Catalina Cabin Roof Supports

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Whale of a Time, Dec 11, 2024.

  1. Whale of a Time
    Joined: Oct 2024
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: St. Clair, MI

    Whale of a Time New Member

    I recently purchased a 1985 Chris Craft Catalina 281 Express. The lower attachments for the cabin roof supports have pulled out of the fiberglass v-berth walls and appears that they have dropped about 1”. I hope I can attach photos to show this condition.
    My question is : Is there a way to raise the cabin roof enough to reattach the supports at there original location. If not, should they be reattached at there current location?

    https://photos.fife.usercontent.goo...xkQeEkUbxZvgQ-zK=w809-h607-s-no-gm?authuser=0

    https://photos.fife.usercontent.goo...eO2WZSITmnWKqaFq=w809-h607-s-no-gm?authuser=0

    https://photos.fife.usercontent.goo...8qCpYV9jnGVpfEGp=w809-h607-s-no-gm?authuser=0

    Retry loading photos
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Dec 12, 2024
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 3,769
    Likes: 1,689, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 37
    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    Welcome to the Forum WoT.

    I tried to open your photos in the links above, but no go.
    Can you try attaching them directly, using the 'upload a file' button in the bottom right corner?

    For general reference, here is a link to a sister ship for sale.
    https://www.boatmart.com/listing/1986-Chris-Craft-281 Catalina-5022638784#sid=583332

    In this link there is a photo looking forward, showing two tubular pillars - are these the supports you are concerned about?
    I will attach a copy of the photo here.
    The starboard pillar appears to go through the fibreglass top of the berth, and there seems to be two bolts in the vertical side panel which I presume are secured to a plate welded on to the pillar?

    675a7acf1e3c1c60425d4e48.jpg
     
    BlueBell and Tops like this.
  3. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 2,968
    Likes: 1,106, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Yes
     
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,492
    Likes: 2,027, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    You can use a piece of wood and a bottle jack.
     
  5. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 3,769
    Likes: 1,689, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 37
    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    @Whale of a Time thanks for the edit on your post re how the photos are now attached.

    Re your pillars, I presume that you have a pillar on the port side as well (as per the photo in my previous post), and that this one has sagged as well.

    It looks like you will have to do some fibreglass work to repair the areas where the bolts have pulled through the fibreglass.
    Once this has been completed, then it would be worthwhile using panhead bolts with washers under the heads, instead of bolts with heads that are countersunk into the fibreglass - panhead bolts & washers would be much more resistant to 'pulling through' the fibreglass again.
    Ok, they won't be flush smooth like the countersunk bolts, but they will be much stronger.
     
    BlueBell, Tops and gonzo like this.
  6. Whale of a Time
    Joined: Oct 2024
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: St. Clair, MI

    Whale of a Time New Member

    Gonzo. Thanks for your reply. It confirmed what I thought was the way to raise the support. I haven't tried in fear of causing more damage. Both supports have dropped. Is it best to raise both sides a one time or individually? I only need about 1".
     
  7. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,492
    Likes: 2,027, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    I would do one at a time. A flat plate with two holes instead of washers will hold better. If the previous bolts were pulled through the holes, there may be some delamination. The plate would spread out the force and account for any damage.
     
    bajansailor likes this.
  8. Tops
    Joined: Aug 2021
    Posts: 315
    Likes: 95, Points: 28
    Location: Minnesota

    Tops Senior Member

    The countersunk screw/bolt thing is a pain, I am dealing with something similar with my boat. For the want of a handful of finishing washers...
    Is there any reason to suspect that something 'extra' (snow load, tree branch falling on boat, failing deck core, etc.) may have helped to manifest the displaced supports?
     

  9. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,492
    Likes: 2,027, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    It is a relatively thin laminate with a countersunk head bolt. It has lasted almost 40 years, which is quite good. A small reinforcing plate will make it last just as long. I doubt the boat will make it to 80.
     
    BlueBell likes this.
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.