Association Forum - Water ballast gel coat crack

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Water ballast gel coat crack

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AllenJ
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/23/2006 : 13:32:59

I have an opportunity to buy a 1995 Catalina 250 which has been well cared for and only in fresh water. Like a wise buyer I took advice from others on this forum and had a marine survey performed. The only potentially significant problem identified was a gel coat fissure along the water ballast tank, visible in the port and starboard areas aft and also under the fore vee bunk. The surveyor did not seem particularly concerned by this finding and thought that perhaps the trailer had something to do with it. Prior to finalization of sale there will be a sea trial, and a chance for me to determine that the water ballast area is not leaking. Anyone else have any experience with this and is this something I should be alarmed about? Appreciate all comments.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2006 : 15:52:44

Fill the ballast tank with water and take a look at the area's of concern. Let the water set in there a few hours. 61 degrees yesterday
and six inches of snow today in upstate N.Y. Go figure.

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Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2006 : 12:15:24

Sea trial is a great call, monitor the bilge before and during the trial. The waterballast tank is difficult to see on my 250. Are you sure it is the tank? I have interpereted that the cracks are not fore to aft but port to starboard. I would look closely at the centerboard attachment point and the hull around it for cracks too. The trailer that Catalina sells with the boat (Trail-Rite I think) supports the boat well and every time I have missed the trailer the result has been broken bunks not boat, with the exception of that bow roller support which can provide some nasty scratches

in the gel coat.

Edited by - Ray Seitz on 01/24/2006 12:18:23

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2006 : 08:24:12

Ray,

Some carpet covered treated 2x4 [url="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/bowroller.html"]protectors[/url] to avoid the bow roller digs can be added to those nasty angle iron supports for the bow roller.

Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 01/25/2006 08:24:34

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2006 : 10:15:57

Thanks Arlyn. I saw that modification and did not put it high on my to do list until - oops should of made that modification. I have to paint the bottom and check out my CB cable this spring, so I will have the trailer in a spot where I can do some work on it. Rest assured that modification is on top of the list.

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Capt. Kurt
Navigator

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185 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2006 : 16:55:46

Arlyn,
Do you wax the bottom of your boat? It looks mighty shiney. I have thought about doing this but didnt know if that would effect boat speed.
Kurt
#818 C250WK 'Tortuga'

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2006 : 19:38:58

Kurt, If Arlyn's boat is still like mine, the bottom remains unpainted. Shines up real nice when two coats of wax applied. Makes up some for my lack-luster sail trimmng.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2006 : 19:39:31

Kurt, If Arlyn's boat is still like mine, the bottom remains unpainted. Shines up real nice when two coats of wax applied. Makes up some for my lack-luster sail trimmng.

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AllenJ
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2006 : 00:31:02

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Doesn't sound like a common issue. I will be sure to be sure to follow up after the sea trial (some time in April) after which I hope to be a confirmed Catalina 250 owner and member of this highly informative owner's association.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2006 : 04:14:46

Kurt,

I've never painted R&R's bottom because he has never stayed in the water. Like Bear's, it is kept waxed well. The fastest bottom is claimed to be a very fine wet sanded hull rather than wax. My Hobie 18 was never waxed but of course was never in the water for more than a few hours at a time.

The 250 in the water for a long weekend would of course suffer without wax.

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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.