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Messages - scgunner

#1
Chris,

I cut mine out years ago and yes it's much more convenient. But to replace that structural support I took it (or them now) to a local stainless steel rail maker and had them add an additional leg to each side creating a tripod support for each side which is as solid as the original configuration. I'd also recommend an additional bar between top and bottom rail for additional support and while it's there have them weld caps over the cuts. If you do the R&R yourself it's not that expensive.
#2
Aaron,

You'll probably be OK but that doesn't sound like a great idea, it'll a race against time to see if you can do the job before the temp gauge spikes. Why not rig up your own water supply, two hoses and three five gallon buckets. Lead the hoses from the intake/exhaust outlets to two buckets with the intake bucket full. As the motor runs it draws water from the intake bucket and fills the exhaust. When the exhaust is full slip the third bucket under the the exhaust and swap the intake bucket with the full bucket, repeat as necessary. Obviously you'll need someone to manage this setup while you work on the motor. A fourth full bucket might be a good idea to replace any losses during the process.
#3
Wow, I've got the early fiberglass hatch cover(which BTW has never leaked)and I was always envious of the newer boats with the plexiglass hatch cover, not so much now!
#4
Main Message Board / Re: sea water strainer bowl
March 05, 2024, 05:50:49 AM
Paulus,

I assume you're talking the one under the sink in the head and the part you want to replace is the clear plastic. I've recently replaced mine and I found the seal has been redesigned. The seal on the old bowl was cut at about 45 degrees making a leak proof seal difficult, if it wasn't tightened enough it leaked, if it was too tight the rubber O-ring slipped out and it leaked.

On the new strainer both sealing surfaces are flat so you can just screw it right down on the O-ring and get a good seal every time. I haven't seen a bowl only and I'm not sure a new bowl would fit your old unit. A complete new unit isn't that expensive or difficult to replace and is much more convenient than the old one.
#5
David,

As Alex mentioned this thread has popped up before. It happened to me a couple years ago, same thing no exhaust water. On examination the bond between the rubber and brass had failed so the brass was spinning inside the rubber. My impeller had only a few hours on it. First time it's ever happened since I've owned my boat ('88). The thinking was possibly a different supplier. In any case it's always a good idea to have a spare and the ability and tools to change it on the water.
#6
Main Message Board / Re: Exhaust fumes
February 27, 2024, 06:20:37 AM
Tom,

Something not right here, you shouldn't need a Bimini to correct the problem. In fact if your boat is still in original configuration you shouldn't have a problem in the first place. I've got a dodger and 1500+ hours motoring and I've never gotten a wiff. Has the exhaust out on your boat been relocated? Are you getting a good exhaust water flow? Is it warm but not hot to the touch?
#7
Andy,

The tank developed a vertical fracture top to bottom on the end facing the head. I don't know the cause and of course it was the smell that gave it away. It was dribbling into the compartment and working it's way into the bilge. The swap was not as difficult as you might think the biggest thing was breaking out the plywood support and glassing in a new one. While not a particularly difficult project it's one I wouldn't wish on anyone.
#8
Andy,

The N95 is a particulate mask and won't do much to block the smell. You can find a good inexpensive respirator for around $35 at Home Depot or most building supply stores. While you're there it's a good idea to pick up an extra pack of filters.

Regarding Top Gun's holding tank, no it's not the original. Several years ago it developed a big crack in the side you can imagine how that went or maybe you won't want to. Catalina supplied me with a new exact replacement from Ronco. For that project the respirator was worth it's weight in gold.

FYI, I'm on my 2nd or 3rd head pump (that doesn't count rebuilds) and 3rd or 4th macerator pump as well as various hose replacements so my respirator has come in handy.
#9
Andy,

Whenever I do work on the sanitation system (toilet, holding tank, hoses) I always wear a respirator. Working in such close quarters the fumes can be quite overpowering to the point where I've actually gotten a headache, to say nothing of working with the horrible smell. Using a respirator you don't smell a thing.
#10
Main Message Board / Re: Engine Mounts
February 20, 2024, 08:08:14 AM
Justin,

Good advice from Jim, start a priority list and it will grow fast. Unless there's an actual problem I doubt the motor mounts will be very high on the list. I think it's more of a "well it's about time" kind of thing. I've got an '87 also that was recently out of the water for new bottom paint a prop shaft and some other things. Since my motor mounts are also originals I got the well it's about times so I asked the yard guys (that I trust) about their replacement. After they pull the boat they do a complete inspection and make recommendations. The head guy said they would replace them if that's what I wanted but didn't consider it necessary. He said the rubber was not crushed down or turned to jelly and was still soft and subtle with no cracking, in other words he said "they're still doing their job". As long as your M/Ms are like mine with the season approaching I'd sail the season and do an accessment at the end of the season.

BTW,a nice upgrade would be moving up from a C25 to a C30 moving up to a C34 is like moving up from a destroyer to an aircraft carrier! Enjoy.
#11
Main Message Board / Re: Keel Bedding Survey
February 12, 2024, 06:22:09 AM
Eric,

Totally understandable in your case, with corroded tops the only way to check the condition of the bolts was to drop your keel and inspect. It was probably as much for peace of mind as it was for the repair. Fortunately for Eric it doesn't sound like he's gotten to that point.
#12
Main Message Board / Re: Keel Bedding Survey
February 09, 2024, 06:18:08 AM
Eric,

Solid plan, when you pull the boat next fall you can see how your fix is holding up. Based on my experience where my boat only comes once every four years I'd say your fix will probably last two or even three seasons.
#13
Main Message Board / Re: Keel Bedding Survey
February 07, 2024, 06:41:07 AM
High Current,

As anyone on this board will tell you that's the famous "Catalina Smile", yours doesn't even look that bad. It's your boat, your call of course but I wouldn't drop the keel to fix it, seems a bit like killing ants with a sledgehammer. I'd just open it up with a grinder let it dry out and fill it with the fairing material of choice (I prefer West Systems) and you're good to go. Since your boat comes out of the water every winter you get to check it annually. When my boat goes into the water I'm not going to see that smile for another four years and in the 36 years I've had my boat it's never been a problem just a maintenance thing.

One more thought when you drop the keep it's basically reattached the same way it is now is there any guarantee the smile won't reappear at some point down the road?
#14
Main Message Board / Re: Gelcoat hairline cracks
February 06, 2024, 11:25:10 AM
Jim,

I'm always leery of any product with word "Magic" in the title. Color matching is always a problem (especially white) and I found results at best are not as bad as it was. And as widespread as the spider webbing is in Derek's case not very practical.
#15
Main Message Board / Re: Gelcoat hairline cracks
February 06, 2024, 06:17:45 AM
Derek,

The reason the topic doesn't because it's mainly cosmetic rarely structural. "Spider webs" are just nature of the beast when it comes to most fiberglass construction. Cars as well as boats, I've seen a $100,000+ sixties Corvette with spider webs that he wouldn't remove for fear of effecting the originally. If it's something you find can't you can't live with you can grind the deck down to fiberglass and apply a new gelcoat but of course talking about LOTS of time and money and it's quite likely they will reappear sometime down the road. Or, like me, you can just think of it as patina!