Mast support problem??

[Mike Hicks]

I am a relatively new Catalina 22 owner of a '71 model.I apologize for my lack of knowledge in reference to the appropriate terminology for the various parts on the boat. I have notice that the bannister in the cabin that the mast plate is bolted to is showing cracks along the bottom where the bannister is attached. This appears to be a significant problem, but I am unsure what to do about it. Any suggestions would be most helpful.Mike

 

[Brad]

Have It Checked

Mike,Could be nothing...might be something! Significant pressure on the mast support can crack the location you mention. However, I would think that enough pressure would do more significant damage than just a crack (structural).The other thought is that your crack appears to be in the area of the keel trunk. Is your boat a swing keel? If so, maybe enough sidwards movement, or a sudden drop of the keel could produce the crack (structural).Then again, could be just something dropped in the interior to create a crack in the gel coat (non-structural).Either way, get someone that know what they are doing to take a look.Good sailing!Brad.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Probably nothing but...

Old gelcoat can get pretty brittle and the amount of stress placed on it by the compression post could easily cause this. This is usually just cosmetic BUT... Brad's suggestion to find someone who's more knowledgable is a good idea. Or you could post an actual photo of the cracks here.LaDonna