soggy bilge

[Warren Doyle]

I am the proud owner of a 1972 Catalina 27, over the past year have become aware of the fact that the bilge seems to be continously wet and the mild steel keel bolts and nuts are very badly corroded. The wood core seems to be swelling around the keel bolts as if it has got wet. There is no crackin the keel fairing as I had this checked. any advice on securing the keel(not sure if it is lead or casting), and replacing the swelling wood core in the bilge.

 

[John]

This is a common problem with C27's built in the 1970's. Call or write to Catalina and they will send you a drawing with instructions on how to fix. I did mine last year. It is not an easy job. We used 3/8 inch construction grade fiberglass board or sheeting rather than wood for the replacement core material. Also, there are articles in the archives of the Mainsheet regarding this problem and I would guess there are articles in the archives of this forum as well. Good luck.