Catalina MKII Rudder Delamination

[Sting63]

Looking to purchase a new Catalina 42 (new to us) here in Fort Lauderdale area, 2006 model, hull number 0926. The boat was hauled out today for a marine survey and the surveyor found the rudder to be delaminated and that it needs to be replaced. We are in Virginia and plan to run it outside the ICW along the coast to NC and then come up the ICW to Norfolk VA in the coming month. This is a major deal breaker for us but want to know if anyone else has recommendations as to any boatyards in the Fort Lauderdale area who could do the work and any ballpark numbers for costs. My kids are all grown so the price of a first born is not there.

Appreciate any comments or recommendations since we really want this boat but concerned about the cost for replacement and good boat yards in the local area to do the work.

...Larry & Sandy Stewart...
"Sandy Sea"

[Boracay]

I did a quick Google and found an article on rebuilding a Catalina rudder. Could give you some idea of what's under the surface.

The Catalina 42 International Association could be a good source of specialised advice about your boat. Could be a good idea to give them a call.

If you need immediate information about go/no go your local dealer should be able to give you a price to supply and fit a new rudder.

If it were me I'd fit a new rudder, and try to work out what caused the rudder to delaminate in the first place.

[sded]

I would contact Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas at Catalina immediately and see what they can do to help you with the problem. Lots of stories of how they made good long after warranty.