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Topics - Bobg

#1
Main Message Board / changing fuel filter
August 12, 2020, 09:08:41 PM
Changed racor fuel filter today, I've changed it several time over the last 15 years, the tank was full of fuel, I have a valve installed just before the racor filter, with the filter off, I opened the valve just to run a little fuel out, (rinse) but no fuel came out, I thought that was odd because of siphoning, I put the filter on and bled and ran the engine, in the past I would leave the knurled knob open a 1/4 turn or so to self bleed the system, engine started right up, ran it for half hour or so, however, when I shut the engine off, it wouldn't start again unless I shut the knurled bleed screw knob tight,

had to leave the boat until friday, in the meantime, thought I would ask you guys for advice before I get back and trouble shoot,why wouldn't the tank siphon, and why can't I leave the bleed screw partially open like before, the pick up tube has the screen removed, .  I can rev the engine to 3200 rpm no problem. I have spent the last hour reading the archives.
It's got me confused, almost like the fuel line has a airleak, or something breaking the siphon. but why  the bleeder screw can't be cracked open  a little like it used to be, like Ron says, (self bleeding) I did notice Stu's report on the racor check valve I could look at when I get back, I did notice a little trouble starting the engine, hence the filter change, now it fires up instantly, as long as the knurled knob is tight??
#2
Main Message Board / looking for a new charger
June 14, 2020, 09:35:26 PM
I had a promarine 30 amp for 13 years, and it died,  am in the market for a new charger, have looked at mainsails sterling charger, this gets a little confusing to me, on my old promarine 30 I had two  10 gauge wires fused with 30 amp in line fuses, to the  1/2/ALL  perko selector switch.  I have 4 trojan 105 batteries and a dedicated start battery with a on off switch and a combiner.  A friend gave me a brand new DSL 75 amp charger he bought years ago and never used it, I installed it with trepidation, it immediately heated the charging wire and literally melted the fuse right out of there.  so I took it out, I was thinking it would charge "up to" 75 amps, but it looks like it nailed my charging wires with 75 amps immediately, and of course  heated the wire, blew the fuse . I am very nervous about all those charging amps on my boat, even if I correctly sized the wire to the perko switch. What would happen downstream so to speak, The sterling charger from Mainsail certainly looks appealing, not a bad price either.  what size charger would you recommend for my batteries, do 4 six volt batteries wired in series then parallel so I have 2 12 volt banks give over 400 amp hours, or is it 200 amp hours,  do most of you wire the charging wire to the 1 and 2 or All on the perko switch? or do you run the charging wires directly to the batterys, and the ground to the ground bus bar? which connects to the engine block., do I run a seperate green wire bonding the case, sized the same as the dc ground wire to the engine block as well? or to the negative bus bar?, if thats the case, why can't I combine the ground and case wire at the charger, I did read Mainsails instructions, but, so much info, thought I would ask you other members how you do it too. and what you recommend, the charger was installed in the hanging locker. Any advice on a charger? Thank you for reading my ramblings,
#3
Main Message Board / leak on port side
October 25, 2019, 07:51:32 AM
I have water on the shelf (after a hard rain) in the head, the upper shelf behind and to the left of the toilet, I re bedded the stanchions with buytl tape last year so I am confident the water isn't coming from there, that leaves the rail where the jib sliding block is on as a suspect, my question is, to remove that sliding track do all those screws/bolts need to be removed? that would be a nightmare, or is there a few key bolts to remove, appreciate any ideas, thanks
#4
Main Message Board / fuel cut off cable
July 28, 2019, 08:03:51 PM
