[C320-list] Using a life-line....

[Tim]

Ok, I just completed a survey on a 1999 Catalina 320 that I was quite happy with until now. The question I have is regarding a small and appears to be shallow (only a few layers of glass) crack in the bilge area on the starboard side of the keel bolts. Both the surveyor and I could not see any external evidence of a hard grounding on the keel so we don't suspect that to be the cause. Secondly, the keel does show the "catalina smile" separation where the keel and the hull match up. And there is no external evidence of repairs or moisture in that area as well. Although we did find 2-3 areas of the hull that did have moisture.
   
  What I'm looking for are thoughts and/or opinons on the crack in the hull. I am looking to have a fiberglass guy check this out as well and get an estimate to grind down to determine the extent as well as repair. I'm really considering this boat but don't want to have future issues or lose a keel.
   
  Note the boat is on the hard so we filled the bilge w/water and let it sit a few hours, no signs of leakage nor moisture in that area.
   
  Ask for more info or share your thoughts...need a an audience life line as they say.
   
  Thanks in advance for your help !!

		
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