I consider buying a 2013 Catalina 14.2. The boat is in reasonable shape, but has some issue with the heel of the aluminum mast, that I never met before. It looks like the bottom several inches of the mast was covered with gray epoxy by the original owner, reportedly - see the picture attached (the original owner is not available for questioning, unfortunately). This area of the mast also looks like swelled a bit (increased diameter) - is this a normal configuration for Catalina small boat masts? The mast bottom is plugged and inside of the mast is unaccessible for view; the very top of the mast is open. The stainless steel mast seat / step hinge looks undamaged. Could this epoxy covering some aluminum deterioration, like cracking or corrosion (galvanic pitting)? Had anybody faced the deterioration of the mast heel on their boats? Could it be a serious structural issue or more aesthetic issue? Appreciate your responses - Boris.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
It is not a serious flaw.
If I liked the boat, the sails are in good shape, the boat does not leak water, I would go forward and just deal with the mast.
The issue is that the mast is levered up to set it in place. The aluminum is not sized to take the repeated stress of the process. My first action would be to clean the base to bare metal. Then get with a metal shop to get some answers on how to address any issues. I am guessing it will cost less than $100, and a 6pack of good beer, to resolve any problems.
If I liked the boat, the sails are in good shape, the boat does not leak water, I would go forward and just deal with the mast.
The issue is that the mast is levered up to set it in place. The aluminum is not sized to take the repeated stress of the process. My first action would be to clean the base to bare metal. Then get with a metal shop to get some answers on how to address any issues. I am guessing it will cost less than $100, and a 6pack of good beer, to resolve any problems.
My guess is it is a non professional repair. But, if it works, it works, I guess. Might be hard to sell the boat that way for a decent price. I'd say it was a short cut to avoid welding or something.
Your guess was on the money, Bill - the glue was a cover to sloppy repair work or absence of it. I studied the mast heel condition carefully and it looks like something was broken there: some apparent cracks and aluminum de-planation. There were also other items that suggested that the boat was not well taken care-of. So, I gave-up on this particular one and am back to my search.
Thank you for your help
Thank you for your help