went to shut my engine off by pulling up on the fuel shut off handle, it went halfway and with a little more effort was able to pull it up all the way and shut the engine down, upon investigation I noticed the end of the cable sheething was pulled out of the bracket adjacent to the shutoff lever, does anyone know how this is supposed to be attached? or do I need a new cable? I thought I had pictures of my engine but can't find any to see what it used to look like attached.  Thanks
#5
Sitting here in the winter thinking of summer boat projects:  would like to replace my cabin salon lights with LED's, I've done some conversions but focusing on the slider festoon bulb fixtures, looks like they are 42 mm bulbs, I've searched the archives but they are mostly older posts and techy stuff change rapidly these days.  On the internet they go from 50 cents to 15 dollars apiece, need 8 of them, any recent advice would be appreciated or recommendations on what kind and where to get these, I think Stu recommended the soft white.  Thank you
#6
Main Message Board / companion way door size
October 18, 2018, 09:30:21 AM
going to the boat to winterize and can't find my winter door so would like to make one to fit in the grooves where the 2 door slats go, have looked on the site and can't find the overall opening size.  would like to make the door before i go to the boat.  thanks all.. 88 catalina 34
#7
I sail in lake superior, the boat goes in the water in the spring, and comes out in the fall with virtually nothing on the hull, is bottom paint necessary, I used to put vc 17 on but was skoffed at by fellow boaters for spending the time and money, however, my dock mate says that without it the boat can take on water through the gel coat, not sure what that means, has anyone ever heard of that?
#8
Main Message Board / side gate
September 03, 2016, 11:37:24 AM
has anyone installed a side gate on their boat, the girl I sail with is very short, and when coming to a dock she can't step over the life line to secure the boat with the dock lines, she was requesting a gate about midship, anyone ever do this?
#9
Main Message Board / electrical mystery
September 01, 2016, 10:44:21 AM
was motoring along one day, I plugged a usb plug into my cigarette lighter receptacle, noticed a spark at the receptacle, and the engine stumbled, tried it 2 more times, when the spark would show, the engine stumbled.  after reading the post on low oil alarm, Ron mentioned engine fuel lift pump, do you think this was shorting out that?  I wasn't aware that it had a electrical connection, not at the boat now, going up today.  Not a problem, as the usb plug was defective to initiate the spark, and I threw it away.   the receptacles are fused, but before fuse blew, the engine momentarily stumbled.  got us all confused on the dock.  The stumble was immediate, i.e. spark, equals instant engine stumble.  So if there is a short in the dc side of the boat, the engine quits?  Everything is fine now but, Any ideas would be nice to hear, and yes, I should change the name of my boat  :)  Thanks guys, Bob
#10
I don't leave my boat plugged in when not there, what is the danger of leaving my boat plugged in.  I am the only one in the marina that unplugs my boat when I leave for a week or so.  other boaters have questioned why I do this, I do it on the advice I have read on this forum, but, I would like to be able to explain why.  I did  lose my onboard charger because the boat 3 slips over got hit by lightning, that is pretty rare.  I know Stu and Ron leave theirs unplugged.  so I do too.  Thanks everyone
#11
Main Message Board / State of charge
August 25, 2016, 02:02:17 PM
My 7 year old  t  105 batteries seem to be wearing down..I have a Victron battery monitor that reads soc 100..however with a hydrometer I get 1 or 2 balls floating which means 50 percent of charge..should I trust the monitor? Or the cheap hydrometer..with 5 amp per hour fridge and some led lights after 2 days on the hook..monitor reading around 58 percent ..I need my start battery to start engine..house bank will barely turn over engine...think I need new batteries?


