Association Forum - Rust on bolts on a 1982 C25 I'm looking to purchas

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Rust on bolts on a 1982 C25 I'm looking to purchas

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/17/2013 : 07:30:28

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 1982 Catalina, but the condition of the keel bolts have me concerned.

I've got the pictures located here:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1hqOSvkPrbFb20talhZWVFneWc&usp=sharing

The current owner indicated that all of that stuff that's on them is a rush inhibitor, and you can see that in some of the images where the inhibitor has flaked off, that the washer is a bright metallic color.

I'm just looking for a general consensus from the rest of the community.

Thanks in advance
Phil

Owner 1982 Catalina 25 (Bel Canto), 89 Merc 9.9hp outboard
Read about my sailing adventures on my photo diary at:
https://belcantosailingphotos.shutterfly.com/

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2013 : 09:10:11

Looks pretty normal for that vintage, which might be about the last year for the cast iron fin keel (or maybe it was '83). (Catalina later changed to lead in fiberglass.) The bright metal is a stainless steel washer, while the bolts and nuts are mild steel, so they'll rust. It's good that they've been coated. Is there any indication of a separation of the keel on the outside--it would typically be a crack running from the forward edge, about 10" below the hull bottom--affectionately known as the "Catalina Smile". That would be evidence of the bolts not being snug or the wood core in the keel stub rotting. In that case, a number of people have "sistered" in new keel bolts by drilling and tapping the iron--a job that requires some equipment.

Keep the questions coming and let us know how it turns out.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 05/17/2013 09:14:01

Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2013 : 09:24:03

By the way, a standard commercial here: Consider carefully making your purchase offer contingent on a satisfactory professional survey. It might cost you $350-400, but it will detect things you can't (without equipment like a moisture meter and temp meter), give you a prioritized list of things to attend to, and allow you to ask questions of the surveyor as he works. (I brought a clip-board.) If there are serious issues with signficant expenses, you can negotiate that with the seller (or walk away, knowing it was $400 well-spent). If your insurance company requires a survey for a boat of that vintage, as some do, you might as well make it work for you (pre-purchase) as well. I don't see where you are, but you can find surveyors [url="http://www.marinesurvey.org/us-regions.html"]here[/url].

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Sloop Smitten
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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2013 : 09:47:19

I agree with Dave's assessment. There does not appear to be any sign of leakage around the bolts and without any physical signs of a problem with the keel (Catalina Smile) I would not be overly concerned. Periodic inspection would be wise to see if any problems appear. My '78 was a lot worse but has never shown any signs of loosening or leaking. I have since added additional bolts but that was more of an action of opportunity than need. You can do a search on "keel bolts" on the C25 forum and find quite a bit of historic information on the subject.

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2013 : 10:37:46

Thanks for the quick responses.

I had a friend of mine who's a sailor, look at the boat and at first he thought that the boat had an internal ballast because he couldn't even see a seam, but later was able to find a seam when he noticed the keel bolts.

Thanks for the feedback, I was planning on having the boat surveyed, but now I feel more comfortable given your feedback.

Thanks again for your help. If I do end up getting the boat, I'm looking forward to joining this community.

Phil

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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2013 : 17:13:33

I have a 1980 hull and my keel bolts look to be in slightly worse condition. I have, since obtaining my boat, worried about the keel bolts, their condition, the "what if" of failure, etc. Last year I splurged and had the hull stripped and barrier coated and alas the "Catalina smile" slightly has reappeared. I asked the local yard folk what they think and they confirmed what my surveyor said years ago -- don't worry about that, be more concerned about standing rigging and other areas -- unless you plan on dong ocean cruising. Well, I sail on relatively protected waters and am conservative too boot, etc, etc -- so, for your purposes they look great! The C-25 is a well designed vessel that is bette built than what is available today. If you like it, get a reasonable price, then enjoy it!

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2013 : 06:15:44

Well, we did it. We ended up getting the Catalina 25 and are having it delivered to her new home in Fairhaven, MA.

I've gone ahead and signed up officially with the Catalina Association so stay posted for photos and stories.

This is our first boat so wish us luck. And thanks again for your feedback.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2013 : 06:59:47

Good work! What experience do you have with sailing, and boats in general? What are your plans for learning? (By the way, we're all learning.

)

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2013 : 11:22:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 Good work! What experience do you have with sailing, and boats in general? What are your plans for learning? (By the way, we're all learning.

)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I took sailing lessons on a 21 ft. Sonar, but other than that none. I've been on motor boats as a passenger, but not in the captains seat.

I've got a friend who has grown up sailing and is looking forward to helping out showing me the ropes. But my plans to learning how to sail, is to just sail, sail, sail...

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2013 : 13:53:43

The Sonar is a hot-rod compared to your C-25, so the lessons should serve you well. But there's a lot to learn, including basic seamanship, rules of the road, etc. I believe there's no certification requirement in MA (as in CT), but I strongly recommend attending a course by the local Power Squadron or other organization. As skipper, you need to understand the rules, navigation aids, safety equipment, emergency procedures, etc., before you even motor away from the dock. You'll be in charge, and you'll be responsible. And if the Coasties board you, you'll be prepared.

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Davy J
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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2013 : 14:09:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">As skipper, you need to understand the rules, rules of the road, etc.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Been sailing for years, but to this day, we keep a laminated "cheat sheet" at the forward end of the cockpit. Which tells us who has the right of way, and on what tack.

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 06:41:19

I'm not a writer, but I decided it would be fun and possibly educational to write about my adventures with my first boat. Mostly so that I could look back and remember what it was like, but I figured I would share it in case anyone else would find it entertaining.
http://philmarcelino.blogspot.com/

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 06:43:59

I hope that my last post was appropriate for this forum. If not, let me know.

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dlucier
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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2013 : 06:52:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by fmarcelino
 I hope that my last post was appropriate for this forum. If not, let me know.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If it has to do with sailing, it's appropriate and encouraged. Some even put their sail blog links in their signatures.

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