Messages

We have not designed a connector for our bimini due to the great visibility when standing and peering forward over the dodger.  But, in dock, during rain, we think the connector would be fine.

Jon had Emailed me several times recently regarding our new Fleet #4.  His expressions of help and advice along with encouragement suggestions made me feel as if I knew him personally.  His personality certainly represented well the Catalina 34 Association and he will be greatly missed.  Jon's good sailing attitude and knowledge empowered a mentorship we all enjoyed.   

Four charter members have formed the newest Catalina Fleet!  Sailing Lake Stockton, Missouri, Fleet #4 is organized to advance skills, knowledge and sailing pleasures of the great Catalina 34 .

We welcome your messages, questions and correspondence concerning fleet activities and projects.

Officers are being elected, other C34 owners on Lake Stockton are being contacted and the first official meeting is being planned.  Lake Stockton Show Me Fleet #4 is proud to join the Catalina Association as an official Fleet member. 

Contact:  Joe Pyles, wjpcsp@msn.com

That is an excellent idea to split the cockpit cushions.  They can be more readily used in other locations and will store fit better below.  Our old cushions could use a remake and we appreciate all the ideas on this post.  Our bottom hulls have grown accustomed to cushions.  Couldn't see enjoying the cockpit without them.  Thanks.

Cannot advise you on the fabric, but if they have your current sail and will measure it to insure fit that is a good practice.  I would always ask a sail maker to guarantee fit on any plan.  Good Luck!

We have used the stainless on both our old Catalina 30 and current Catalina 34.  Would recommend the stainless.

Start right here on the Catalina 34 Association Site!

The grommet was placed in the fabric of the dodger between the bottom of side front clear plastic windows and deck, approximately one two-three inches above the deck.  This is where the angled direction of line from roller to deck mounted block passed dodger cover.  My Zippers did not line up.  That would have been nice, since we are sailing without front window most of the time.

I used a hardware ( RV Store ) Plastic grommet that pressed/snapped together and it worked perfectly.  

I would do the traveler upgrade first.  I do not have a windlass and sometimes have to retrieve anchor with block and winch.  I always try and upgrade what the Admiral wants first, what sails the ship better second, what makes the engine more reliable third, that which keeps everything cooler fourth, and everything else is with fifth of rum discussed.  Good Luck!

Terry, your comment is correct.  We moved the main mount supports far aft of the winch arc and fastened it just inside the outside fiberglass toe cap.  Then we had to cross brace the four bows both laterally and vertically to give support and rigidity.  It is not sturdy enough to do chin ups on but it does provide good hand hold feel. 

Our bimini is as large as possible, four bow, aft rail and side mounted far enough to rear of cockpit to cover helmsman.  We eliminated straps by connecting front bow to dodger frame and aft bow to stern rail.  This made great ease for boarding and moving forward.   There is a bit of vision between top of dodger and bottom of bimini which we will have to design a snap cover for when it rains.  By moving the four bow as far aft as possible we also have nice side shade for our stern rail seats.  When you see our bimini you know we like maximum shade.  Sorry, but won' be able to post pictures til spring. 

I took ours directly aft with the roller conversion through a grommet in the dodger via a deck mounted block and then a cam cleat.  All parts from Garhauer.  Works great.  Lines reach aft so I can single hand.

Just completed project building a bimini frame that hard mounts to the dodger and to the stern rails.  Thus, we don't have any straps in our way when going forward.  And the entry space to our cockpit is greatly enlarged.  If we want to remove the bimini cover we just roll fabric to the rear and secure.  The dock gang thought we were building a Race Car Roll Cage for the boat. 

Hoping to meet some Catalina 34 Association members at the Annaplois show.

Joe and Carol

Ron:

We see some gel coat crazing and surface hairline cracks in the seating areas.  We have considered an overlay of some materials, i.e. plasteak, starboard, or painting the non skid surfaces, or repairing the gel coat, or just keeping surfaces clean via scrubbing bubbles brand ( with bleach and mildew treatment ) as you so suggest, and laying over with our cushions.  We use a rug in slip to walk on when entering and exiting the cockpit. 

Our new bimini top will be ready tomorrow!  It extends over the helm seat and should provide more UV protection for the gray hair. Totally braced to the cockpit dodger and stern rails without straps in the way we will really appreciate the new shade.

Carol and I will look around the Annapolis Boat Show next week for more idea improvements to our sailboat.  Thanks for your input.

Our color appears beige.  And we are considering painting the non skid areas of the cockpit seats.  Thanks for information and specifications.