#12
Main Message Board / steering noise
July 27, 2016, 12:16:10 PM
been searching the archives for a bit but couldn't find my problem, when i steer, there is a squeaking noise coming from the wheel, I sprayed wd 40 on the shaft where it goes in the binnacle but didn't help,
also my autohelm 4000 moves my boat wherever it feels going, related? I don't know, I am going to remove that cover in the aft cabin and take a look, also when going straight ahead in calm seas the wheel wants to turn port when I let go of it.  any Ideas?  sure miss my autohelm
#13
splashed boat yesterday, engine wouldn't start for awhile, can't figure out why, never had trouble after winter layup before.  Engine turned over rapidly, glow plugs were working as per the volt meter drop, I have the solenoid upgrade.  I moved throttle open and close a few times, fuel pump was working, tank was full anyway, after repeated attempts engine fired once, then after a bit finally started.  no trouble with starting since, anyone ever had that first start of the year give them trouble? 
Also I am that guy that has been complaining about my boat slowing down, lucky to get 5 or 5.1 knots in calm seas at 2500 rpm.  used to get around 6, at dock it will rev up to 3200 rpms.  my tach at rest, engine off sits at 200 rpm,is it possible this problem is related to the hard start this year?  Filters have very few hours on them, maybe 25.  Thanks guys
#14
Main Message Board / K&N air filter breather hose
April 09, 2016, 09:45:43 AM
Installing a K&N air filter on my 25xp engine, does anyone know what to do with the oil breather hose?  I have exhausted my search through the archives and can't find what others have done, do I just strap it to the filter like the old set up had?  Get a seperate can to put it in? sure I will figure something out, but curious to see what others have done when they switched to the K&N filter.  thanks
#15
Main Message Board / calibrate tachometer
December 01, 2015, 10:16:13 AM
Has anyone ever calibrated the tachometer, my boat has been slowing down, I purchased a hand held lazer rpm tester, put the reflective tape on the pully on the crankshaft, it reads a couple hundred rpms low on the tach. vrs. the lazer tester.  I don't know what would make the tach start to read low, anyway, I got all winter but if I take the tach off, does it have to be sent out? or can it be done on the boat,  thank you  Bob
#16
has anyone fabricated a wine or rum bottle storage or display shelf, I see in the archives where people put their bottles, but has anyone built anything that can have easy access, can be seen, (for inventory of course) and can be secure while sailing
#17
Main Message Board / boat slowing down
June 30, 2015, 03:08:57 PM
I have a 25xp in my catalina 34, I used to max out at about 5.5 -5.7 knots at 2500 rpm, never had I hit 6 knots I repitched the prop from 15/9 to 15/10 last year gained about .2 knots, this year I am lucky if I can get 5.4 knots at 2650 rpm in calm water, I have checked the rpm with a hand held lazer tack, sail in lake superior in clear clean water. could it be clogged filters? I changed them last fall and only use clean fuil,  tank is full .. I read in archieves some of you get 6.5 to 7 knots from the exact same boat I have.  any ideas?
#18
Main Message Board / Repairing pvc dinghy
May 14, 2015, 07:59:13 AM
I have a small 1/4" cut on the air floor of my inflatable, I see 5200 mentioned in a couple places on the internet, any of you ever had luck with 5200 for a glue to repair this? I have googled a lot but the best repairs are 2 part and expensive with a short shelf life.  just looking for alternatives.  Thanks Bob
#19
Main Message Board / transom angle
April 21, 2015, 08:14:14 PM
I have a 88 mark I, does anyone know the angle of the transom, would like to fabricate some brackets for a swim platform, my boat is out of the water, and a long ways away.  Thank you
#20
Main Message Board / cabin sole
April 21, 2015, 07:23:46 PM
just read the archives on refinishing the cabin sole, I read that some use minwax satin or semi gloss polyurethane, I have the piece under the navstation  sanded and ready to finish, do most of you just put the poly or varnish on  the piece or do you apply some kind of stain to it first.  I couldn't find this answer, I am assuming you just sand the piece, or scrape the old finish off and go right to the varnish or Poly?  I realize it is my boat and my choice, but I just want to do what most of you are doing,  Thanks
#21
Main Message Board / battery question
October 24, 2014, 11:03:33 AM
Can anyone tell me why my battery reads over 13 volts, and sometimes 12.6.  HOWEVER the battery is dead, it is a car battery in my 4 wheeler, when I turn the key on, (starter disconnected) the battery dives to a half a volt, turn the key off, it rockets back to over 12 volts.  If I switch it out with another battery the engine starts up just fine.
When battery reads over 12 volts, and I toucht the positive and negative terminals with a screwdriver there is no spark.  3 days later, the battery still reads around 13 volts.  But no spark across the terminals.  dunno, I always thought if a battery tests good with a dvm, you were good to go.  Bob
#22
Main Message Board / interior red courtesy lights
September 19, 2014, 09:17:21 AM
has anyone installed those round or square red courtesy lights in the salon, and where did you put them, this is for night sailing or simply mood lighting at anchor, was on a friends 36 islander boat, he had them hard wired in and was very nice, If you have installed them, where did you purchase them, on the internet the price varies alot.  Thank you  Bob
#23
Main Message Board / water leak at raw water pump
September 19, 2014, 07:57:57 AM
I have a oberdorfer pump that is leaking water from the shaft area where there is a cut out, (behind the impeller housing) and before where it bolts on the engine. I looked at the schematic of the pump and can't see where there is a seal, does anyone know what it could be? and why the drawing doesn't have a water seal listed
#24
Main Message Board / head sink drain
September 02, 2014, 08:58:40 AM
The plastic piece under the sink that the drain hose attaches too is broke, does any one know where to get one outside of catalina direct? Thanks, not afraid of catalina direct, just want to go to store and get one somewhere
#25
Main Message Board / head flushing hard
August 20, 2014, 02:13:44 PM
Lately when I flush the head, the plunger (new last year) pushes down pretty hard and will bounce back up unless I hold it down, then the joker valve will shudder a bit, this happens every time I stroke the handle in dry bowl. I have taken the vent hose off the holding tank right at the tank.  no improvement.  The tank is empty.  I have removed the anti-siphon fitting in the hanging locker, it seem to be ok, I can blow through it one way but not the other. my hose from the toilet to the holding tank is clear (checked it last year anyway)  I am kinda at a lose here.  did a search on the archives and didn't see the same problem.  Anyone got a idea?  Thanks guys and gals  Bob
#26
Main Message Board / losing antifreeze
August 16, 2014, 10:46:24 AM
I have a issue with losing antifreeze, Can't find any leaks, cooling water is coming out the back and appears to be clean, (thinking the heat exchanger was leaking), no antifreeze in the bilge, no leaks under the engine.  but it does slowly go down in the reservoir,( the reservoir on the engine,) (not the plastic overfill bottle).  After about 4 hours of motoring, I am down about a 1/4 inch in the reservoir.
Is there a possibility I am leaking a small amount into the cylinders and burning it?

