Transom Stress Crack

[Walter Cullars]

I am considering the purchase of a 1976 Catalina 27 with a stress crack @ the chain plate position on the transom. Apparently this was caused by too much tension on the backstay. This has been open for some time, about 3/16" wide, and you can push a knife blade into this crack about 2" (possibly more) from the cockpit side. Any information about the construction of the transom would be helpful. May need to reposition chain plates and split these into two chain plates on quarters, but don't want to start major surgery unless hull materials have rotted out.W. Cullars (423) 821 0516 Ph. or Fax.

 

[Dave]

Backstay

Walt: I have a 76 Catalina, and from what I can remember of the stern there is nothing but molded fiberglas....Would solve your problem by going to a split backstay (Catalina can provide you the parts as well as the backstay). This will allow you to tension as you wish, take any stress off the damaged center area, and provide for better sailing due to positive control for the main curvature. Would plug the present hole with fiberglas filler and reinforce with a plate on the inside....