[C320-list] Has anyone ever beached a Catalina 320?

[Peter Clancy]

Tim: I believe the wing keel is pretty darn solid. Have 'tested' mine twice. First time, we nailed a submerged coral rock  motoring 5+ knots which stopped the boat dead. Inspection showed small gouge in the leading edge of the wing close to the vertical part of the keel. No evidence of any crack at keel to hull joint. Second time, ran aground (at night) in Biscayne Bay on hard-packed  sand bottom. Tide was going to low  and  I couldn't get off. Had to wait over 4 hours for rising tide. While stuck, wave action continually bounced the boat up and down on keel and rudder. Again, no damage to keel to hull joint. Pounding motion on rudder partially dislodged the upper seal at top of rudder tube but it was easily re-seated. 

The keel/hull joint might be successfully repaired with a strong epoxy filler, 2-3 layers of glass cloth reinforcement and fairing compound. I'd try to get an expert opinion on the bilge crack. If there are no apparent structural issues, I believe it could also be repaired in the much same manner (without need for fairing).  Re-torque the keel bolts. Important caveat -  I'm not an expert by any stretch but this is the approach I'd likely take in the same situation.

Peter Clancy
AROBAN  C320  # 222
Miami, FL  







----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim<mailto:chillinonahd at yahoo.com> 
  To: C320-List at catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at catalina320.com> 
  Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 11:48 AM
  Subject: [C320-list] Has anyone ever beached a Catalina 320?


  Still trying to figure out the reason for crack in bilge and separation of keel from hull (catalina smile).  Earlier post (Using a Life-line) One theory is the boat was anchored/grounded and low tide caused the boat to rest on the keel/side of the boat. This would possible cause stress on the keel without signs of external damage.
     
    Btw, the rudder on this boat is in excellent shape.
     
    Thanks Again !!


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