Tad,
Good luck. I purchased an '88 last September and have really been enjoying it. A "good" surveyor should be able to assess all of the most major things. Take Stu's advice though and do some research into old posts and stickys. In my experience surveyors will tell you they know Catalinas but nowhere near the knowledge base of this site. So, you've come to the right place and will be better prepared when you do your survey. One area that my surveyor missed was the damage done from leaking under the stanchion just above the galley icebox. In my case, years of leakage (and neglect) caused the galley countertop closest to the hull to be rotted out to where I will have to replace at some point. While not a deal breaker it could have been a negotiating point. My understanding is that these stanchions on both sides house vent tubes (from water and holding tanks) and are "known" issues relative to leaks.
Bryan
Good luck. I purchased an '88 last September and have really been enjoying it. A "good" surveyor should be able to assess all of the most major things. Take Stu's advice though and do some research into old posts and stickys. In my experience surveyors will tell you they know Catalinas but nowhere near the knowledge base of this site. So, you've come to the right place and will be better prepared when you do your survey. One area that my surveyor missed was the damage done from leaking under the stanchion just above the galley icebox. In my case, years of leakage (and neglect) caused the galley countertop closest to the hull to be rotted out to where I will have to replace at some point. While not a deal breaker it could have been a negotiating point. My understanding is that these stanchions on both sides house vent tubes (from water and holding tanks) and are "known" issues relative to leaks.
Bryan