Mark II Mast Step.

[BillyK]

Ok, i know this has been discussed to death on the Pre-88 Catalina's.. But i haven't been able to find anything on the post 88's.. I have a 90 and i'm starting to see some cracks form just forward of the mast so i know i have some slight compression starting.. my rigging is well tuned so i know i'm not overly tight. When i poke around in the bilge checking out the step i'm finding a lot of rot.. i'm almost not sure how it hasn't collapsed.

My question is, does anyone know what Catalina used between the sole and the top of the keel in this series of sailboats? I'm having her demasted over the winter this year, so i'll have an opportunity to make repairs..

Thanks for any incite.

 

[BillyK]

I sent a note off to Catalina.. Seems that there is misinformation out here on the net regarding the post 1988 Catalina 30's.. They NEVER went away from using a wood compression block in the bilge.. they sent me the repair documents and they support the rot i am seeing. So i'm hoping the current structure holds for the rest of the season and will spend the 20 hours replacing the compression block over the winter.

I'm disappointed.

 

[Bob S]

I sent a note off to Catalina.. Seems that there is misinformation out here on the net regarding the post 1988 Catalina 30's.. They NEVER went away from using a wood compression block in the bilge.. they sent me the repair documents and they support the rot i am seeing.

I'm curious if this is true throughout the whole production history of C30's. I seem to remember reading they had gone to a glass compression block at some point. I'd love to see the repair documents they sent you. Is it possible to post them here? Sorry you have to spend this winter repairing it. Sounds like a pita :cussing:

 

[BillyK]

They Said that they used a wood compression block throughout the life of the 30.. the only change was the switch from the plywood to a solid piece of hardwood that was encased in fiberglass. i'll try and post the files when i get back home.. i'm on a business trip right now.