Mast step cracks repaired, ground out wet core ect. filled with plywood/epoxy. next season re-cracked. I saw the hull, when lifted from the cradle and there was aprox. a 1 1/2 inch flex in the hull as the keel lifted from the cradle bottom. I think when set on the cradle the flex is enough to push the support post upward thus cracking the deck at the mast step. Boat is a 1985 Catalina and otherwise is good shape. What do I do? Is this common. Is my boat done for? Any help is appreciated. Butch
hull flex/mast step cracked
- Thread starter butchvon
- Start date
Is your boat a swing keel C 25 or a fixed keel? I am assuming it is a fixed keel.
If it is a fixed keel, then the problem is wet rot in the keel stub, where plywood has rotted out between the keel bolts & the bilge fiberglass pan. You will have to cut out the fiberglass pan liner, all rotted plywood & fill with either more marine plywood, or what ever none rotting filler material you desire such as Starbrite, Coretex, fiberglass matt & roving with Epoxy, etc. You have to build up enough layers to fill the void where the plywood is removed, approximately 1.5"to 2" thick.
I must admit, I have never heard of the compression post pushing upwards, unless badly grounded at the keel. Usually the compression post sags from rot at the mast step or base of the keel where core rot occurs. I used to own a swing keel C 25 that had its own structural issues with a cracked keel trunk when I bought her. But keel problems can always be fixed, & afterwards the boat will be good for years to come. God luck on your repairs, & talk to a good marine service yard with experience on keel stub repairs.
If it is a fixed keel, then the problem is wet rot in the keel stub, where plywood has rotted out between the keel bolts & the bilge fiberglass pan. You will have to cut out the fiberglass pan liner, all rotted plywood & fill with either more marine plywood, or what ever none rotting filler material you desire such as Starbrite, Coretex, fiberglass matt & roving with Epoxy, etc. You have to build up enough layers to fill the void where the plywood is removed, approximately 1.5"to 2" thick.
I must admit, I have never heard of the compression post pushing upwards, unless badly grounded at the keel. Usually the compression post sags from rot at the mast step or base of the keel where core rot occurs. I used to own a swing keel C 25 that had its own structural issues with a cracked keel trunk when I bought her. But keel problems can always be fixed, & afterwards the boat will be good for years to come. God luck on your repairs, & talk to a good marine service yard with experience on keel stub repairs.
Butch how much load are they putting on her keel in storage months? also blocking under the keel due to its on a angle the front needs a bit more support height vs the rear and a good storage marina guys know this rushed ones don't so re set after they get done by adjusting the load on the keel your self, the compression post if you have time should be replaced in the forward area of the keel bilge and as said the plywood in the keel stub if not upgraded should be done at same time we did ours not a fun up grade but well worth it!