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Volume
26, Number 3, August 2008
(This
is only a fraction of the Technical content found in each issue of mainsheet.
To read it all, subscribe to Catalina Mainsheet.)
Catalina
470 Technical Editor Jim Wohlleber
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today.
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Catalina
42 Technical Editor Garry Willis
New Boat Owner Questions
As the owner of a new 2007 Catalina 42 which I purchased this past August
[I moved up from a Hunter 36] you can bet I have a number of questions
about her and was happy to learn you are the “go to person” with
questions. The dealer, Coneys Marine in Long Island and Kent Nelson at
the factory have been nothing short of super too.
To begin with I am a seasoned boat owner and sailor. Although Millipede
is the first Catalina I have owned, it is our 12th boat over a 40 year
period. . . I realize and do not expect any boat to be flawless even if
it is new and right out of the box like mine was. There are a few little
issues that need answers though:...
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Catalina
400 Technical Editor Brian Mistrot
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today
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Catalina
380/397/390 Technical Editor Warren Elliott
Simple Repair Eliminates Dismasting Possibility
I don’t mean to worry our C380 captains-the chances are pretty remote
for a dismasting-but one of our fleet did suffer this “fate”,
so I thought some relevant info would be helpful to at least a few of our
members.
The particular unhappy event took place with winds gusting to 30+ knots..
Before sailing that day, the rig appeared normal per the captain’s
brief check. Early conditions had winds in the low 20’s, so the C380,
which had a Z-Spar tall rig, was reefed accordingly. Then, just after coming
about, the mast folded to port/aft about 10 feet above the deck. Luckily,
no one was hurt...
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Catalina
38 Technical Editor Tom Troncalli
Electrics
for Dummies
As modern sailors, even we need to know something about electricity.
This article is not supposed to be an exhaustive lesson on electricity
but some ideas about how to maximize the electrical efficiencies on our
boats.
The two types of electricity we use on board are called Direct Current
and Alternating Current. Direct Current (DC) as our batteries produce
means the current goes in one direction only. Alternating Current (AC)
means that the current reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals,
60 cycles per second for shore power AC. Both AC and DC are similar in
many ways and dissimilar in other ways...
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Catalina
36 Technical Editors
MK I Hulls: Glenn “Chooch” Jewell
MK II Hulls: Tom Senator
Stuffing box Flax packing size
I was thinking about ordering the Gore packing but am not sure on the right
size. I hear, in this thread, that we should be using 3/16" but http://www.emarineinc.com/products/gfopacking/packing.html
web site shows a 1" prop shaft, which I also hear is what I have,
takes ¼" as the correct size packing. Inquiring minds want
to know… Roger O’Malley, High Sea Era #2079
Roger, I have seen both -- the shaft size is 1" -- but I have heard
people say they have used flax packing that was either 3/16" or 1/4".
On page 45-46 of the Catalina 36MKII manual it says to use 3/16 x 3/16
packing and you should get 3 of them in your stuffing box. That is probably
correct as I used 1/4" (probably as per the info from the site below)
and while it is working fine I could only get 2 rings in there. So maybe
3/16" is correct. Though, I have heard that the newer C36 user manuals
even said that the packing should be 1/4" so I think both could be
used effectively...
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Catalina
350 Technical Editor Skip Penizotto
C350 Maintenance Website
When we purchased our Catalina 350 in January, 2004 I was determined to
keep her maintained per the manuals. There were systems I never had on
a boat before, and this was my first diesel engine. So I went through the
manuals and started highlighting all the maintenance requirements. Then
I copied them into a spreadsheet to organize them better. By going through
this process I learned a lot about the boat and became familiar with the
various systems and components.
Once I had this maintenance list together I could easily see everything
that had to be done without searching through the manuals every time. That
was great, but as a computer hobbyist (geek) I couldn’t just settle
for a simple list. So I scanned the manuals into the computer, and added
hyperlinks back to the manuals and manufacturer websites so all the information
available would be just a click away. The next obvious step was to publish
the creation for other C350 owners to use, which I did in March 2005. The
link to the latest version is on the C350IA home page at www.Catalina350.net...
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Catalina
34 Technical Editor Mike Vaccaro
Engine Room Ramblings
I’m consistently amazed at how much discussion occurs regarding
the maintenance of the auxiliary propulsion systems on our boats.
It must mean we spend a lot of time under power and, of course, are
largely dependent upon the auxiliary when we depart and arrive at
the marina. The following are some random thoughts regarding the
care and feeding of this important bit of machinery.
Mounting the Breather Tube to the Stock Air Intake
There has been some discussion on the web as of late about adding a breather
tube to circulate crankcase air to the intake to reduce diesel smell
in the cabin. The system in our boat uses a 1/2" O.D. brass elbow
mounted to the intake cover using two thin brass jamb nuts. These nuts
were obtained from a local hardware store and are actually lamp hardware.
Red Locktite is used to ensure that the nuts don’t back-off as
the result of engine vibration. The reusable metal filter in the intake
would act as a “catcher’s mitt” in the unlikely event
a nut loosened, preventing ingestion into the intake manifold...
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Catalina
320 Association Editor Karl Mielenhausen
Shake,
Rattle, and Roll
Here’s an interesting story but not a good example of the usually
good troubleshooting skills I pride myself on having...
The last couple of times I’ve been out, I noticed a sort of rattling
under power but only at one specific rpm. The usually trusty, Yanmar 3GM
was a little rougher at idle (in gear) also.
It sounded like I had caught a fishing line and the lure was whacking against
the hull as the prop turned. The noise was louder in the cockpit, but barely
noticeable in the aft cabin. Since it only occurred at 2000 (+/- 50) rpm,
I was ignoring it...
