Hello- I am contemplating the purchase of a very nice '82 Catalina 22'. Aside from 23 years of what seems minor wear there is a potential issue resulting from time on the trailer. The rails (wood supports the hull rests on) are rotting and sagging. As a result the center support has deformed the shape of the hull on both sides. There is no apparent damage (cracks or delamination) on either the exterior or the interior but my fear is it's just not yet visible and that there will eventually be water between the layers resulting in delamination. I am relatively new to fiberglass boats and would really appreciate some informed opinions. I realize that without seeing the boat there is really no way for anyone to really know. The 'dents' appear to be about 1 inch deep and cover an area about 16 inches in diameter. The current owner has agreed to help me launch the boat and repair the trailer with new rails and to ensure the hull returns to its original shape. Again I would really appreciate some general advice regarding this potential issue. Thanks in advance.
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Surveyor
Normally, I would not recommend a surveyor for a 'small' purchase, but in this case it would be worth the money.
Normally, I would not recommend a surveyor for a 'small' purchase, but in this case it would be worth the money.
Trailer
Launch the boat. If the "dents" go away and the bilge stays dry, like as in no water leaking in the boat during an hours sail or so, swap out the bunk boards on the trailer with ground contact 2x6's and move on with the project. The Catalina 22 hull is pretty thin and flexes pretty well. If the bunk board is pushing up on the hull the hull will show it. Take the pressure off the hull by either lifting it off the trailer or putting it in the water. I vote for the latter, leak tests are always indicated when purchasing a boat. Ask anyone at the launch ramp to look at the boat as well, they'll give you an earful. I don't mean to poo any surveyors, its just that there's a hundred ways to fix just about anything that may be wrong with a Catalina 22 and they're just about all easy and doable in your driveway. Good luck.
Launch the boat. If the "dents" go away and the bilge stays dry, like as in no water leaking in the boat during an hours sail or so, swap out the bunk boards on the trailer with ground contact 2x6's and move on with the project. The Catalina 22 hull is pretty thin and flexes pretty well. If the bunk board is pushing up on the hull the hull will show it. Take the pressure off the hull by either lifting it off the trailer or putting it in the water. I vote for the latter, leak tests are always indicated when purchasing a boat. Ask anyone at the launch ramp to look at the boat as well, they'll give you an earful. I don't mean to poo any surveyors, its just that there's a hundred ways to fix just about anything that may be wrong with a Catalina 22 and they're just about all easy and doable in your driveway. Good luck.
Where to launch
Where are you going to launch it? Don't try Fern Ridge or your problems will get worse! That's an insider Eugene sailing joke. I have a C22 and can second what Campy said, the C22 hull does flex and I would suspect that you will have no problem. See you on the lake next year!
Where are you going to launch it? Don't try Fern Ridge or your problems will get worse! That's an insider Eugene sailing joke. I have a C22 and can second what Campy said, the C22 hull does flex and I would suspect that you will have no problem. See you on the lake next year!
Thanks
Thank you for the input folks, I'm still undecided but am feeling a little better. Pretty much set on a Catalina I just want to find the 'right' one. Fern Ridge is certainly out, at least for this year (and fingers crossed for next year)
Thank you for the input folks, I'm still undecided but am feeling a little better. Pretty much set on a Catalina I just want to find the 'right' one. Fern Ridge is certainly out, at least for this year (and fingers crossed for next year)
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