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Hi - hoping someone has some insight.  Another Cat 34 at my club has some mysterious vertical cracks on her hull on both port and starboard at the aft end just forward of the transom (both cracks very narrow and 3 inches in length).  I don't know their hull number - mine is 1494 from year 2000.  Their boat is 2002, but don't know the hull number.  What concerns me is that the cracks are almost symmetrical - i took three photos from behind and used blue masking tape to indicate where the cracking is.  You can see the the cracks are roughly the same length and same position.  (Again - the cracks are on the sides of the hull - the blue tape on the transom just shows positioning).  I could easily fill the cracks and repair the gelcoat - but I am concerned that since the cracking is symmetrical it might be indicative or a structural problem.  I don't have the history of the boat, so not sure if there was any grounding or collision, but cannot see any evidence of that.  I looked inside both lazerettes and could not see visible problems on the inside.  Could an improperly tuned rig crack the gelcoat?

Thanks in advance.

The hull-joint caulking on my 2000 Cat 34 Mk II (Hull 1494) seems brittle.  There are only a couple of spider cracks in the caulking - so it still looks sound - but seems to be getting brittle.  Is removing the caulking and re-caulking with something like Sikaflex 291 the way to go?  Is this easy to do?

Thanks in advance.

All - taking some time during lockdown to learn more about my boat's electrical system (had some gaps in my knowledge).  I've got hull 1494 (34 MK II built 2000).  The wiring diagram in the manual shows a galvanic isolator.  Can anyone tell me where it might be located on the boat?  (Its on the hard and covered for winter right now - don't really want to go looking for it.  Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know how the hull is built?  Assuming there is a core.  What material?  How many layers of glass?  Mine is a 34 Mk II - hull 1494 built in 2000.


Thanks in advance.

Hi - for those of us in cold climates who need to haul out for the winter...I've been wondering about storing the boat mast up or down.  I've heard arguments both ways.

Some say mast up is hard on the standing rigging...when the wind blows, the windage normally would cause the boat to rock (in the water).  on the cradle it stresses the standing rigging (although not sure how much different then strong gusts would be when heading up wind).

Mast down takes time - and can damage things if mistakes are made - but no windage on the mast.   But it allows you to inspect the rigging (up close) and replace things if needed (without having to climb the mast).

Thoughts?

Hi - quick favour to ask.  I need to replace a couple of hoses.  I've got a M35-B.  The (short) hose from the manifold to the thermostat and the hose from the water pump to the heat exchanger.  I need the length and diameter of the hoses - I could take them off an measure, but would prefer not to take them off until I have replacements at hand (if I take the existing ones off I am not sure I'll get them back on).

Does anyone know the length and diameter of these hoses off hand?  I could not find these specs in the manual.

Thanks in advance. 

I did an oil change when I first splashed in this season.  I just noticed a couple of 'dots' on the diaper under the engine - barley noticeable.  When I run my hand under the oil filter, there seems to be a very slight film of oil where the filter connects to the engine.  there was not leak detectable when I installed the new filter.  I'm not overly concerned with oil levels dropping too much since the leakage is barely noticeable - only a few drops over the course of the season (to date).

Could the filter be defective?  Should I be concerned?  Should I install a new filter?

Thanks in advance.
Sundowner III
Catalina 34 Mk II, Hull 1494
Engine M35B

Hi.  I was thinking about replacing my outhaul - the line is pretty weathered and frayed on both ends.  I HAVE seen the threads on replacing the outhaul - but I am not clear on removing the boom end-caps.  I had a quick look and they appear to be riveted on.  Its a Charleston Spar boom and the manual does show it to be riveted.  Can I (gently) drill out the rivets and then re-rivet after? 

Another question - I've seen the 3:1 and 10:1 haul-systems inside the boom.  I am not convinced I have one of these in my boom.  The outhaul seems to be moving the same distance at both ends.  If there were a haul system inside, then I'd assume the outhaul would not move at the same rate at each end of the boom (i.e. pulling in 3' in the cockpit would result in 1' at the clew for a 3:1 system).  There is also no mention of a haul system in the furling documentation (I know there is the one picture in the Catalina 34 manual - but I've got a seperate manual for the furling system which covers the mast and boom construction/function).

Is it possible I just have a 'straight-thru' outhaul and I can just fish a new one through with a messenger?

Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom on this.

I've got a Raymarine C 70 chart plotter.  Every so often the GPS malfunctions - it still knows the location of the boat (lat, long) but the heading can be as much as 180 deg. off my actual heading (as shown with my magentic compass on the pedestal.  Sometimes I re-calibrate the electronic GPS (tell it the heading I am on based on the ship's compass) but sometimes it reverts back to these phantom headings.  Has anyone experienced this?

My boat is year 2000, an not sure if this chart plotter and GPS was installed by the PO or the factory - so I am not sure how old the gear actually.  Its not that big a pain, except when I am trying to sail with my auto-pilot...at which times I suddenly find myself way off my intended course.

I know it can be an issue if you've got a metal part too close to the 'pickup' (not sure the name of the part) for the compass - i've checked and nothing there.

Any thoughts?  Thanks in advance.

