Hi,
I'm the new owner of a 1993 MK 1.5, hull #1234. It's a freshwater boat and it is in very good condition. One item that needs to be addressed are weld cracks in the stemhead fitting. It appears this is a common problem and there are a couple posts in the forum regarding the issue:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=6250.0
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9612.msg72644.html#msg72644
I have a couple questions from anyone who has repaired or replaced the stemhead fitting on their boat:
- I understand there are a couple sources (Catalina Direct, Garhauer) for a redesigned, thicker stemhead fitting, however I plan to have the cracks in the stemhead fitting welded and have extra material added below the tang to make it 1/2 inch thick between the shoulders (blue arrow in photo). Has anyone performed this repair and was it successful in keeping the welds from cracking again?
- Jon W indicated that he had to cut the aluminum extrusion holding the rub rail on his MK1 to remove his stemhead fitting. I know the bow roller is separate on the MK1.5. Will I need to cut or modify the aluminum extrusion to remove / reinstall the stemhead on my MK1.5?
- Jon W also indicated he removed the entire beckson deck plate, not just the cover to get better access to the nuts and retaining plates. Besides stabilizing the rig, are there any other suggestions to make the job easier or safer?
I'm still getting familiar with the boat and I have a lot to learn. I really appreciate any advice on the best way to approach this repair.
Peter
I'm the new owner of a 1993 MK 1.5, hull #1234. It's a freshwater boat and it is in very good condition. One item that needs to be addressed are weld cracks in the stemhead fitting. It appears this is a common problem and there are a couple posts in the forum regarding the issue:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=6250.0
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9612.msg72644.html#msg72644
I have a couple questions from anyone who has repaired or replaced the stemhead fitting on their boat:
- I understand there are a couple sources (Catalina Direct, Garhauer) for a redesigned, thicker stemhead fitting, however I plan to have the cracks in the stemhead fitting welded and have extra material added below the tang to make it 1/2 inch thick between the shoulders (blue arrow in photo). Has anyone performed this repair and was it successful in keeping the welds from cracking again?
- Jon W indicated that he had to cut the aluminum extrusion holding the rub rail on his MK1 to remove his stemhead fitting. I know the bow roller is separate on the MK1.5. Will I need to cut or modify the aluminum extrusion to remove / reinstall the stemhead on my MK1.5?
- Jon W also indicated he removed the entire beckson deck plate, not just the cover to get better access to the nuts and retaining plates. Besides stabilizing the rig, are there any other suggestions to make the job easier or safer?
I'm still getting familiar with the boat and I have a lot to learn. I really appreciate any advice on the best way to approach this repair.
Peter