Messages

I agree with Jim Hardesty that the crack is cosmetic. I have a 2001 mkii #1572 just two boats away from your boat when they were built. I have never had a problem with it at all.

Wingman, I made those AGM batteries were I worked for several years and they are very good.  The downside of 4DL batteries is the cost and weight (about 120 lbs). A better alternative are 6v Golf batteries as they have less weight per battery and more amp hours. I had the 4DL but changed to the 6V and made it easier. I would suggest your get the most amp hour batteries that you can fit.

Ron, I should have clarified it better. The voltages I put up is what is used in the manufacturing testing. The one you have is set up to keep batteries from getting to low where sulphate occurs if recharge is not done in a timely fashion. I was a chemical engineer and worked at a company that made Flooded, AGM and Gel batteries. A very messy process and one that can cause all sort of issues.

If I remember it correctly, the voltage is 12.06 V for 50% charge and 10.5 V for 00% charge for a lead acid battery. AGM batteries are similar and lithium batteries are different since it holds its voltage until it drops at around 10% charge.

Jim Hardesty, I have used a low pressure spray painter as you have done as well. It definitely reduces the amount of paint used.  FYI, my boat is close to yours as mine is a 2001 mkii, hull #1572, "Dream Catcher", which I sail in Lake Michigan.

Alex, I put the Froli system in the V berth this year as you are looking to do. It was easy to install and works very nice. As for the center insert cushion, just cut a foam padding to match the pattern and height.

Chuck,

I would change out all the lights from halogen to LED lights. There are not as hot, longer lasting and a lower drain on the batteries then halogens. I have changed out the lights on my boat (2001 34 mkii) from the eye ball fixtures with LED lights. I tried the disc LED style lights with the two pins. The problem with them, is that you cannot align the two pins because it blocks your view and makes it almost impossible to get it in. I went with the tower LED lights with the two pins, and they worked just fine. I tried two sizes and found the the smaller ones gave plenty of light. I also did them for the running lights as well. Some of the other lights in the cabin have a different style. There are festoon bulbs if I remember correctly. You can get them from Catalina Direct or from Dr. Led lights. If you have any questions, Let me know.

Steve G.

Tim,  a parallel set up allows one battery with a lower voltage to bring down the others until the voltage is equalized. The big problem would be if one battery has a short, then it would drain all the other ones down. If it goes unchecked, then the remaining two would sulfate the batteries if not caught in a reasonable time.

Steveg

Jim, if you do not want the enclosures, then I would be interested. My boat hull number is real close to yours. It is hull #1572 and I am located in Milwaukee, Wi.

Jim, I had the same problem over 10 years ago when we had a northeastern storm that scuffed up the rub rail and stripe tape in our slip. Yes, you can get replacement tapes from Catalina Direct. Just make sure that you give them your model year, color and width of the tape.

Allatsea,  The original supplier of stern rails to Catalina is a company called Railmakers, it is located in Los Angeles. I had them make new stern rails a few years ago that were modified special for me. They fit perfectly into the original mount locations. The gentleman I contacted was Dave Hawley and his number is 949-642-6506. I believe that they are still in business as far as I know.

My boat is a 2001 C34mkii.

steveg

Jim,
I had the same thoughts. I measured the area in front of the track and the most you can add is 2' since the stays are in the way plus you need some room to put track blocks on. So I asked Catalina that question when I was at the Annapolis sailboat show this year.

I gave them my thought of replacing the standard 8' track to a standard 10' track since only two additional holes need to be drilled for each track. They said it can be done. You can grind the anti skid down to a smooth surface or just go over the existing pattern. You just need to make sure with the second option that enough chalking is there to seal the holes since there will be a slight gap from rise of the track.

Steveg

Dale,
I have two Low Lead Cars from Garhauer that came with the boat. They are an older version and in good shape. If you would like, I can give you a good deal on them if you are interested.

Steveg

Dale, I have a 2001 Catalina 34 mkii as well and you are correct in that the genoa track is 1.25". I bought  1.25" adjustable track cars from Garhauer. If you have the means, buy them, they are great.

Steve Guhl

Dfloeter, I just arrived back home from the race last night. I have the pictures on my phone but am unable to get them onto this forum. If you would like, I can send them to your cell phone. Otherwise, Does anyone know how to get photos from an I phone onto this site?

steveg