Hello All! I'm looking to purchase a 30' Catalina (1977) and had a few questions. First of all, I realize older Catalina's are prone to blisters...so I wasn't too concerned about the few "small" blisters it has. I was told by my diver that the keel (standard keel) has a few dings in it, and a few small cracks in the fiberglass surrounding the keel. He also said that the rudder has some play in it. There are 4-5 small blisters, also. My questions: 1) Is the keel damage something I should be concerned about? What kind of repair costs would I be looking at? 2) What would cause the rudder to have a little play in it? Again, what repair cost am I looking at? I'm buying the boat pretty cheap, so I don't mind spending a little money to get it up to snuff. On Monday, a Surveyor will survey the boat and do a sea trial with me. I just wanted some others opinions! Thanks in advance for your help! Gary
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Easy fixes
Gary most likely the cracks in the glass around the keel are what is refered to as the Catalina smile which is normally not a big concern and can be fixed rather easily. On the rudder issue it is most likely just the rudder post that has become warn over the years and again this is an easy fix by waxing your rudder post and pouring epoxy down it to form a new bearing surface for the shaft. Before you try that read up on the fix a bit. It is kind of scary but does work rather well.
Gary most likely the cracks in the glass around the keel are what is refered to as the Catalina smile which is normally not a big concern and can be fixed rather easily. On the rudder issue it is most likely just the rudder post that has become warn over the years and again this is an easy fix by waxing your rudder post and pouring epoxy down it to form a new bearing surface for the shaft. Before you try that read up on the fix a bit. It is kind of scary but does work rather well.
One other thing
If the keel is just dinged up a bit get out the ball peen hammer. You will be amazed at what a few taps will do to that lead keel. After you have cleaned it up that way complete the job with a bit of faring putty.
If the keel is just dinged up a bit get out the ball peen hammer. You will be amazed at what a few taps will do to that lead keel. After you have cleaned it up that way complete the job with a bit of faring putty.
Doesn't sound too bad
As Joe mentioned, it sounds like the "cracks" are the infamous Catalina Smile. Usually more cosmetic than structural. And dings in a lead keel aren't a big deal whatsoever. Gee, they might slow you down by 1/100ths of a knot!
My rudder has a little play in it
As Joe mentioned, it sounds like the "cracks" are the infamous Catalina Smile. Usually more cosmetic than structural. And dings in a lead keel aren't a big deal whatsoever. Gee, they might slow you down by 1/100ths of a knot!
My rudder has a little play in itThanks for the advice!
All, Thanks for the responses! I've read a lot about the "Catalina Smile", but didn't quite understand what it was. I'm sure the Surveyor will have some very valuable info, but I wanted to get other Catalina Owners perspective. Thank you all for replies. It's greatly appreciated! Gary
All, Thanks for the responses! I've read a lot about the "Catalina Smile", but didn't quite understand what it was. I'm sure the Surveyor will have some very valuable info, but I wanted to get other Catalina Owners perspective. Thank you all for replies. It's greatly appreciated! Gary
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