structural weakness ?

[paul]

I'm in the processof buying a catalina 30, standard rig, and wonder if anyone could warn me of any problem areas . signs to watch for that would indicate serious damage ?

 

[Mike Turner]

Lots in the Archives

There's lots in the archives at this site. From my experience check:* The mast step/wood block in the bilge for signs of rot.* Any sign of deck deflection under the mast, and if present, any cracking.* For boats earlier than early 80s, conversion of chain plate from eye-bolt type to u-bolt type.* Signs of corrosion in rudder stock (showed up on my last survey when I sold my boat).None of these are deal killers, Catalina factory has repair sheets on how to fix.

 

[Paul]

Re: structural weakness

Thanks Mike Turner,  I noticed rust spots on the rudder. Would this indicate serious corrosion? How would I be able to tell?Thanks, Paul

 

[Tom]

Keel block

I was quite surprised after having my boat a year, to find that the keel block under the compression post was rotted out! The surveyor missed it completely.  Alot of the stuff to look for depends on the year model of the boat you are looking at. Check out the pet peeves section of the C-30 association web page

 

[G., Atlanta]

Never Any Problems

We bought a 1988 Catalina 30 new and owned her for almost 10 years. Did regular maintenance and never had any serious problems with the boat. It is still on the lake, and I give her a pet every time I walk past her. She is a great boat.G&G, Atlanta