Repair for "Catalina Smile" keel cracks

[Dave]

I am in the process of purchasing a 1978 Catalina 30 that is currently out of the water. It has what I would class as a very mild crack visible along the keel line that I would like to address before putting it back in the water. I have tried to download some information on how to perform this repair from this site but was unable. Maybe I'm just technologically challenged, but can anybody help me with finding information on how to do this?Inside the keel bolts look fine. Should I expect that the keel bolts need re-torquing?

 

[doug]

smiley

You have to grind off the tabing up about 3 inches from smile and below and reapply. use epoxy and glass tape. If water is coming out, you may need to dry out the stubs core materials.Check site added for info too.

 

[Joe]

Winter time project

You will most likely find water in the joint that will take a long time to drain. My suggestion is to put her in the water and enjoy this summer. Grind it out this fall so it has a long time to dry and fix it in the Spring 04.

 

[Steve Franklin]

Just finished fixing mine

Dave,I just finished fixing the "smile" on my '79 30'. I won't know if the fix will hold til I dive on the keel later this season, but I found info on how to fix it. If you want to give me a call, I'd be happy to share the info. E-mail me at stevfran@earthlink.net and I'll send you my phone number.Steve