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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Foredeck weakness ?

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jimbo747
Deckhand

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13 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/10/2002 : 11:35:11

Whilst bouncing around on my new 25's foredeck the other day, i heard cracking sounds. The problem seems to be in the area of the non-slip moulding just north (or south !) of the anchor locker and appears to extend right the way across the deck. There appears to be a couple of little cracks.

This was not picked up on the survey.

Anyone come across this ? Should i be concerned ?

Jimbo.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2002 : 11:59:02

That sound is typical of the fiberglass/gelcoat fillet separating from the deck core which is made from plywood.
While delamination is not considered a structural issue (unless the deck is actually flexing,) most people lean towards repairing it as preventative maintenance.

Edited by - OJ on 06/10/2002 12:15:50

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jimbo747
Deckhand

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13 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2002 : 17:42:05

Hi OJ,

Thanks for that.
How would i go about repairing this ? Presumably have to cut into the liner and work on it from underneath ? Or remove part of the deck and do it that way ?

Jimbo.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2002 : 09:57:49

As your deck appears to be solid, you're looking only to re-adhere the fiberglass to the plywood core. Probably the most professional way to correct this would be to "fillet" the fiberglass surface (making the cut on the flat surfaces surrounding the nonskid,) apply a high quality bonding agent (epoxy based,) reattach and fill the cuts with a perhaps gelcoat mixed with filler.
I would assume there's an abundance of reading material regarding boat maintenance on your side on the pond? There's an excellent manual (US$3) published by West Systems (Gougeon Brothers) that addresses this very subject. If it's not available in the UK, I'd be happy to forward one to you.

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2002 : 09:13:37

I am no expert, but worked for 6 months or so in a boatyard with a good reputation in Portland, OR. Read up on filling voids and delam areas with epoxy by drilling small 1/8" holes just through the fiberglass, into the core/or void. Epoxy can be "injected" with a syringe from West until in comes out a nearby hole/ Then, fill the holes with epoxy or gelcoat and repaint the nonskid.

I wouldn't maybe bother with this until it felt serious. I've been on LOTS of boats with a "crunchy" spot here or there.

Gary B.

Encore! #685 and Suede Shoes #496 (for sale in Washington)

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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.