water under floor panel

[really new catalina ower]

AM interested in a 1978 Catalina 27 on the market. I looked under the mat and lifted the floor panel (covering the skeg) There was about 2 inches of water in it - looked like it had been there a long time. My question - Is this normal - or evidence or a major leak somewhere. Sorry but I'm very new to this sailing thing - My windsurfers never had floor panels to lift . Would appreciate any heads up - or a simple - the water is normal . Thanks

 

[ken]

water in a Catalina 27

I have a 1978 Catalina 27 and that standing bilge water can come from a number of locations. If it is old looking then the boat is probably not going to sink right away and is most likely from slow leakage around the drive shaft if its an inboard or leaks from deck fittings, windows etc. You may not notice it happening but during a rain badly leaking fittings or windows will leak in between the hull and inner liner and end up in the bilge. The problem is, if left, will rot the wood core in the deck or around the window. Luckily with this sailboat you can fix it up and there are parts available from various sources. Be prepared for a lot of hands on hard work to fix it. Hope this helps.

 

[new guy]

Thanks... I'll start looking for leaks!

 

[John]

Water in the l bilge

Take heart! I just bought a Cat 30. Same situation. Boat had been out of water for two years. Talk about nasty looking bilge water. To the Top!! However, it proved to be mainly rain water. Now that it is all cleaned up and looking pertty, I still get a small amount of bilge water. It comes from rain leaking in to unknown spots(inside of boat and cabin looks real tight. Sometimes it may come from the mast step area or down the mast. As another gentleman said, this manufactuer of boat has lots of suport and anything can be fixed. Enjoy!!