Association Forum - New owners need advice on crack

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

New owners need advice on crack

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

Chakana
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/08/2011 : 18:02:19

Hello everybody!
First let me say--I am so excited to be posting here for the first time! My husband Charley and I purchased our Catalina after finding her on the Sailing Texas website. The boat is absolutely beautiful--to us anyways. A trailer was included in the purchase, so she is sitting in our yard now (covered with a thick tarp). We have already started the upgrades/refit, but will probably have to slow down for the winter.
My main reason for posting today---we have a little problem. There is a crack in the fiberglass that surrounds the keel trunk. It doen't feel like it goes all the way through. THe truck itself is not loose, and doesn't move at all. This crack appears to have occurred where two type of materials joined together (remember this is a female talking).
I would initially think we could use something like a Dremel tool to make the crack larger, then fill with epoxy and fiberglass tape.
However, there may be more to the crack than we know or understand, thus I am asking the experts!!
I want to say, that it was mostly because of this forum, that we chose this particular boat, and we couldn't be happier.
We are new to sailing--we've been crewing and taking lessons for 1 year--and we're now determined to have the nicest boat in the club!! (At least to us she already is....)
I am attempting to include a picture here....
The crack is actually in front of the truck (not sure if this is the correct term) and goes around, toward the center of the boat, down toward the opening hole in the center of the boat--that has a decorative wood cover (the bilge?)
Does anyone have insight?
Thank you so much in advance,
Anna Louiso

P.S. Here is another picture of our boat. Charley is doing his 'happy dance' because we had just raised the mast, and found out it wasn't really difficult at all.
She is pretty much 'bare bones', but has been kept in very good shape (other than the crack LOL)
The bottom paint was original! So we sanded all that off. And we've cleaned and waxed the topsides. Will be replacing the rigging soon, and adding ventilation and depth, wind, etc. instruments before spring. And replacing the perfect but dated brown plaid cushions inside. And probably replacing the motor. It runs fine, but is original (I'm scared of it dying on us while we're out). Also, we've removed all the wood for refinishing. And of course will be replacing the keel pin and cable, etc, and applying (probably) interlux 2000e and vc17 to the bottom.

Thanks again!!!

Charley & Anna Louiso
Chakana 1984 C25 SR/SK #4192
Louisville, KY

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2011 : 18:22:45

Welcome Charley and Anna . . . nice to see your enthusiasm.

Wow, this crack is a little tough to call because of the location. Where the keel attaches to the hull would be one of the strongest parts of the hull - little to no flexing in this area.

Where the crack is (in the interior liner) is one continous run of fiberglass. The beige color is the gel coat.

Was the boat in the water when you purchased it? If so, was there any water accumulating in the bilge?

Determining how the crack occurred would (IMHO) be my first priority . . .

Edited by - OJ on 11/08/2011 18:26:34

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

2402 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2011 : 18:43:52

It is in the liner, probably nothing. Welcome to the forum. Please feel fee to look at the photo link in my sig. Those photos will all go away soon so if you want some as "documents" for future reference just download them. Great call on the VC 17!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2011 : 19:24:33

Congratulations! And welcome to the forum.

As to the crack, like Frank, I think it's nothing to worry about.

Let the fun begin!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2011 : 22:00:57

I'll add my hello and congratulations as well. '84 as a fine year. We've been very pleased with ours. Given the hull numbers, i'd say we're almost cousins! Unless you have water intrusion, That crack is probably nothing to be too concerned about. Are you sure there is no crack higher up on the keel trunk itself? That would definitely be cause for concern.

Edited by - on

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

Members Avatar

Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 01:41:39

Welcome and let the cleaning begins

PS: Why almost every boat needs cleaning when you buy her?

Edited by - on

Chakana
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 07:09:54

Thanks everybody!! What a relief. Yes, it does make sense, the crack is in the liner. The liner, which is very smooth, meets an area around the trunk which is the same color, but rough texture. That's where the crack is located, where the two different things meet.
It doesn't move up the trunk at all.
The boat was on the trailer when we bought her, and hadn't been in the water for several years (was shrink wrapped). Actually we don't think the boat was sailed much at all--many parts of it look brand new. Maybe that was a mistake, maybe we should have made sure she floats!! LOL Oh well.
I will investigate the crack again, but if it's purely cosmetic, maybe doing nothing is the best answer for now? Any repair is going to show. On the other hand, most of the crack is covered when the wooden box thingy is put back on.

In any case, I'm very relieved with this news.
Thanks so much to all of you--your advice is invaluable.
Frank, your pictures are awesome! I wish we had access to a nice indoor boat lift like yours.
And the national regatta looks like so much fun!
We plan on trailering to different areas starting next year, so hopefully we will run into some of our cousins.....David you're not far away at all.
Regards,
Anna

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 07:26:43

Let me add my congratulations and welcome. Let me also suggest that you take the time to become a member of the association. Our membership dues is what keeps this forum alive. It enables all of the expertise of hundreds of C25/C250/Capri owners to simply be at your fingertips.

On a more practical note, membership gives you access to nice discounts on things like new motors. It'll be the best $22 you'll ever spend on your boat. AND, you can fly the International Association Burgee from your spreaders.

One thing about that crack. I'd agree that it looks superficial in the photos and could well be as you describe, the junction of two different products. BUT(that's a big BUT) the swing keel on your boat is the single largest risk to the safety of your boat. Should the keel lifting mechanism fail and cause 1500# of cast iron to fall suddenly, you'll have a lot more than the little crack in the sole to worry about. Your beautiful boat could be sitting on the bottom in a matter of minutes. Since you say the boat hasn't been sailed in a while, be sure that you perform a complete inspection of the lifting mechanism at both ends of the cable. If it were mine, I'd probably replace it if any of the parts show any significant wear. I might replace it regardless based just on the fact that it could well be original and that makes it 25+ years old.

