[C38] Catalina 38 Questions

[Don Strong]

Dear Rob:
Our C38 is Discreet Charm, 1980 model hull #50. Your client can see her 
at http://discreetchar.blogspot.com/

The keel bolts are original, bright and clean. As far as we can tell the 
plywood is still down there under the 1/2 or so of fiberglass mat. The 
bolts sit proud and have not sunk one bit. This indicates to me that the 
plywood is dry. We haul every 4 years and have but the tiniest of 
"Catalina smile," which is easy to fill and repair. The most common 
water in the bilge is fresh, from rain in winter (which enters down the 
mast) and from ice box drainage. I try to keep the bilge dry, but 
regularly add a cup of table salt to the bilge to keep its contents 
salty. Salt slows fungal growth, and were there to be a leak through the 
fiberglass, the resulting plywood rot would be slowed.

The chain plates begin to leak every 5 years or so and need recaulking. 
Recaulking is pretty simple and easy. The deck is stiff around the chain 
plates after 30 years, and I thank previous owners for their attention 
to this important, infrequent need. Same for the back stay; it does not 
leak, the wood block is dry and there is no rot back there.

The rudder tube is worn, and shimmed with both teflon and brass. It does 
not leak because I learned, after two failed attempts, how to replace 
the stuffing in the rudder tube stuffing box. This is a difficult, 
frustrating operation on the C38 because of the damn pinched stern.

We don't have a windlass. I and am fortunate to be able to haul the 
anchor chain manually. My wife is skilled on the helm, and motors up the 
anchor line like an old Navy Chief.

No baby stay.

Don and Karin Strong
C38 Discreet Charm
Emery Cove, San Francisco Bay



On 12/10/10 6:40 PM, Rob Webb wrote:
> Hello Catalina 38 owners,
>
> I am a yacht broker in Long Beach, CA and a Catalina 30 owner and 
> regular contributor to the Catalina 30 yahoo group.  I have a client 
> that wants to know all things to consider before he purchases a C38 
> (not 380) for blue water cruising.  Some of his questions include:
>
> Propane tanks, location, options
> Keel bolts, bilge plywood sole repairs
> Windlass - where/how best to install.
> Crack/leaks at chainplates
> Worn rudder tube (check if cap moves 1/8" or more)
> Baby stay/track
>
> I am fairly knowledgeable about the boats but wanted to get input from 
> the experts on these and other items he should consider.  I am also 
> curious about C38 vs. 380 sailing characteristics from those who have 
> sailed both.
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
>
> **
> ****
> **Rob Webb
> Flying Cloud Yachts
> 6400 Marina Drive (at the Marina Shipyard)
> Long Beach, CA 90803
> Cell: (562) 786-1872
> Office: (562) 594-9716
> FAX: (562) 594-0710
> Rob at robwebbyachts.com <mailto:Rob at robwebbyachts.com>
> www.flyingcloudyachts.com <http://www.flyingcloudyachts.com/>
> **
> **
>
>
>
>
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