I found out about the problem because after motoring for a few days without checking it, the temp gauge started to go up, ( I didn't know I had a problem at the time), the reservoir was close to empty when I did check it.  (I know, I know, I should check these things everyday, but as the days go by, and nothing changes,  I got a little lax and it bit me)
any advise would be appreciated.  Thanks guys  Bob
#27
Main Message Board / AC Circuit
July 17, 2014, 10:49:44 AM
funny thing happened to me, my main circuit breaker tripped, would not reset until all plugins where empty, hot water heater off, charger off, ect. when i put anything into a outlet, phone charger, even a dvm probes, the main breaker would trip.  I lowered the panel, removed the breaker to see what kind it was, (left the wires all hooked up), put it in again, and it worked. disconnected shore power whent sailing, came back I had the same issue when I connected the shore power.  I moved the shore power cord to a different outlet by the slip, and now it works again??
There is a light green wire connected with one of the terminals on the back of the circuit breaker, but the other end isn't connected to anything??

Does anyone have any ideas what is happening, could it just be the shore power electrical tower? 
#28
Main Message Board / blown fuses
October 10, 2013, 08:28:29 AM
2 years ago i installed 125 amp fuses on my battery banks (4 6 volt trojens) no problems however, this past week, both fuses have blown, i have tried to isolate the problem by shutting every thing off, then activating each piece of equipment while holding a dmv on my batteries to check voltage loss, all systems seem normal. I don't have a amperage tester. I checked the starter also and it seems ok.

I have bypassed the fuses in order to charge the battery bank,  then disconnected  the battery bank until new fuses arrive. at which that time i will test everything again and see what blows the fuse.  (but) these fuses are not cheap, would be nice to see if any one has a idea on what could be happening.  thank you
#29
Main Message Board / st4000 autopilot
September 20, 2013, 07:47:37 AM
Been having autopilot trouble this year, have read the archieves extensivly and couldn't duplicate my problem so would like to ask the members for advice before I call factory for assistance.  My problem is that the autopilot won't hold course, I can steer by pushing the +or -1, or + or - 10 port or starboard, and the pilot will respond, so I don't think it is a clutch issue or belt issue.

