Hull cracks

[leobeer]

As we hauled our Catalina out this fall I noticed a hull crack 3/4 inch from the transom approx 2ft. long port to starboard. As she sat on the hard there was a slow dripping of water coming from the crack for about a week. Yes this was my reaction. Am I over reacting? Should I just jet it dry over the winter then repair with epoxy? We dont beat on her but we do trailer her occasionally. Any past experience on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

One of those things impossible to diagnose over the internet. The repair should be simple, however, there is no way any trapped moisture will dry in winter but it will freeze, expand and create more damage unless you can either dry it quickly now or store it inside under heat.

 

[Stu Jackson]

leo, Don's right. You should also ask here:

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=4

If you don't know those skippers yet, you should.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You'll eventually have to grind a V to open up the crack when you repair it.

Consider opening up the crack now (using a Dremel) to ensure that as much water as possible has a chance to drain.

And as has already been said, try to keep it from freezing.

 

[watercolors II]

The repair is much easier to fix than to expain why the crack, so deep to let water in, happened?

 

[azguy]

How about a picture...??