I recently acquired my father-in-laws 1976 Catalina 22. It hasn't been in the water for about 10 years. Sitting in the Texas sun and humidity, it was pretty ugly. I have since cleaned it up where it looks pretty good. I replaced all the running rigging, but the standing rigging looks good to me. Sails look good. Teak has been refinished or replaced. New bottom paint is scheduled. I am interested in knowing what to look out for when putting a boat that's been sitting this long back in the water. I don't want any major surprises. I am hoping you experienced sailors out there can tell me what I have missed in preparing her for to get wet.
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chainplate eyebolts
That model boat has two item that need to be addressed ASAP, that is the 3/8" Chainplate eyebolts need to be replaced before its back in the water. Two boats this year of the same vintage that I know of have had them fail, one lost the mast the other was very lucky. The second item is the aluminum speader brackets, these need to be replaced with the new Stainless Steel version. Both of these upgrades can be bought from Catalina Direct. Good luck with your new to you boat.
That model boat has two item that need to be addressed ASAP, that is the 3/8" Chainplate eyebolts need to be replaced before its back in the water. Two boats this year of the same vintage that I know of have had them fail, one lost the mast the other was very lucky. The second item is the aluminum speader brackets, these need to be replaced with the new Stainless Steel version. Both of these upgrades can be bought from Catalina Direct. Good luck with your new to you boat.
Check the standing rigging
If it is the original it should be replaced. Standing rigging lasts 8-12 years depending on use. It may look good but you can't see if it degrading inside the cable strands. If the inner strands fail then the load moves to the remaining strands and it can break.
If it is the original it should be replaced. Standing rigging lasts 8-12 years depending on use. It may look good but you can't see if it degrading inside the cable strands. If the inner strands fail then the load moves to the remaining strands and it can break.
Don't overlook the trailer
If the boat has been sitting, chances are it's sitting on a trailer that has been neglected - or at least out in the elements equally as long. Verifying that your tires, bearings, tie downs, lights and wiring, and safety chains were in good working order would all be on my list before I attempted to move my new prize. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
If the boat has been sitting, chances are it's sitting on a trailer that has been neglected - or at least out in the elements equally as long. Verifying that your tires, bearings, tie downs, lights and wiring, and safety chains were in good working order would all be on my list before I attempted to move my new prize. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Many Thanks
Really appreciate the feedback. Guess I will bite the bullet and replace the standing rigging. I was not aware of the spreader bracket issue or the 3/8" chainplate eyebolts. Now I know why the call them a "BOAT". Break Out Another Thousand!
Really appreciate the feedback. Guess I will bite the bullet and replace the standing rigging. I was not aware of the spreader bracket issue or the 3/8" chainplate eyebolts. Now I know why the call them a "BOAT". Break Out Another Thousand!
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