I have followed the book and and got to the step where I do the slow circle many times, the unit is suppose to "beep" when I do this before I move on to another step, it never beeps, but when I do move on to another step in the caliberation process anyway, it it says my devieation is 8 degrees. I go to the next step and set the screen numbers to match the pedistal compass and should be good to go according to the book, but it still doesn't work.  when I put it in auto and engage the clutch, the boat just wanders, even though course corrections are being made by the autopilot, but adjust no where near where I initially set the course. I have checked the head for water intrusion and it is dry, compass is located in the forward bilge by the mast step.
This unit has worked good for many years, except for halfway into this summer.

when in standby, shouldn't the degree numbers on the screen change when the boat turns to match the pedestal compass?  if it should it does not do that.  Thanks everyone  Bob
#30
Main Message Board / Shower pump and Head
August 19, 2013, 08:22:17 PM
Couple things, any body know what that small black object is just before the shower pump? My shower won't pump down the water on the floor in the head, I checked the pump, seems to have a lot of suction, but with that black thingy in the line it won't pump, check valve maybe?

Also my head pumps hard,  on the dry bowl, the handle wants to stay up, feels kind of spongy, and when I force it down, something in there shudders a bit.  I just installed that plunger and joker valve last summer, could it be something is in the  hose leading to the tank? the vent line is clean
Also does anyone know how much water is should be transerred to the tank on each plunge?  I have a removable 3" port on the tank so I can see how much comes in and it doesn't look like much.  Thanks all  Bob
#31
Main Message Board / windlass
July 10, 2013, 10:41:46 AM
gettin older, need to install a windlass in my 1988 catalina 34, I have printed out what Ron Hill has done, and am very interested in his installation.   Ron, have you anything to add?  Would you have done anything different to your initial installation?  Has anyone else installed a windlass in their 88 or earlier boat. Any information would be appreciated from those that have "been there" done that.  Thank you guys
#32
Main Message Board / engine temp/thermostat
July 01, 2013, 07:24:01 PM
Changed all engine hoses and water pump, new antifreez, filled the hoses to the hot water heater and the resevoir prior to starting the engine, temp started to rise above 200 degrees, I revved engine and opened the pet cock above thermostat to let air out. shut engine down, repeated this 3 times, wouldn't clear up, then I went and got a hand pump, (one of those small red ones for about 5 bucks), connected it to the hose from the thermostat barb and pulled the antifreeze through the system,
now the engine doesn't get hot, however, it only gets to 130 degrees after a hour run in gear and 1500 rpm, do you suppose the thermostat was damaged when it got over 200 degrees?  seems to be stuck open.  ordinarily, I run at 160 Thank you
#33
Main Message Board / fresh water coolant pump
June 09, 2013, 08:45:21 AM
changed all engine hoses and noticed wobble in my water pump shaft, with anti freeze drained now is the time to change the pump, search engine is still down, does anyone know the part number for this pump, and best place to get it?I have the 25xp engine in my 88  thank you  Bob

[corrected title - Stu]
#34
Main Message Board / Boat fresh water plumbing
May 29, 2013, 05:08:03 PM
I spend all summer and a lot of time at the dock, I have an external water hose connection that is plumbed into my water system, Although I really liked it, I quit using it because I am afraid I may forget just that once to shut the valve and a connection could release and sink the boat while I am having a cold one with the neighbor. 
Question, is there any reason a boat could not be plumbed with Pex type hose and fittings? I realize it may be stiffer to work with, but any other reasons to think about? like rough seas and lack of flexability? expense? non compatable fittings? just stupid to do?  Appreciate your thoughts.  Thanks
#35
Main Message Board / teak bright work
May 20, 2013, 10:27:08 AM
Last september I sanded my wood work and put 7 coats of Cetol Natural Teak, when I went up to the boat this spring, a large amount of it was gone, I tried putting a few coats on, but where it had faded off, I couldn't get the finish uniform, the faded areas were still light, compared to the non faded areas, I suppose I should have put a clear coat on as well, back to the sander again.

