Keel Damage on '85 30' Catalina

[mspearman]

I am considering purchasing a used 30' Catalina that has some keel damage from a grounding. The owner is not a sailer and just wants to get rid of the boat. He said it had a "cracked fin" on the keel and some damage to the rudder. He is asking $9500 for the boat.

The question is whether something like this can be fixed and if the expense would push this boat beyond what it is worth?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Stu Jackson]

"Some keel damage" is very hard for us to help you with.

There's the "Catalina Smile" (do a search on this exact phrase, & you'll find many discussions).

If it's a smile issue, it can be fixed, relatively simply.

If it's a ding in the keel, that can be repaired easily also.

If it's a serious structural issue related to the keel bolts and the connection to the hull, it's a much more serious matter.

If you don't know which of these it is, either walk away or get a surveyor to look at it. In fact, buying a boat that big, or any boat that matter unless you "know boats" should include a survey.

Finding a qualified surveyor is another matter, and I'm sure folks here in your neck of the woods will be glad to make recommendations.

Good luck, hope it works out for you.

 

[Merlin Clark]

I agree with getting a survey.
If you intend to insure the boat (marinas and yacht clubs require in my experience) you'll need a survey anyway and in my experience (not that deep-3 instances) an insurance survey showed me everything I needed to know about the boat. I made it a point to be with the surveyor in case he noticed something that he wouldn't normally note for that type of survey.
A good surveyor can save a buyer from a boats problems that may not be disclosed by the seller.

 

[Stephen K]

What year C-30 is it? A 1978's value will be very different from a 1988.

I don't know how one "cracks" a fin keel or a fin on the wing keel as I believe the Catalina keels are solid lead. Also, I've sailed sailed in the Clearlake area, that's a mud type bottom....not a lot of rocks...correct?

It may have the "Catalina smile" as Stu mentioned. If you (or the current owner) has pictures it would help...otherwise it is is impossible to provide more advice. If you are seriously interested in the boat...GET A SURVEY...there has to be a lot of good ones in that popular boating area.

 

[Joe Diver]

Only way to answer your question is to haul it out for an inspection and survey. Unless your water is very clear and the surveyor is a diver as well.

 

[jrowan]

I would actually be more concerned with any significant damage to the rudder, which is way more sensitive to groundings & a lot easier to damage the rudder, the bearings or tube, then a lead keel. Rudders can be big bucks to fix, if the bearings or rudder tube get warped or bent. A new rudder itself can be thousands to replace. As a reference point, I paid $9,200 for my 1980 C 30 back in January. It was in decent running condition, with newer UK Halsey sails that are worth a small fortune to replace. My boat only has the lil 5411 diesel. An 85 should have the Universal 25, a much bigger engine. Most surveryors don't even run or do a compression test on the engine, as their not mechanics. This is where a diesel mechanic's inspection was more helpful to me. Make sure your surveyor includes a cost to cure analysis. This can give U a good negotiation tool w/ the seller.
When it comes to boats, a bargain is not always a bargain. But even with a well maintained boat, there are no guarantees. If the engine is a runner, & sails are good, then it may be worth the investment. I just recently went to look at a 84 C 30 in "good shape" that was a total lemon / money pit. Go with your gut instincts. Cheers, Jeremy