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Catalina
310 Technical Editor Bob James
Unattractive Stair Treads
We bought Hamingja (hull #310) new 2 1/2 years ago and each year since,
when we attend various boat shows, we come away certain we made the right
choice in choosing a Catalina 310. The only gripe we’ve both had
related to the companionway stair treads which, at least on Hamingja,
were an unattractive vinyl affair of non-descript color that stained
easily and continually slid out of place when exposed to the hot Florida
sun. At the shows, my wife would always stare with envy at the sharp-looking
wooden steps leading below decks on so many of the other boats...
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Tech
Talk with Catalina 30/309 (edited by Max Munger)
Portlights.
This procedure is based on my experience refurbishing the leaking port
lights on Rag Doll a 1976 Catalina 30. Later models may be somewhat different.
Removing the windows is easy – remove the
screws from the interior aluminum frame and push the window out. You
may have to overcome various thicknesses of silicon or such that was
used to seal the window over the years.
In my case, some of these screws were aluminum and broke off. In all
cases there was enough of a stub to grab with a vise grips. I replaced
them all with stainless screws.
This is a good opportunity to take care of cleaning the openings. Scrape
off all the failed sealer and tend to areas of the cabin trunk that may
have become delaminated or otherwise water damaged...
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Catalina
28 Technical Editor Garry Hebert
Cord-Keeper
When my shore power cord was stolen not long ago, I set about trying to
devise some way to keep my replacement cord from also going missing. My
gangway is ungated, lightly visited, with no live-aboards, and I feared
that the miscreants would know I’d buy a new cord and they’d
revisit the scene of the crime in a few days to swipe the new cord.
Here was my challenge: I didn’t want to permanently attach the cord
to the dock. I have only the one cord and I need to take it with me when
we visit other harbors. I wanted some way to attach it to the boat itself,
and it needed to be simple, effective, quick and cheap...
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Catalina
27/270
Technical Editor C27 John Ebell
Technical Editor C270 Phil Agur
Ice Box
This Issue should find everyone in cruise and race mode and I hope everyone
is enjoying using their Catalina 27. I have a few new items that you
may find helpful on the race course and some that will make the boat
nicer to cruise too.
Whether you race or cruise you use the boat’s ice box. What always
frustrated me with my boat (aft galley) is when you try and open the
ice box lid, it can only open half way (see picture 1). This is because
of the slider cabinet mounted directly overhead. I can not claim credit
for this, but I saw how someone had modified their lid and it instantly
made the ice box much easier to get into. This modification is easily
accomplished by cutting one half of the lid in half again and adding
hinges to the underside. This allows the lid to articulate and open in
a folding manner clearing the cabinet above. (see picture 2) I always
had to remove the whole lid to get into my chest and that lets in hot
air and uses ice faster. This helps save ice as well as making it easier
to reach your favorite beverage...
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Capri
26 Technical Editor Bob Unkel
Cutlass
Bearing Replacement
Over the years I have received several questions concerning Cutlass Bearing
replacement. The latest came from Don Miller who sails Rumrunner Capri
26 hull 205 on Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Don was renting a trailer
and getting organized to make the change.
Prop Removal
You need to either remove the Prop or the Rudder to get the shaft past
the Rudder. Although the Rudder is heavy, approximately 50-60lbs, if
you remove the rudder the Shaft and Prop can be removed as an assembly.
To remove the Prop you will need a puller and I would suggest soaking
the joint with some good penetrating oil to help the process. If it
is still sticking a small amount of heat on the hub of the prop can
help the process...
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Capri
25 Technical Editor Chris McKillip
Catalina 25 Guest Technical Editor Frank Hopper
Catalina 250 Technical Editor Randy Kold
Improved
Portable Gas Can Safety For Boats with Outboards
For years I have struggled with the constant maintenance of my 9.9 Outboard
gas can on my Catalina 25. Some of the issues include, rust rings left
on my fiberglass from condensation rust and long lay-up times of non use
which can lead to leaking metal gas tanks. I have found that leaks occur
where the manufactures seams expand and contract in the summer heat and
allow for weakening of theses seams, and finally, overall rusty bottoms
from constant exposure to the elements. I fortunately sail on fresh water
lakes, but I can imagine an even harsher environment on salt water. Additionally,
on many boats (not just sailboats alone) constant bouncing, tacking and
shifting of weight may cause your gas tank to slide uncontrollably, which
can also damage the sides and bottoms.
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Catalina
22 Technical Editor Sharon and Philip Merlier
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today.
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Catalina
18 Technical Editor Erik Van Renselaar
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today.
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Catalina
16 Technical Editor Richard Ede
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today.
(To
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Catalina
15 Technical Editor Paul Vance
No column
this issue. Comments and/or questions for next issue? Contact your
Tech Editor today.
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read more Catalina 16.5 Technical Notes, subscribe to Catalina Mainsheet.)
Capri
14.2 Association Editor Ed Jones
Lost Donuts
Most late model (and some older) Capri 14.2s use a centerboard stopper
consisting of a fiberglass rod that sticks out on each side of the top
of the board. This has little rubber “donuts” on the ends to
cushion the impact when the board is dropped down.
Often the donuts come unglued and end up rolling around the cockpit floor
and/or disappearing down the slot. Replacements can be bought from Catalina,
but mama-mia, such a hassle. And then the new ones never seem to stay on,
no matter what kind of miracle glue is used. Another problem is that sometimes
the fiberglass pin breaks.
Tired of this, I decided to undertake the ultimate cure. I bought a 3” X
3/8” stainless bolt and a locknut. After removing the fiberglass
pin (a few gentle taps with a hammer) I inserted the bolt with a donut
on each end. It turned out that washers weren’t needed, as the head
of the bolt and the locknut hold the donuts in place very nicely. No more
lost donuts!..
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