anyway, here is the question, does anyone know what catalina used on their boats when new?    My companion way doors have held their finish, as well as my cockpit table, I wonder what was put on them when new?  I will call catalina, but with the vast knowledge of this board I just wanted to throw it out there, Thank you
#36
Main Message Board / Rudder play
May 16, 2013, 08:32:05 AM
I have 3/16" verticle movement in my rudder, this is with the nylon washer in below the emergancy tiller cap, and one on top of the rudder.  Is there a trick to remove the emergancy tiller cap so I can install a thicker nylon washer? Or another one? I removed the bolt and tried to pry up on it with a screwdriver, do I have to heat it? or is it screwed on?  Or is 3/16" rudder play acceptable, other 34's in the marina have more or less.  This computer won't let me access the archieves for more info even though I am logged in.  Also, If i change the nylon washer, any idea where to buy a 3/8" washer?  Thank you
#37
Main Message Board / Honda Generator cap
March 12, 2013, 08:12:52 AM
I have a Honda 1000, had trouble with it dying after a few minutes of run, I thought it was because of too much load, ect ect.  it turned out to be lack of air, when I would turn the cap to "open", it in fact wasn't opening, I had to get a new cap, it was frustrating at first but would run ok with the cap off, anyway just thought I would pass this on. who knows, might help somebody.
#38
Main Message Board / prop 15RH9
December 26, 2012, 07:14:50 PM
I have been reading about the increased speed some of you get out of a 15RH10 prop, my max speed in calm conditions is around 5.5 knots with a 15RH9 prop.  I have the stock universal engine in my "88" I believe it is 25 hp, or maybe 23. ( I don't have my book with me although I am sure I knew at one time,) anyway, I have read reports of some of you getting as high as 7 knots by changing props.  What are your thoughts, and where do you think is a good vendor, I am on the hard now and would like to do something by spring if I could.  Thanks Bob
#39
Seems like after a couple months I have to clean my battery terminals to remove some green corrosion, but it allways comes back, the internet and auto stores have a lot of ideas to help prevent this, but just wondering what some of my fellow 34 owners have done in the past, I have 4 trojan 105's and a dedicated start battery, with copper ring connections. thanks guys
#40
Main Message Board / hinges
August 21, 2012, 06:36:15 PM
discovered a couple broken hinges on the boat, port storage lid and the rear lazerett, for the life of me I can't match these up in all the marina stores around here, holes are all just a little off, like a half a hole.  I called Ken at catalina but just get anwering machine, from past experience he doesn't return calls too often.  What have others done, it looks like if I use hinges that are "close" I will have elongated holes when I redrill, thank you Bob
#41
Main Message Board / Charging with Honda 1000
August 15, 2012, 06:57:59 PM
Ran my house bank down to 50% while on the hook, thought I would charge them with my honda 1000, connected the generator to the AC inlet, made sure all AC items were unplugged or disconnected, hot water heater, Ect. I have a newer model Pro Mariner 20 Amp charger.  I have done this before, I know the honda puts out around 7 amps, can't remember what the pro mariner needs but was in specs last time I looked it up, anyway, the Honda runs ok for awhile, then spits and sputters and dies, I may get about 15 minutes each time I start it. However, I use it all the time to run other things at home for hours at a time and it runs fine, got me stummped, is it too small?  If memory serves, I do believe I used it last year, it spit and stumbled, then evened out and charged the batterys for about 3 hours.  too much draw initially?  Ron you have one, ever used it to charge your batteries via shore power recepticle?  Bob
#42
Main Message Board / engine died, blue smoke
August 09, 2012, 07:13:04 AM
this post just maybe help another boater. 
Just wanted to post what happened to me, left anchorage after a severe bumpy night on the hook, got about a mile away and the engine started blowing a lot of blue smoke and died, (plenty water coming out of exhaust, temp about 160,) we were drifting to the rocky shore with no wind to sail off it.  Got the dignhy ready to tow and a good samariton came along in another catalina and towed me to my dock. While being towed, I had time to do stuff.
I changed the fuel filter, no help, the electric pump ran real fast, then slowed down as it should, I bled the line through the knurled knob, engine coughed to life, lots of blue smoke then died.  I called my local mechanic, thinking I had blown a ring or something, he assured me these are real tough engines, suggested I blow back through the fuel supply line from the tank, sure enough it was plugged. fuel started coming out and was able to start the engine again, blue smoke dissappeared,
Now, I know I have to deal with the pickup tube and plugged supply line issue,  I have always equated "blue smoke and engine dying" with a broken piston or ring,  was real elated and suprised it was simply plugged fuel supply line.  btw, still not sure how the blue smoke from engine exhaust, equated a plugged fuel supply line. any ideas?
#43
Main Message Board / Rubrail
May 22, 2012, 09:02:35 AM
My Rubrail has been smashed in half, don't think it can be repaired so am going to replace it, looking at the archeives, Ron suggested getting the grey and not the tan, any particular reason? also is there a difference between the "factory" and catalina direct. or has anyone else found a different source. 

