Deck questions!

[km2x]

Deck questions!
I currently have a Catalina 27 and we are looking for something larger for the family. I did find a boat that is a fixer upper and I wanted to enlist some opinions.


Said boat has deck issues( wet core). I am willing to replace and fix but I want some opinion on the matter. There is a soft spot that would have to be replaced as well as a rotted brace below deck.

Has anyone had experience with this sort of repair?

I have done all kinds of fixes and am not scared of fiberglass repaire but I am thinking about getting the boat for a song and then work it back into shape.

Thoughts. I know I am going to get the stay away stay far away, but I really don't mind rehab the thing.

km2x

[Maine Sail]

More often than not even a free fixer upper will cost you much more in the long run than a boat that has been well taken care of that you had to buy for a solid price.

A guy at my boat yard purchased a Pearson 303 last year with known deck issues. He had been given quotes of 10k- 12k to fix it. When the yard dug into the deck they found much more extensive problems and his yard bill was a legit 22k (this yard was not screwing him over) which is more than he paid for the boat to begin with. he could have bought a bristol condition 303 with dry decks for around 30k...

[USCGRET1990]

A super-quick fix for strength is to lay down and affix with an adhesive, some wood atop the deck. Of course teak being the best, but if you're like me, I can do wonders with plain ole plywood. I have seen this method used in the past and it works quite well.

[Cruisingdad]

The possible quick fix is a product through West Marine that is an injection into the core. I will not get technical because I have not done it. My understanding from those that have done it is that it is "ok"... and that it will work for small areas.

If the deck is spogy in a larger area, that may not be suitable. Some manufactureres would seciotn of the balsa core, which would restrict any moisture ingress. These are the easier fixes becuase you can cut out and replace just that area. However, that method seemed to be more expensive and many of the production vessels do not follow that. In turn, the moisture can spread further. THis is a more extensive fix and can be pricey.

Any way it goes, outside of a small area that can be injected, you are going to get into some serious work. We were going to buy a Krogen sevreal years ago but the survey came back with spongy decks. It was not a real large area, but given our destinations, would ned to be fixed. THe cost was right around $25,000... and it could exceed that. We walked away from the deal.

I am not an expert in this area so please take my comments as such. I would also agree with the poster above that stated you may spend more fixing up a good deal than if you had spent more up front for a tub in better condition.

Take care.

- CD

[sailingdog]

It is generally worth it to spend a bit more money and get a boat in better shape. The cost of repairs is often many times that of the difference in price between the boats.

[saurav16]

Are you a handy person? Do you do repairs around the house? If so what if you do the repairs yourself, the cost won't be as much. If you get the yard to do it will be pricey yes since its labor intensive. Read Don Caseys books-this old boat, and sailboat maint. guide. That might help your decision.