Messages

I don't have hatch covers.  Years ago for a quick fix I cut up an auto windshield sun cover, the sort of plastic, bubble stuff.  Cut it to fit snug on the inside of the glass and around the hinges and latch.  It works to keep the interior a little cooler.  Quick and cheap.
Jim

I don't have one but if I had problems filling would consider.
https://cleanwayfuelfill.shop/
Jim

Also, no extension hose on my pickup.  Do I need this?

Measure it.  Should come to about 3/8 to 1/2 inch from bottom of the tank to the high point of the notch at the bottom of the pick up.
Jim

If any other thoughts, I'll take them

Here's one you probably don't want to hear.  Just because you just changed your filters does not mean they are not dirty again.  If your fuel is dirty, they may need more changes. 
Did you replace the old filters with a lower micron filter?
Jim

I assumed the tank was full and my wife paid the bill. After we left the dock (of course) I noticed they had only put in three gallons and my tank went from half to three quarters. Not full. Has this happened to anyone else. I believe the gauge is correct.

Shamrock does have a working fuel gage but that's not what I depend on.  Like many here I use the hour meter and fuel consumption.  That way I know how much fuel to take on.  Shamrock should be similar fuel usage .7 gph that would be a good start for you.  In the log I keep track of hours, fuel and where I got the fuel.  I'm a little paranoid about getting clean fuel.  Also I put a small whiteboard by the nav station.  I write down the hour meter reading at last fill up. 
Jim

On the subject of cabin lights, our Mark 2 has those swivel eyeballs in the ceiling all over the boat. Two of ours had burned out sockets from those quartz bulbs of yesteryear. Instead of replacing the entire light for $35+ I bought a bag of sockets on Amazon for a not easy but doable swap. 

Dietrich,
Yes they are hot.  My first season with Shamrock I was in the vberth reading before sleeping with a little sunburn.  I could actually feel the heat on my sunburned skin coming from the lights.  Soon after I switched to LED bulbs. 
Jim

Looking to replace the cabin lights in the V and aft berths in my 1988. What have people used and have they been durable for you?

I've replaced all my cabin light bulbs with LED bulbs.  That was over 15 years ago and haven't had to replace any.  I would recommend doing a search here many have written up that project.  The important thing is to get the right brightness, color and warmth for your tastes.  If I remember correctly, I purchased them from Supper Bright and used different ones for salon, berths, head and galley.
Jim

You should only run the starter for about 10-15 seconds and then give it a rest for about the same amount of time.

Also, if a lot of cranking, maybe about 2 minutes total, drain the muffler.  Without exhaust pressure, water can enter the engine.
Jim

The strut is solid cast bronze and cannot be successfully glued. However, that crack may be only faring material. Grind down along the  crack and see when you reach bright metal.

I agree.  It's probably a casting mark but I don't really see it in the picture.  Clean it up to smooth metal and use some penetrating dye if you can. Maybe you know someone that has the stuff.
FYI
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/testing-cracks-home-diy-dye-penetrants/

If you don't find a crack after cleaning it up, you could mark or document it and inspect at the end of each season.
Jim

The strut is solid cast bronze and cannot be successfully glued. However, that crack may be only faring material. Grind down along the  crack and see when you reach bright metal.

I agree.  It's probably a casting mark.  Clean it up to smooth metal and use some penetrating dye if you can. Maybe you know someone that has the stuff.
FYI
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/testing-cracks-home-diy-dye-penetrants/

If you don't find a crack after cleaning it up, you could mark or document it and inspect at the end of each season.
I don't think this is an application for JBweld.
Jim

I'm replacing my ground tackle with 100 feet of 5/16 HT G 43 and 200 feet of 3 strand.  Wondering if anybody with an MK II has a similar set up and if it all fits in the anchor locker with enough space for the windlass to drop the chain in.

Wouldn't think space would be a problem. Shamrock carries 50 feet of chain and 200 of 3 strand.  Lots of room left, would be more concerned about the weight.  For that reason, I only use the forward water tank on extended cruises when getting potable water may be an issue.  Then I draw from the forward tank first.
Jim

Everything SHOULD be forward of the removeable wood bulkhead at the forward end of the vee berth.  I'd suggest following the wires off the windlass till you find it.

That's where they are on Shamrock.
Jim

The only correct songs on the bow of a sailboat are sea shanties. 
https://seashanties4all.com/groups-artists/hardtackers-the/

Jim

IMO, you shouldn't have to use a winch to furl your headsail, no matter how much wind. Sounds like you have some issues with the furler and/or technique.

I second that.  I won't say I never use the winch, but it's rare and I know why the extra pull is needed. 
Jim

Jaimie,
The cylinders are not OEM Catalina so your guess is as good as mine to the intended purpose.
My question to you is how much did you take up on the other keel bolts? If it were little or nothing I'd be tempted to leave everything as is.  Also can you tell what the cylinders are made of? If a magnet sticks it's steel. The picture looks a little red. brass maybe.  If a magnet doesn't stick and it's not red I think it's safe to say it's stainless steel.
It's not the easiest place to get a grip on the cylinders, not sure what to try.  For sure as you are attempting to loosen them keep a close eye on the keel nuts and make sure they don't loosen with the cylinder.
Again, maybe this is something that is best left as is.  Think it's safe to say the keel won't fall off.
Jim