast. Said it felt a little soft around the deck. Could see below that some previous repairs had been made. I will be a first time boat owner and would really appreciate any feed back from other Catalina owners...good and bad.Denise

 

[Dave]

Get a survey

The mast step is often a problem on older deck-stepped Catalina masts. It can be repaired but is a major job. I suggest hiring a good (and critical) surveyor to survey the boat if you are really interested and ask him to carefully check the mast area for moisture, de-lamination and prior repairs. Each boat is different depending on how its been treated so can't say anything in general about it being good or bad.

 

[tom b. catalina 22]

when in doubt ... dont

thats it