We are currently considering the purchase of a used 30 TR - 1988. There are slight deck compressions around the mast. Is this a problem inherit in this model? There are no cracks in the deck. Is this repairable at reasonable expense?
I reccomend you get a good survey from someone knowledgable with the model. Since the boat is over 10 years old, you may need the survey for insurance or a loan anyway. I beleive there is a wooden block glassed in the bilge under the mast compression post. If this block has rotted, it must be replaced or repaired and it may not be easy. Also look for sponginess or delamination in the deck core around the mast. Enough other C30's don't have these problems (if that is what it is) so use the survey to drive the price way down or find another boat.
Take Gene's advice. Hire a surveyor - it'll put you back $1-200 depending but worth every penny. If the deck is bad, bad news. If the compression post is bad, bad news. Any way you look at it, if there is a *real* problem, you have to decide if you want a project boat or not. Good luck! LaDonna
If you want another way to persue the boat, get a yard to inspect the problem and give you a price to do the repair. Then make your final bid with the repair cost in hand.....What else can a seller do when you have the bid in hand AND the best part of it is that yards will give you a free estimate!!! Good luck
Geez John, this may be one to stay away from. The ultimate mast set up is to have a keel stepped mast where the mast is bolted directly to the keel...very strong. The second, what you're looking at is deck stepped. In this method the boat designer uses a "compression post" to support the mast to the hull. This is usually hard wood post that sets under the mast. Because it is wood it can rot. The usual signs of wear would be gelcoat cracks around the mast. I've seen these cracks from Hunters to Swans. But if there is a noticeable indentation in the fiberglass, be careful and have a "very good" surveyor on the boat. However, in this wonderful economy suveyors are getting anywhere from 15-30 dollars a foot! If it were my money I would continue my search as there isn't a shortage on used Cat 30's...TR or not. Good luck!
I appreciate the comments folks. We will go with a surveyor today to make a decision. You have been very helpful. We are awaiting also a reply from Catalina factory.
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