Messages

When we bought our MK ll in 2001, within the first year the boat would slow sometimes.  I could see the shaft slow while watching it with the engine running at constant RPM.  Dealer insisted it was shift connection on the transmission and adjusted it several times.  Problem not solved.  Transmission was removed from the boat twice and checked in a shop, who could find no problems with it.  Seemed to work on the workbench.  Put it back in the boat, still the same problem.  Long and short of it,  Catalina replaced the transmission.  No more problems 14 years later.

Maybe a similar problem with your transmission?

Jack
C34 MK ll 2001, FK/TR M35BC

Jim,

When we purchased our MK ll, #1555, when sailing with a full tank I would get fuel out of the vent when the boat was heeled to port.  I found that the vent hose was routed barely higher than the tank, so was lower than the fuel in a full tank when on a heel.  Replaced the line with a longer one and ran it as high as I could.  That eliminated the problem.  I think some vent lines may have been installed too short to get them high enough.

Jack

Randy,

Your boat must be different than mine as there is a solid bulkhead at the sink cabinet back that the engine coolant hoses run thru.  The only way to get mine out was to disconnect all hoses and electrical (tough, as there is not a lot of room in front of the heater) rotate it 90 degreed and lift it out through the top of the seat.  All the batteries must be removed to accomplish it.
Jack

Randy,

I replaced my water heater a couple of months ago as i could not stop an engine coolant leak from the tank.  I had all the batteries and heater out.  On our boat there are 3 boards there, two butted together and a third under the joint that makes up the floor under the settee/sink cabinet.  Then there is a separate board just under the water heater screwed down on top of that.  The way the ends of the floor boards were cut in round shapes on the inboard end felt to me like they were just put together out of scrap material.  Unfortunately I did not take pictures while i had everything apart.

Jack

Thanks Ron, I remember your article on that now, but I had forgotten about it.  That will go to the top of my list.
Jack

Thank you Stu.  Gave me the areas to check connections.  Did that and everything looked clean.  Needle still stuck with power off.  Fellow boater said he had tack problems and thought my problem is probably corrosion inside the meter as he has had the problem on his Island Packet.  Tapped the back of the tack several times, turned on the key, and the tack went to 0!  Turned the key on and off and it stayed at 0.  Ran the engine rpm's up above where the tack was stuck and it hesitated at the spot coming back down, but did return to idle ok.  Tapped the back of the tack several more times and now it seems to be working without a hitch at all rpm's.  I know there is moisture inside the gauge as it always condenses on the glass on all my meters after the lights are on for a few minutes.  At this point I will just watch and see what happens.

Jack

The alternator is working as I see 14 volts on the volt meter on the panel, so also assume the regulator is doing it's job.  Does not seem like there is any wiring on the front and sides of the engine I was working on.  There is a bundle of wiring that comes across the back of the engine that goes to the fuel pump that I may have jostled while getting the funnel into place to refill the transmission.  Will check in that area and open the panel and check the back of the tack.

Jack

I spent the day changing all the oil, oil filter, fuel filters, and transmission fluid... fun day.  Ran the engine in gear for about 20 minutes to make sure that everything was operating correctly and no leaks anywhere.  Set the engine rpm's about 1500 and let it run while I checked and cleaned things up.  When I went to shut off the engine I noticed the tack was reading 2800 which was a surprise, as the engine speed had not changed.  When I throttled back the tac stayed at 2800.  IF I throttle up the tack would go above 2800, but then stop at 2800 as I throttled back to the lowest speed.  Turned the engine and key off and the tack stayed ay 2800.  Tapping on the glass resulted in no change.  I started and stopped the engine several times, same result.  All the other gages are working fine.

Broken tack?  I assume that if it is an electrical problem the needle would return to 0 with everything off.

Jack Hutteball
Mariah lll

On our C34 there is a check valve in the fresh water line to the hot water tank so the water can flow thru the tank only one way.  Possible that you are getting a mix of cold and hot if it is running through the tank backwards.  Not sure if your system is plumbed the same way.

Jack

Have seen the polyglow before, thought there might be something like an automobile clear coat.  All new cars have plastic front and rear plastic "bumpers" that stay looking as good as the metal paint finish.
Jack

We have a dark blue fiberglass hardtop dodger on our C34, which is a pain to keep looking good.  After 14 years it has oxidized enough that it is going to take a mild rubbing compound and waxing to bring it back to top shape, then continual waxing as before.  Is there some "clear coat" finish that I could spray on, like an automobile clear coat finish that would eliminate the continual waxing?  Would it be better to clean it up and paint it with a hard shell epoxy paint?  Would appreciate any experience others have had with a similar top.  I know, should have purchased white like manufacturer recommended.

Ken, that is what I found on my internet search.

Thanks,
Jack

Thanks all,  Think I will just be wrestling the thing outa there and fit in a new one.  Off to research the best price...

Jack

Jim, where was your tank leaking, fresh water or coolant?  Mine seems fine except for the coolant leak.  I am sure it is about time, but I am baffled about why/how the thing is leaking.
Jack

It is definitely coolant leaking.  The coolant tubes connection into the tank itself are barbs just pushed in?  Is there some kind of seal or rubber/flexible fitting?