Messages

Yes, Jim, I cut mine in half, fore to aft.  I sometimes leave the starboard side part way out and still don't have any issues with the cushions.  I, too, sleep in the V berth but on our six week trip from SF to BC I slept aft while my son was up front.  Never an issue even when part way out.  What I suggest though is to add a fingerhole to the section you lift most, I didn't and keep reminding myself to do it someday!

I also cut my V berth boards and the section over the thru hulls and macerator pump.

Therefore: It seems it cannot be the cable if it shifts normally from the plate. It cannot be the transmission if it shifts easily by hand. It cannot be the shift lever if it goes through each change when shifted from below. Something is happening inside the pedestal below the shifting lever. I don't know if this model had the cable clamp that secures both cables and is fastened to the pedestal. I'll have to remove the auto helm to see if that screw is there, 6" below there steering column.

Which of my assumptions above are off base (?)...maybe that's where I need to focus.

Now I understand.  But we almost are in agreement: whether the interference is within the cable or from something that is external to the cable but interfering with its operation, it's still the danged cable.

Happy hunting, look forward to a pleasant solution.

KG, the more I think about it, there "just isn't any there there."

I have a Mark I.  I have found a void between the inner and outer layer when I replaced my forward port Beckson portlight in my V berth ages ago and posted a few pictures of it.  When I re-sealed  my Bowmar saloon overhead hatch i found NO voids.  There have been some posts about voids over the years, but most of them have been located near portlights, thus on the sloped sides of the cabintop and not the horizontal part.  When I added two lights over the galley sink and the saloon table way back in 1998 when we first bought our boat, I used surface mount wire covers that matched closely to the color of the inside liner.

I agree with Ron that you may find it more trouble than it's worth because you may find no there there. 

Also, as I recall, the Mark IIs don't have any interior liner at all like the earlier boats did.

Obviously something is amiss in the lever mechanism, but it remains a mystery why it doesn't show up when shifted from below. I'm going to contact Edson on Monday and get the upgrade parts I need
.

PH, your definition of "lever mechanism" and mine may differ.  Please excuse me, for I am an engineer, and specificity is my middle name...  But, you have two ends of the system:  the lever itself and the plate at the transmission end, right?

What's in the middle?

The cable, which from all reports I've ever read is, uhm, mission critical, too. 

So I define lever mechanism as including the cable, which you may not have.

Good luck.

That "rubber" shifter may or may not be in Critical Updates?? It's OLD stuff. MANY MANY POSTS on this "Rubber Ducky" shifter !!!

Yes, Ron, of course it is in Critical Upgrades, past #8, first page:

https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg31131.html#msg31131

Folks should also read the linked thread, it's chilling: Sheared bolt on Edson pedestal gear shift lever - https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4312.0.html

But more importantly, it explains HOW TO avoid the new ss levers from hitting the binnacle guard.  It's been there since the CU topic was posted, in 2009, and the "fix" was written a DECADE AGO.

We're here to help you avoid reinventing the wheel.   

Another technique with impact screwdrivers is to hit it once or twice in the tightening direction, and then back it off. 

The impact screwdriver I bought decades ago has been extremely useful.  It really helped on the screws in the mast and boom.

Jim's right - you need to learn how to identify tight and reverse directions, it's not all that easy on my driver and I believe most all of them are built pretty much the same.  The manufacturers may have gotten better at this in the last 20 years! 

My compass housing easily comes off by simply twisting it counterclockwise.  No screws involved.

For now I unplug the MC4 connectors when I switch to shore power.

Why?  You don't need to do that.  In fact, most "failure modes" I've heard about re solar systems is the failure of those MC4 connectors, from repeated "use."  No reason to do so.  You don't unplug them when you run your engine, do you?

Otherwise, great work, update much appreciated.

My new strut zinc is a CRM-3.

One of the earliest suggestions from skippers who "knew stuff" was to get rid of those plastic things and buy real metal shift levers.  This was in 1987.  I berthed next to a skipper in 2002 who hadn't gotten the message yet.  I told him.  He didn't bother and told me a year later his had broken off in his hand at a really bad moment.  Your boat, your choice.   

The control module on the compressor is shot.

Fridge Follies 101 - to prove that Richard is right and that 99% of fridge issues are electrical & includes electronic module resource

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3044.0.html

It has also reduced/eliminated the oily smell from the aft cabin.  This is further helped by putting a catch can on the crank case vent.

There's always this sure fix:

Breather Hose 101 (w/ K&N Filter Pictures from Rick Allen)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8875.msg63915.html#msg63915

and Noah's:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8858.msg64297.html#msg64297

and Kloeber's PDF and wiki link:  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8136.0.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>
Here are my questions:
1. Was the 5200 used in 1986 by Catalina to first install the ports? I believe the PO was the one who wrote the Teck Wiki directions and would not have used it.
2. On my final one, if I confront 5200 again should I just silicone on a new trim ring and install a new gasket and screen?
3. Is there an easier way to put the gaskets on the port? It seems inches too small to get around on the first try. We had 4 hands, and a partially closed window to hold and manipulate the gasket into the groove, which is still not fully installed.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1.  Not my experience on mine and I've redone 5 or 6 of the 8.

