Association Forum - URGENT HELP!!!!! (SWING KEEL)

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

URGENT HELP!!!!! (SWING KEEL)

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Mikec
Deckhand

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14 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/13/2005 : 07:57:20

I am looking at a Catalina 25(1982). I was very happy with the boat and all that came with it. I went to put a deposit on it(so as to hold it until I could return) but before I did I took one last close look at it. I found two cracks by the base of the keel trunk(starboard side). I removed the wooden inclosure and found nothing wrong with the half mooned keel housing. The boat has (in the past 2 years) had bottom painted and keel inspected. The broker assured me the cracks were cosmetic. He had a mechanics report stating there was no mechanical or structural damage. Also, as per the current owners request the boat was inspected for it's seaworthyness. I am very nervous!! Please give me your two cents on this topic. I may be in a buyer haze!!

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 08:48:59

Can you get any pics of the area of concern? Would help everyone a lot.

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Steve Siefken
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 08:55:08

I just bought a Cat 25 swing keel this spring. I have a couple small cracks in basically the same place as you describe. The surveyor discovered this during his inspection. I also had a good friend with many years sailing experience look at it too. Both told me the same thing you heard, that is was (is) cosmetic.

I have had it moored since May and have had the boat out on many occasion with no problem.

You mentioned a mechanic, maybe you meant surveyor? If not, you may want to have a surveyor or at least a second opinion. Brokers usually have a list of surveyors, but often the reason they end up on the list is they won't spoil the sale. Another possible solution to this is getting a second opinion from a surveyor not on the brokers list. There is a national association where you can look up names in your area. Here is their web site, http://www.nams-cms.org/.

Not saying you don't have a problem, just saying be practical and safe. Get it evaluated by a pro of your choice. Sounds like you are concerned and perhaps justifiably so. Better safe than wet!

Be interesting to see what other "swingers" have to say on this.

Best of luck!

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Mikec
Deckhand

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14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 09:12:44

I have a picture of the area of concern but am not sure how to post it? Shutterfly?

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 10:07:10

I had a couple little 'cracks' showing on mine right by the keel hinge... here's what I found.

The swing keel pivot is fitted into an oversize recess fabricated in the bottom of the hull. The factory then filled in and 'squared up' around the edges of the recess with lightweight fairing compound for cosmetic purposes. I probed around and removed the old (loosening) fairing compound and re-faired with Marine-Tex. (A durable marine epoxy filler)

I've corresponded with the owner of another swinger that had the same 'cracks'... and they found the situation to be the same on their boat.

A little tapping or probing with an icepick in the suspect area may be be instructive.

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Esteban
Navigator

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139 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 16:27:48

Mike - are the cracks on the floor itself next to the keel trunk enclosure? I just want to verify.

Esteban

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 16:36:46

Aha, sorry, mis-read the original post on location of the cracks.

INSIDE the hull. Yes, mine has one there too... in the forward portside corner where the trunk intersects the hull and the compression post comes down to the floor of the bilge. They appear to be in the extra resin generally 'slopped' alongside the base of the trunk.

I don't believe them to be in the structural portion of the hull, only in the gooped pile of resin.

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Mikec
Deckhand

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14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 17:29:58

The cracks are on the starboard side on the flat type trunk at the floor. I guess I would have to say they are on the floor where it attaches to the trunk. It is not on the big keel housing under the wooden box. I guess that is as clear as mud. I need to brush up on the terms. Thank you all for the help. I have decided to have the owner put the boat in the water Monday and if all is good(no leaks) Tuesday or Wednesday I will buy it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

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RBArrowood
Deckhand

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17 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 20:49:34

Mike. I also have an 82 with small cracks on portside. I've had the boat now for 4 years. Dry Bilge. No water entry. If price is good I would not worry about it.

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Esteban
Navigator

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139 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2005 : 22:57:39

Mike - if these cracks are on the floor - no problema man.... I too have a crack on the floor itself on the starboard side of the box enclosing the keel trunk. There is nothing structural having to do with the keel or the keel trunk. I have actually seen this in a couple (2 other) swing keel boats. It's just an area of the floor with little to no support. Funny enough, I saw these cracks on the other boats while shopping for the one I currently own. If you removed the box cover itself and closely inspected the keel trunk as well as giving it a good close inspection underneath you shouldn't sweat it. I think your plan is a good idea. Remember - these boats are now twenty some years old.

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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2005 : 10:09:11

I've got a swinger because I sail in shallow waters in the Potomac River near Washington, DC. If you sail in shallow, fresh water it's probably a good option. If you want to trailer your boat, it's a good option. Otherwise, I would advise against it. The main drawback is that if the keel cable snaps when the keel is up, it can tear a hole in the bottom of your boat, causing the boat to sink. That's not a small problem. To prevent this from happening, there are lots of maintenance hassles that you don't have with a fin keel boat.

There are lots of 25's on the market. I've got a search option on ebay for "catalina", and they they send me notifications of new 25's on the market nearly every day.

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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.