Deck Compression
The condition you describe is common to Catalina 30's. Pratctical Sailor magazine noted it in almost every C30 they examined. There's a couple of things you should look for: * Make sure there are no cracks in the deck around the mast, or in the overhead liner around the compression post in the main cabin. * Check the wood block in the bilge under the compression post to see if it's rotted or soft. Sounds like someone may have attempted a repair in your boat with the "black melted fiberglass." There are two accepted manner of repair: reinforcing the block with penetrating epoxy and then finishing with a sealing epoxy, or replacing the block. The factory can send you a spec sheet on the replacement. I'd suggest thoroughly examing the bilge area to see if you can determine if a repair has been done, and if so it it's a good one. Unless penetrating epoxy is used then all that would be accomplished would be to cover the exposed face of the block, but do nothing about the rot in the interior of the block. As to the deck compression, my surveyor indiated it's not a problem if these two items are OK. Catalina also has a good spec sheet on reparing the compression; I've spoken to a couple of people who've had it done and it seems to be relatively easy to repair, just labor intensive. Good luck! Mike Turner S/Y Amity