2.  Based on Beckson's instructions, use ONLY silicone.

3.  The gaskets are very difficult.  Follow the instructions.  Give your fingers a rest, often.  hardest part of the job, worth it when done.

You could also, dare I suggest, look in the manual for your boat.  If you don't have a hard copy, guess where you could find one.

I have a Mark I, I've replaced the check valve, system works just fine.

[2023 Catalina Rendezvous at Telegraph Harbour Marina - July 7-9]

2023 Catalina Rendezvous at Telegraph Harbour Marina - July 7-9

Bruce Grayson and I would like to formally invite you to the Summer 2023 Catalina Rendezvous at Telegraph Harbour Marina on Thetis Island, July 7-9th. .

Here's the details of this year's rendezvous:

1. Book your moorage online:  https://www.telegraphharbour.com/reservations#reserve-today  Make sure you include that it is for the Catalina rendezvous in the space provided.  Note that online booking is preferred.  They will accept calls too.  Moorage is $1.97 per foot and power is $9.79 per day.

2.  Email me  (Rob Johnson (sailorguyrob@gmail.com) and let me know you have reserved and how many people are on your boat - I like to keep track of how many of us are attending.

3. Look for door prizes - places that are happy to get mention of their company for a donation.

Itinerary
FRIDAY
"Meet and Greet" registration:  We will meet at the Waterside Deck (next to the top of the dock).  Bring a potluck appy and a bottle of BC wine or a BC craft beer to share. I will supply tasting glasses.  The idea is to bring a bottle from where you are from that you don't think others will have tried.  For example, I will probably bring a bottle from Deep Cove Brewery. Or you can bring any bottle you think is interesting.

SATURDAY
Potluck breakfast.  Bring Something to share for breakfast.  This is also at the Waterside deck. Mike and Grace "Early Dawn" have volunteered to set up coffee for us in the Early Dawn. (Pun intended.) 

Tech Talks:  On the lawn.  Time to be confirmed. Meredith Anderson has volunteered to present about diesel engines.  Thanks Bruce for getting Meredith to join us!

Dinghy races:  Time to be confirmed.  Dress like a pirate and row like crazy! (I suggest you bring a water gun!)  Looking for volunteers - someone to start the race, cheerleaders, etc.

Telegraph harbour pub crawl:  Walk/row/swim over to Thetis Marina Pub to buy yourself and your favourite rendezvous organizers a pint!

Potluck dinner:  Bring your own hunk of beef and a share item (salad or dessert).  Apologies to the vegetarians in the group.  Vegetarians - bring your favourite hunk of beef-tasting tofu!  We have a big BBQ at the pavilion. Looking for volunteers to help barbeque.

SUNDAY
We say goodbye.  Hopefully we will have made some good friends and we can meet up in all our various cruising locations.  Check out time is noon.

Gift Exchange / Door Prizes

Bring a gift for the gift exchange (optional):   If you want a gift you need to bring a gift.  The value is around $20 and it should come wrapped or in a gift bag.  Barry and Val on ??? will take your prize and give you a ticket.  (I can't remember the name of the boat - It is the big, pretty Catalina that is completely flawless and has been washed 12 times in the last two days!)  The drawing is at the Saturday dinner. It is very fun but if you don't want to participate that is ok and nobody will know anyways.

We will also have door prizes (separate from the gift exchange.)  If you know of any companies that would like to donate a door prize or two to our group, please collect it and bring it to the event. We have had great support from companies like Sequel Solar, Telegraph Harbour Marina, and several others.  I'm waiting for Catalina to donate a new 47 foot boat for our draw but I don't think that is going to happen!

Door Prizes and Gift Exchange will take place during Saturday's Dinner

COST
$30 per boat to pay for the pavilion rental, BBQ rental, prizes and incidentals.  I will collect on the Friday at the meet and greet.  Note that we don't have a sponsor.  It would be nice if we could get a sponsor.  If we do, we can reduce the $30 fee.  Does anyone have any ideas for sponsors?

We are going to need some help and are looking for volunteers for the weekend's events. 

Volunteer are needed for:
·        Saturday morning coffee setup.  Grace and Mike "Early Dawn" have volunteered already - thanks!
·        Tech talks. Meredith Anderson. Anyone else have anything to share?
·        Dinghy races – start/stop horn and record the winner.
·        BBQ'rs
·        Gift exchange – collect gifts and give ticket out.  Barry and Val on the big pretty Catalina have volunteered already.  No size limit on gifts.  They have way too much square footage on that boat - they will store it in their aft cabin.  Or their port forward cabin.  Or in the engine room.  They could have a stowaway onboard for a week without them knowing anyone else is onboard!

Please let me know if I forgot anything!  I am really looking forward to seeing you all there!


Cheers!
Rob and Sheri Johnson
Morning Wings