keel pealin

[Jeff C]

I am considering buying a 1981 Catalina 30. Current owner backed into a dock and broke the rudder and punched a hole in the keel cover. The keel itself and the rest of the boat look to be in great shape. The rudder is a straight forward replacement but does one just refiber glass the keel or is there something more that is going to have to be done?

 

[Mike Turner]

Prop Shaft?

I'd also check for damage to prop shaft, bearings, and interior re: engine and engine mounts. If he damaged the keel, the prop/shaft is in between the rudder and keel.

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Where on the keel?

Mike,If the damage is on the lower 2/3rds of the keel, then it's a straightforward repair. Just haul, sandblast the affected area down to the lead and re-epoxy and bottomkote.If it's higher, then it's still not that tough, you may need to spend more time drying the laminate if some of the cloth absorbed water.Checking the prop shaft & engine mounts is an excellent idea, by the way. While you're at it, I'd check the rudder bearing journals inside the hull for any cracks or evidence of stress.Good luck!Allen Schweitzers/v DrambuieC-30 Hull# 632