Help and Guidance My husband and I are looking at a used (1987) 25 foot Catalina Sailboat. We are relatively new sailors and have only owned a 22 foot Oday for 3 years that we lost in a storm last week. This 1987 Catalina looks like it's in great shape, just needs a little TLC, but I noticed when I walked on the DECK it felt spongy. I asked the owner and he said, that this was the only thing wrong with the boat... He said he was told that the fiberglass was taking on water???? Can anyone tell me what might be going on? Does this mean that the boat is rotting under the deck? Is it something that can be fixed or something that would cost a lot of money to fix?
Soft Spots on Deck
- Thread starter Dee23149
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WALK AWAY!!!
No, cancel that, RUN away! The deck is leaking, probably around various fittings, and the core has absorbed water like a sponge. Big job to fix unless you have the time, expertise, and inclination to do it yourself. Lots of time!
No, cancel that, RUN away! The deck is leaking, probably around various fittings, and the core has absorbed water like a sponge. Big job to fix unless you have the time, expertise, and inclination to do it yourself. Lots of time!
Stay Away From That One!!!
Well Dee, the consenus says, do not bother with it!!!! A spongy deck does no good. Although boat builders will use cross grain wood to minimize water absorption, a spongy deck with multiple and large soft spots is just going to cost you $$$$$$ and add to the aggrevation over time. If you search for a Catalina 25 in your area, you will find dozens to choose from and anything but what your looking at now is worth it!! Their is stuff called "git-rot" that literally adheres to wet wood fibers to strengthen the wood and provide ridigity. You use this stuff for very small soft spot areas. For a large area they literally have to replace the decking, which will cost you more then what you paid for the boat! Take your time and you will find that perfect 25 footer. By the way, their is nothing wrong with having a 25 footer surveyed to evaluate such conditions as you describe and many others as well. Bob 30 Catalina
Well Dee, the consenus says, do not bother with it!!!! A spongy deck does no good. Although boat builders will use cross grain wood to minimize water absorption, a spongy deck with multiple and large soft spots is just going to cost you $$$$$$ and add to the aggrevation over time. If you search for a Catalina 25 in your area, you will find dozens to choose from and anything but what your looking at now is worth it!! Their is stuff called "git-rot" that literally adheres to wet wood fibers to strengthen the wood and provide ridigity. You use this stuff for very small soft spot areas. For a large area they literally have to replace the decking, which will cost you more then what you paid for the boat! Take your time and you will find that perfect 25 footer. By the way, their is nothing wrong with having a 25 footer surveyed to evaluate such conditions as you describe and many others as well. Bob 30 Catalina
Don Casey's Book
"Does this mean the that the boat is rotting under the deck?" YES, that's exactly what it means!!!! It isn't the fiberglass taking on water but rather the wooden core that is sandwiched between the fiberglass deck and the headliner. The wooden core is used to decrease the weight above the water line but breaches in the any through deck fittings like stanchions, winches, etc., will lead to water getting to the core with no way for it to escape. Not a huge problem when properly maintained but expensive when ignored for too long. I recommend 3 things: First, buy a copy of Don Casey's book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat". Great reference for what to look at while shopping. Second, go visit the Catalina 25 Association forum. Lot's of friendly helpful Catalina owners there. Finally, don't hesitate to have a boat of that vintage surveyed before committing to the purchase. EDIT: Should have said 4 things. It should be obvious from the other posters that the first thing you want to do is RUN AWAY from that boat.
"Does this mean the that the boat is rotting under the deck?" YES, that's exactly what it means!!!! It isn't the fiberglass taking on water but rather the wooden core that is sandwiched between the fiberglass deck and the headliner. The wooden core is used to decrease the weight above the water line but breaches in the any through deck fittings like stanchions, winches, etc., will lead to water getting to the core with no way for it to escape. Not a huge problem when properly maintained but expensive when ignored for too long. I recommend 3 things: First, buy a copy of Don Casey's book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat". Great reference for what to look at while shopping. Second, go visit the Catalina 25 Association forum. Lot's of friendly helpful Catalina owners there. Finally, don't hesitate to have a boat of that vintage surveyed before committing to the purchase. EDIT: Should have said 4 things. It should be obvious from the other posters that the first thing you want to do is RUN AWAY from that boat.
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