Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Chuck.Philips on August 15, 2016, 09:17:08 PM

Title: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: Chuck.Philips on August 15, 2016, 09:17:08 PM
When we are under power, operating at about 2100 RPM's and doing 6.7+ knots, the stern seems to sink a bit and water often comes over the swim step on our Mk 11.  Generally this only happens with a following sea.  Anyone else having this happen?  It's been doing it for the 5 years we have had the boat with no apparent issues other than I get wet feet when at the helm.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: Ross Fisher on August 16, 2016, 03:44:07 AM
I have sailed and motored my boat, similar specifications, in all manner of conditions and never had any situation like this. Do you have any particularly heavy  equipment in your stern lockers?
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: Jim Hardesty on August 16, 2016, 05:05:46 AM
Chuck,
I also have a MKll and at that speed my swim platform goes underwater (or close) also.  And have waves board from the stern a few times.  I'm not sure if the stern squats or if it's the quarter wave rising.  FWIW I'm in fresh water and Lake Erie.  That means the boat sits a little lower in the water (fresh is less dense than salt water) and the waves are steeper and closer than most places.
If you get your feet wet often I think you need to look at how your boat is loaded.  Do you have a tender hanging from davits?  I don't think it's very common to have waves board.
Jim
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: tommyt on August 16, 2016, 06:33:31 AM
Escape Hatch squats when under power, but have never noticed water over the step let alone in the cockpit. Sounds like a loading issue. What do you have parked in that garage?
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: Lance Jones on August 17, 2016, 06:34:04 AM
If you watch most Catalina boats, they squat when under power. It happens on my Mk I; but, obviously doesn't come into the cockpit. When I went to a 2 bladed prop, it was less. Now that I am back to a 3 bladed prop, it has returned to the lower squat. Simple physics.
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: lazybone on August 17, 2016, 12:24:31 PM
Over 6.7 knots under power?

My head would expode from all the excitement
Title: Re: Water over the swim step under power
Post by: Stu Jackson on August 17, 2016, 12:49:57 PM
Quote from: lazybone on August 17, 2016, 12:24:31 PM
Over 6.7 knots under power?

My head would expode from all the excitement

Yup, at those warp speeds, our entire cockpit would be under water!  :shock: :shock: :shock: