[C38] The Catalina Smile

[Charles]

Catalina says the infamous "smile" many of us have discovered on our 
boats is due to improper positioning on our cradles when the boat is out 
of the water.  I have fixed (by grinding, filling, gelcoating and 
painting) my smile three times before yearly spring launching.... only 
to have it be there when I haul the boat in the fall.  This does not 
rule out what Catalina says as it could be the keel stabilizing after a 
winter of compression.  I do know it is not due to loose keel bolts as I 
have routinely gone through the rather difficult process of tightening 
(never found a loose one).  I also know the smile appears on other 
Catalina models as I have seen it many times here in the north where we 
all have to haul for the winter. 
Regarding repairs on the smile.  While I have done this three times and 
will probably continue, I do wonder if I am sealing moisture into the 
repair and if this is causing even more of a problem when it freezes.
Any comments?

Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114
> -----Original Message-----
> From: listserve-bounces at catalina38.org
> [mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] On Behalf Of David L Ryan
> Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 6:26 PM
> To: Catalina 38 Listserve
> Subject: [C38] Keel Stub Wood Removal?
>
> I've been trying to further research this fix without too much  
> success. Perhaps you all can help.
>
> Is procedure recommended for all Catalina 38s, or is it only  
> recommended when a boat exhibits symptoms?
>
> If so, what are the symptoms? The "catalina smile"? Others?
>
> Who has had the fix done to their boat? Has anyone done it  
> themselves? Any advice or cautions? Did the procedure correct the  
> problem?
>
> Thanks!
>
> -David
>
>
>
>
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