Is my Catalina 32 self righting

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Apr 19, 2012
2
catalina 320 Brisbane
I live in an area where mud moves and sand slips. My question is if I go aground on a falling tide and go on the side of the boat, will it be self righting as the tide rises, or will I need to go crazy pumping?
Have any other 320 owners on the forum had to experience this?
 
Feb 26, 2008
603
Catalina 30 Marathon, FL
She should right herself. Just make sure you have a sandwich and a good book to wait out the tide.
 
Dec 2, 2003
480
Catalina C-320 Washington, NC
If you have a wing keel, she may well stand on it. If not, the companionway should be high enough for her to float on her side before taking on water. Just make sure your 'wash' boards are in and pinned in place to prevent waves from overtaking the tide, washing in and sinking her.
 
Nov 7, 2012
678
1978 Catalina 30 Wilbur-by-the-Sea
Been there, done that with with my 27. Lucky for us she basically stuck in the mud and only listed about 30deg. Self imposed time out from sailing as I had to wait a few hours for the tide to come in and free us. And yes I did eat a sandwich.
 

jrowan

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Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
As long as your companionway boards are in place & locked then the tide may get seawater in between them, but she should right herself. Also remember to close any portholes or overhead hatches as well. The other areas she can take on water is from the cockpit hatches & anchor locker if the boat is heavily heeled over. But the biggest risk of damage is not from water flooding in, but from your exposed rudder. As the boat heels the weight of the hull will rest mostly on the side of the keel & hull, but if an excessive amount of weight shifts aft, then the rudder shaft & tube will bend & the rudder will be severely damaged. I've seen a couple of badly grounded boats on dry dock where the rudder was permanently bent outwards about 30 degrees. A boat is always most vulnerable to damage at the rudder, which is an expensive fix.
 
Oct 5, 2010
322
Catalina 30 mkII St. Augustine
Another issue to consider during a grounding as described is battery acid leaking out if lead acid batteries are on board and not in battery boxes.
 
Apr 19, 2012
2
catalina 320 Brisbane
Great advice that is really appreciated. I hope we never really need to use it, but best to be prepared.
 
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