Crack underneath mast?

scituate · May 06, 2008, 07:24:17 AM

Hello everyone,

My name is Chris Matthews, and I live in Scituate, Mass. I'm the owner of a 1971 Ericson 35, and pending acceptance of my offer and a good survey, I will be the owner of a 1989 Catalina 34. I'm very excited about the purchase, not only am I getting a great boat, but this seems to be a great place to ask questions... So here's my first question...

When I took a look at the boat, I noticed some cracks in the molded fiberglass around where the mast enters the boat. I plan to reinforce it to fix it. I was wondering if anyone has seen something like this before? The broker (mine, not the sellers) came the conclusion that it may have been caused by over tightening of the turnbuckle that supports the blocks at the base of the mast...

Any ideas?

Stu Jackson · May 06, 2008, 07:33:31 AM

Chris, that would be my guess. It would be wise to inspect the area further to determine if there is anything more than cosmetic damage. I do not recall ever hearing about "this one" before! A little gelcoat rework inside the cabin after that cracked area is removed plus some core checking out may be all that's required. Other than the tunbuckle with your keel stepped mast, there no structural "issue" right at that spot.

Jon Schneider · May 06, 2008, 07:36:32 AM

Quote from: scituate on May 06, 2008, 07:24:17 AM
The broker (mine, not the sellers) came the conclusion that it may have been caused by over tightening of the turnbuckle that supports the blocks at the base of the mast...

Congrats on your almost-purchase, Chris! You're going to love your new girl. For some odd reason, the photo wouldn't show, so I don't know how bad the cracks are (is it just "crazing," fine cracks?) I think your broker's on the right track. I would've guessed the opposite: under-tightening, or not installing at all. My yard re-stepped my mast this year and forgot to reinstall this turnbuckle. If I had been a new or unobservant owner, I might not have realized their error. Less likely, but still possible, is the notion that the partner wedges might not have been installed and the rigging was loose enough to let the mast thwack against the partners. Either way, I doubt it's a major structural or on-going problem.

BTW, depending on how unsightly the cracks are, you could get away with just using Capt. Tolley's Crack Cure (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?catalogId=10001&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&keyword=tolley&Ntt=tolley&N=377+710&y=0&x=0&storeId=10001&Ntk=Primary+Search&ddkey=SiteSearch). Great stuff. Really works.

Steve Sayian · May 06, 2008, 08:45:09 AM

Chris,

Is the boat brokered by Eastern Yacht Sales in Hingham (saw it on their website)? If so, they are good brokers and have been in the Catalina business for a very long time and are well versed in the boats.

Steve

Ken Juul · May 06, 2008, 08:57:34 AM

The cabin top is constructed from two peices. The outside and an inside liner. The U bolts are thru bolted. It is odd to see damage on the liner, but none evident on the exterior (unless it is hidden under the Mast boot fitting). I agree it looks like someone tightened the turnbuckle a bit too much and cracked the liner.

I do not think it is of too much concern, but as Stu noted this is a first. I suggest you contact the factory to be sure. Catalina does not respond well to emails. I would call first and discuss the situation. They will either ask you to fax or email a picture depending on who you talk to.

818 884-7700 explain the situation to the receptionist, she will probably pass you to service, but you also stand a good chance of talking to Gerry Douglas or Frank Butler the owners.

Please report back on what they have to say.

Welcome, I hope the deal works for you.

Jon Schneider · May 06, 2008, 09:03:43 AM

One other thought, which I'm sure will occur to your surveyor, make sure he checks for moisture both above and below deck around the partners. It's also possible (though I've never heard of this before, so maybe it's just my active imagination) that there was water seepage into the deck around the partners which then froze up and caused the liner to crack. Probably far fetched, but if you want to be really sure, you'd need to have the mast un-stepped and the mast collar removed to really check things out. But start by getting moisture readings. If there's no moisture, there's probably nothing to worry about, and it's most likely the turnbuckle tuning issue.

scituate · May 06, 2008, 09:15:43 AM

Didn't expect responses this fast! It rivals the support system over at EricsonYachts.org!

If you can't see the picture, it's probably because you're behind a filter. I can't see it beyond my filter here at school.

Thanks for all the responses. This is going to be my first "100% mine" boat, so I'm hoping for the best. I'll give Catalina a call this afternoon. It must be nice to own a boat whose company is still in business.

Jon Schneider · May 06, 2008, 09:25:05 AM

Quote from: scituate on May 06, 2008, 09:15:43 AM
I'll give Catalina a call this afternoon. It must be nice to own a boat whose company is still in business.

You said it! I owned Pearsons and O'days before this, so I actually forget that the company is there as a resource. That said, this forum is generally better and more responsive than the company, but, still, it's nice to be able to go back to the source.

sailingdream · May 06, 2008, 09:48:45 AM

Ok just a silly question on my part, what does the turnbuckle really do and how tight should it be? Sorry to ask, newbie C34 warning! :)
I had someone who has been sailing for awhile down below and he wasn't sure either.

Ted Pounds · May 06, 2008, 10:15:33 AM

The turnbuckle counters the upward pull on the deck from the halyards.

Jon Schneider · May 06, 2008, 11:28:10 AM

And when the halyards are slack, the turnbuckle should be just hand-tight.

scituate · May 06, 2008, 12:03:29 PM

I just made the phone call... Closed for lunch!

Bill Asbury · May 07, 2008, 04:54:07 PM

Jon/Chris, I can see the pic and there is definitely a crack down the side of that fiberglass molding from top to bottom and it appears to be simply a pressure crack caused by overtightening the turnbuckle.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Bill

Ron Hill · May 07, 2008, 06:42:14 PM

Chris : You definitely need to send your picture to the factory and get their first impression.
I believe that there is a piece of aluminum alloy embedded in the overhead layup. It goes from the far port all the way to the starboard side with a loop hole in the center for the mast. I'm not too sure it's just a simple "The turnbuckle was tightened down too tight", it could be more serious !!
Don't think you could tighten that turnbuckle tight enough to do that! Maybe the mast hit something?? That's why you need to call the factory. A few thoughts.

scituate · May 07, 2008, 07:37:52 PM

I will not be purchasing this boat, after all.

I have "fallen in love" so to speak, with the C-34. I will be looking at a 1987 model sometime this week. I need a boat! I've got a Raymarine ST-60 set, an S1 Autopilot, and a color Raymarine radar system that need a boat to go on!

Look forward to being a Catalina owner, soon!