repairing a waterlogged deck

[lew morris]

I am considering buying a 1973 27 ft. Catalina. The proce is right, but unfortunately the current owner has neglected the boat. Last year he hit a piling and tore out the pulpit, leaving several holes in the forward deck. Water has gotten into the wooden core of the deck and I fear it is badly rotten. The forward deck gives when you walk on it. I am thinking of cutting out the ceiling of the V-berth, pulling out all of the rotten wood and reinforcing the deck from underneath with fiberglass. Is this total madness? Anyone out there try something like this?

 

[Bob Camarena]

The price better be right.

I've read articles about this type of repair and it's a difficult, messy job. If the price is right (bargain basement) and if you have more time than money it can be done. I'd get a professional survey to determine the extent of the damage and an estimate of the cost of having the repair done professionally. The price you pay for the boat should reflect the cost of a professional repair, not your cost. All things considered, I'd look for another boat, but if this is the only way you can afford a C-27, it might be worth the efrort if the boat is otherwise well-equipped an in good condition.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

You'd better be getting it for free!

Actually, there is the possibility that you could dry it out for several months & inject epoxy or a product called GitRot into the deck (drill a few holes & inject with a syringe) and make it stable enough but maybe not. If you do buy it, try that first cuz it's a lot easier than your suggested repair & it might work. I have a hard time believing the coring could rot that much in just a year but if you've had a wet year, maybe so. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[patrick e. boole]

madness

run as fast as you can. free is too much to pay for this kind of nightmare. i have worked with fiberglass and i wouldn't touch it.