Edited by - John Russell on 11/09/2011 07:39:16

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 09:30:42

Welcome aboard! Swing keels forever! Definitely replace the lifting hardware and turning ball and check the pivot assembly. You might want to look at the underside with a light and mirror to be sure that the crack is limited to the gelcoat.You could sand the underside of the liner crack and reinforce it with a few layers glass in the unlikely event that it does penetrate. Put the cushions or covers on the Swapmeet; I'm sure you'll get a taker.
(edit)
I sold my durable, but noisy, 15 year old electric start Johnson 9.9XLS for $750 on Craig's list when I bought an ultra quiet Mercury 4 stroke. The member discount at Online Outboards will more than pay for your membership if you want a Tohatsu or Nissan (Tohatsu builds the Nissan and Mercury)

Edited by - Dave5041 on 11/09/2011 09:42:54

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 09:30:52

Welcome!!! I also have a new-to-me 1984 swing keel. Please be sure to post lots of pictures of the work you're doing! I'll also second John's plug for becoming a member. I think you'll find that the folks here will easily save you the $22 membership fee.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 09:46:21

I would also recommend downloading all of Frank's C-25 photos for future reference.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 11:22:01

Allow me to add my standard "commercial" for new owners... Get a copy of Catalina Direct's [url="http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=4&ParentCat=5"]C-25 Owner's Handbook[/url]. (That's a link.) "CD", as we call them, is a remarkable resource for 20+ year-old boats--a specialist in replacements and upgrades, and good people to work with. (I have no connection--just good experiences.) This is essentially their catalog, but it has lots of useful ideas and information. CD also has a C-25 Owner's Manual--a different publication, particularly for anyone who doesn't have the original manual from Catalina. I don't know how it compares, but it's there.

Welcome and congratulations!

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/09/2011 11:25:24

WesAllen
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 19:11:09

Do what Dave says and download Franks pictures. It's about a hundred and fourty thousand words worth and then some. Please join it is well worth it.

P.S. Welcome to the forum.

Edited by - on

Chakana
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 21:18:34

Actually I did join the association before posting, but had already joined the forum with this username. I was automatically assigned the user name 'tight' upon joining the assoc. (Glad I didn't get 'loose' !! LOL.) So I guess the two user names don't link up/you can't see I'm a member...??
Anyways, yes we have planned on making sure the swing keel is securely attached. Plan on replacing all the parts before putting her in the water. The guy we boat the boat from (second owner) said he's never put down the keel! He owned the boat 5 years. Actually the mechanisms all look perfect--but since they're original, we are going to replace anyway.
Dave, thanks for the great mirror idea. Regarding the cushions, I wonder if they could be professionally recovered. They really seem to be in perfect shape. I could sew some covers, but just want a more finished look. The fees for doing it may be as much as a new set...who knows.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2011 : 22:07:04

I had new covers made with fabric I bought. I don't remember what I paid, but it was less than $500.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3440 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 04:26:37

Charley,

Congrats on your new boat. Think of it as a hobby making improvements and you will enjoy the sailing and the down-time as well. Dave - great photos of the reconditioned cushions - I like it !

Edited by - on

froell56
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 16:26:53

Folks keep referring to Frank's pictures. Can someone tell me where they can be found?

Edited by - on

froell56
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 16:43:17

Also... the C25 Owner's Handbook at CD is out of print. They say that they will have a new printing (revised) available in January or February.

Edited by - on

Chakana
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 17:06:12

Froell56
To see Frank's pictures, go back up to his post (pastmember), and click on the link he provided.

Dave
The cushion upgrade is just what I was looking for!! And I love your fabric choice. The piping makes it look finished. I will use your picture as a reference. So did they remove the old fabric, and sew the new fabric to the existing vinyl back? Did you use the same foam?

Stinkpotter
I'm going to order the handbook immediately..and maybe the manual too. Thank you for the suggetion.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 17:27:15

I replaced one piece of foam, kept the vinyl backs, and changed to plastic zippers. I should have replaced the foam in the other settee bottom cushion with the denser foam. The best approach would probably be to use two layers of foam glued together in the bottom cushions, lower density on top and higher density on the bottom. Higher density is better for sitting upright, but lower density is more comfortable when stretching out.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

Members Avatar

921 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2011 : 19:59:15

I would not worry about that crack. I would just keep an eye on it. If it was a problem it would flex while under sail. If it doesn't flex, it’s a sign of maturity.
Congrats on a great boat.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2011 : 09:08:40

Congrats on the new boat and welcome aboard our little community!

You're gonna love Catalina Direct....I've already spent a tidy sum with them but have transformed my well used lady back to fully functional status.

As others suggested, be sure to join the association and register your boat. You'll help support us and can fly the burgee!

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2011 : 14:44:08

Advice on Crack? Crack is for losers, stay away from the junk.

Edited by - on

Chakana
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2011 : 17:31:57

My drug of choice is rum! Preferrably Pussers....

Edited by - on

Frank Law
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
159 Posts

Response Posted - 11/13/2011 : 20:01:45

Sorry for the late response, Regarding the crack , Is it possible to put the boat in the water for a day or two this year just to see if there is any leaking around the swing keel trunk . Maybe run the boat under power and check for leaks.. I think it would be better to check now than do a lot of fixing up and then find out..
Frank Law
" About Time "
1983 #3519
SWK < SR

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2011 : 19:21:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Prospector
 Advice on Crack? Crack is for losers, stay away from the junk.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Wow, and I was so proud of us for staying away from the obvious cocaine jokes.

Edited by - on

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.