I recently bought a 1980 Catalina 25 and the keel is attached to the boat with screws that go into the boat at the bilge. When I had the survey done there was no mention of any problem with the screws. Now, every time I take the boat out the bilge fills up. I don't get any water when the boat in in the slip (even with heavy rains), I have an outboard rudder and non of the thru hulls are leaking, so I can't think of any other way water might be coming in. Two of the screws have some type of gunk or putty applied to them so the nut at the base of the screw is hidden. My question is...should the surveyor have identified this as an issue in his report? I was not with him when he inspected the boat. Secondly, how do you recommend I proceed to deal with this problem? I'd like to try and fix it without having to take the boat out of the water. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Margaret
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Water in the bilge
Margaret, A friend of mine had a problem that sounds very similar to yours. If I remember right ( and I have my share of senior moments) the problem was the result of Catalina using 3/8" plywood between the keel and the hull. The plywood rotted away causing the leak in the bilge. I seriously doubt that the surveyor would even be able to see it even if the boat was out of the water. I don't remeber what year his Catalina was just that he was rather bent and Catalina wasn't particularly helpful. Good luck Charlie Gruetzner
Margaret, A friend of mine had a problem that sounds very similar to yours. If I remember right ( and I have my share of senior moments) the problem was the result of Catalina using 3/8" plywood between the keel and the hull. The plywood rotted away causing the leak in the bilge. I seriously doubt that the surveyor would even be able to see it even if the boat was out of the water. I don't remeber what year his Catalina was just that he was rather bent and Catalina wasn't particularly helpful. Good luck Charlie Gruetzner
Catalina 25/250....
I think you should also post this on the Catalina 25/250 Association BB. http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/default.asp They might be able to help.... Kirk
I think you should also post this on the Catalina 25/250 Association BB. http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/default.asp They might be able to help.... Kirk
Bilge Water
Do you have a bilge pump? Sometimes water comes in through the thru hull down the hose to the bilge pump. This only happens when you're moving. Could be a source, rather than the keel bolts. Also try the link.
Do you have a bilge pump? Sometimes water comes in through the thru hull down the hose to the bilge pump. This only happens when you're moving. Could be a source, rather than the keel bolts. Also try the link.
not the keel fasteners
If it doesn't leak at the slip then it isn't the keel fasteners. If you are heeling excessively it could be the hull/deck joint, or, as Stu mentioned, back flow thru the bilge pump. How about a cracked cockpit drain hose? sink drains? head discharge? inboard engine cooling?
If it doesn't leak at the slip then it isn't the keel fasteners. If you are heeling excessively it could be the hull/deck joint, or, as Stu mentioned, back flow thru the bilge pump. How about a cracked cockpit drain hose? sink drains? head discharge? inboard engine cooling?
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