[C320-list] Transom cracks

[Rustem Diker via C320-list]

Hello Everyone,
When I purchased my Catalina 1999, #561 last year, the surveyor suggested
that the cracks along the edge of the transom were not structural in
nature. I attached a photo. These cracks are on both sides of the transom.
Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance.
Rustem Diker

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

I have the same issue on my 2005 #1037. I'm told the stress cracks are caused by using the swim ladder when on the hard. It seems that the ladder 'see' more torque in land than in the water cuz it has more weight to bear.

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I don't  rely on using the swim ladder while on the hard. I always use a stepladder on the ground and maybe step on the top rung of the swim ladder at most. I believe you place way more stress on the transom using the swim ladder alone while on the hard. 
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Tue, May 6, 2025 at 1:51 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: I have the same issue on my 2005 #1037. I'm told the stress cracks are caused by using the swim ladder when on the hard. It seems that the ladder 'see' more torque in land than in the water cuz it has more weight to bear.

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

I remove my swim ladder while on the hard for this reason. Also makes access via a stepladder easier. I have the same cracks on my 1999 boat.

> On May 6, 2025, at 1:51 PM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I have the same issue on my 2005 #1037. I'm told the stress cracks are caused by using the swim ladder when on the hard. It seems that the ladder 'see' more torque in land than in the water cuz it has more weight to bear.

[Rustem Diker via C320-list]

Hello everyone,
Yes, removing the swim ladder is a good idea.
Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone having these cracks.
After consulting with several fiberglass experts, I decided to fix the
cracks myself. I did not think they were worth paying $2000-3000.00 to fix
them.
I took a V shaped carbide bit and made a groove about 1/4- to 3/8 deep
keeping the crack in the center of the grove. I then filled the grove with
a paste mixing West System 105 + 206 (hardener) and colloidal silica 406 in
peanut butter consistency. I will also attempt to gelcoat the area with
Youtube (Fish Bump TV) help. Sailboatowners.com will ship the right color
gel coat for Catalinas built 1995-2004.
Rustem
C1999 #561

On Wed, May 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM surprise thompson87.com via C320-list <