Catalina direct wants $248.00 for 82', they list it for the 34's and 42's, under the same price.  Will call and see if they will cut it to the 75' Ron said the length was if I go with them.  Thanks guys  Bob
#44
Main Message Board / G Flex
May 14, 2012, 10:05:43 PM
Has anyone ever used the product called G Flex? I helped a guy rebedd his keel stub with it, remarkable stuff, it is a two part sealent will never set so hard it can crack, they swear by it in the Marina here
#45
Main Message Board / cabinet latch
April 19, 2012, 06:46:55 AM
On my 1988 hull 818, 2 of my door latches are broke, the ones where you put your finger thru the hole, I searched web site on catalina direct with no results, any one do anything different there or had luck with buying same?  thanks Bob
#46
Catalina 34s for Sale / 1988 wing keel for sale
March 21, 2012, 08:47:44 AM
Looking to sell my 1988 wing keel standard rig, fresh water boat in lake superior. asking around $45,000 lots of nice stuff on it, e mail licum10@yahoo.com
#47
Main Message Board / V Berth hatch screen/shade
October 12, 2011, 08:02:31 PM
Anyone, fabed up a shade/screen for the v berth hatch?  I noticed in the archieves a nice screen frame  My problem is in the morning when the sun comes up it lights up the whole v berth while trying to get a little more shuteye, I have been laying a towel or something outside on top but would like to have something permanent inside.
I did finish and like the center hatch screen idea from Ron,  that already had a wood frame so it was relativily easy.  The front hatch doesn't have a frame.   Thanks Bob
#48
Main Message Board / harken torque screws
August 24, 2011, 07:35:21 PM
Does anyone know what size torque screws are on a Harken 1-188 roller furler, went to pull in the head sail and all that happened is the furler line came out, upon further inspection, I noticed the 2 torque screws were gone.  Should  be put on a pm list.  Had to lower the headsail in some pretty good winds.  most of the time they are covered with the furling line.
I think it is 1/4-28.  But unable to find any in the local marine stores.  Thank you  Bob
#49
Has anyone had their mast removed and lashed on top of the boat?  We are tentatively planning to traverse the intracoastal and must remove the mast and carry it on board, it is keel stepped, thank you   
#50
Was studing the archives  on Alternator heat and amp managers and it got me to thinking,

Does anyone know if a internally regulated 55 amp alternator can be controlled to put out less amps, (like the switch Stu put in) or if a temperature control can be put on it to shut  down the amp output at a certain temp?  Or do I need external regulation to access these features. I have replaced my old Motorola 55 amp with a 55 amp Mando and have severe heat issues when charging my (very slightly discharged) 4 new 6V batteries, (the new alternator will get so hot it has seized and burned the belt)

Is it possible the old OEM motorola was a better made Alternator?

btw, if I drop the output charge wire from the Alt, it will run cool all day and I do have a #6 output from the Alt to the house bank, and a #2 negative wire.