Hi - I m hoping someone can help me identify some odd marks on my hull.  I've got a 2000 Cat 34 Mk II (hull 1494).  In the winter she sits in a 6-pad cradle.  I bought her in 2013.  Yesterday I was applying the VC-17 for a delayed season launch (we're all delayed at my club due to Covid 19).  I noticed some fine marks above and below the aft port-side cradle pad.  I've shown 3 photos.  One of the boat in the cradle to show position of the pad (although that photo is a few years old) and the other two showing the fine lines (with the VC-17 on top).  This is my seventh season prepping the boat and first time I've ever seen these marks.  I am wondering perhaps she wasn't sitting straight in the cradle and there is too much pressure on this one pad causing too much hull flex in this one spot?  Could the outer layer of the hull material be stressed enough to cause some small ridges (or cracks - yikes)?  could this just be cosmetic or could the integrity of the hull be compromised?  Is there any way to check (other than the obvious of launch and see if I float)?  Thanks in advance.

Hi - a mechanic swapped out my prop shaft a few years back and only today sent me an invoice...the charge for parts seems very reasonable - but labour seems WAY out of whack at $2,700 CDN.  I've never used this guy before - so don't know his hourly rate, but at $80/hour (for sake of argument) that is 34 hours - nearly a full-time job for a week.  I have no clue the amount of work needed for such a procedure, but seems double what I was expecting.  I wanted to see if anyone on this forum had an idea of the amount of work required to replace a shaft.  If it sounds reasonable I'm fine - but if it sounds way to big, then I'll challenge him on the amount of labour.  Any input would be appreciated.  thanks in advance.

All - I've got a Cat 34 Mk II (built 2000).  When I bought it back in 2013 the PO had a full cockpit enclosure.  Last year I had a new dodger and bimini made and the enclosure does not fit quite right - it needs to be modified a wee bit.  My wife and I rarely used it (not even once a year) and its just in the way storing it on the boat.

Does anyone want it?  Its in "like new" condition.  Its Captain Navy Blue in colour.  If anyone wants it let me know - its free - you just pay the shipping.  Let me know.

Hi - I've got a slow leak in my freshwater system - every once and a while the water pump comes on and the bilge is slowly (very slowly) filling with clean water (like an inch a week).  I've been able to isolate the problem to the hot water tank.  For the time being I've bypassed the hot water tank - connecting the input hose and output hose (the way I would do when winterizing the engine.  Leak seems to have stopped.

My question - is it safe to motor with the hot water tank bypassed?  I am thinking it is, but I seem to recall something about the raw water which cools the engine coolant also passes through (around?) the hot water tank - that is how I get hot water when motoring I think.

Is it safe to motor with the hot water tank bypassed (well - safe except for the frustration of my wife not having hot water)?

Thanks in advance.

Hi - I've got a 34 Mk II - Hull 1494 (year 2000).  She's got a Universal M35B.  I've now got 975 hours on the engine.  Is this a lot?  I've been pretty good (I think) at maintaining it as did the previous owner (I believe).  All freshwater sailing (if that makes a difference)

Is this a lot of hours for a 19 YO Catalina?  I do motor more often than I'd like, but many times where I have a destination in mind and little to no wind.

Thanks in advance.

I found this sitting on the deck just to the right of the mast.  Looks like it might be some sort of spring.  Anyone know what it is?  (I've got hull# 1494, year 2000)

Hi - the previous owner of my boat affixed some decals to the transom which I really want to get off.  I have tried gently scraping with a plastic razor blade but it does not seem to be working - part of the decal come off and other parts do not.  "Goo Gone" seems to work OK on the old adhesive residue but does nothing for the decal itself.  My local boat supply store recommended a product called "Ad-Off" but when I read the directions, it also seems to be an adhesive remover.  One person suggested trying a heat gun but I am concerned what it might do to the gel coat.  Does anyone have any experience or suggestions here?  Thanks in advance.

I've got a 34 Mk II (Hull 1494, Year 2000).  Does anyone out there use a Loos Gauge to tune the mast?  If so - what tension do you shoot for?  I know how they work (the gauges) but have never used one before...always tightened until the stays seem 'tight enough'.  When I drop my mast in the winter I mark the turn-buckles with electrical tape - but never occurred to me whether I had the right tension to begin with.  I'm a cruiser - not a racer - so not looking for performance.  Just want to ensure i'm not too tight or loose for fear of doing some damage.  Your collective thoughts and experiences would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Hi - I've got a question about the holding tank vent.  I've not re-routed the vent on my 34 Mk II (hull 1494, Y2K).  Still runs up thru a port-side stanchion.  I've seen vent air-filters which are available - presumably these would attach to the hose between the tank and the stanchion.  Has anyone had any experience with these?  Occasionally we get a whiff of the holding tank in the cockpit depending on the wind direction.   (We do our best to pump out regularly and we do use a tank conditioner).  Thanks in advance.

Hi - my hull (1494) was built in 2000 and I am not sure whether the sanitary hose between the head and tank has ever been replaced.  I've heard they degrade over time and can contribute to that 'head smell' below deck.  I am planning on replacing it.  Is this fairly straight forward?  Looks to be.  Does anyone know off-hand how much hose I will need to replace it?  I'd rather do it all in one go rather than to pull the old hose to measure how much i need.  (...and I will pump out before doing this :-).  Thanks in advance.

Hi.  I've just bought a (used) asym for downwind drifting.  I was wondering about installing a bowsprit so I can fly it out front the boat.  Was thinking about this:

https://catalinayachtsstore.com/wp/product/gennaker-bowsprit/

Does anyone know if I can mount this in front of the anchor locker (on the port side beside the anchor roller)?  I'd assume when it is retracted it would prevent the anchor locker from opening and when extended you could get in to the locker.  Is there enough deck space in front of the anchor locker to fix this to?

...or does anyone have any other idea on where to attach the tack of the asym to?  Can I fly it from the anchor roller?

Thanks  in advance.

Hi - i've had my Cat 34 Mk II (hull 1494) for six years now and am still loving it.  In past years, I have stored it mast up for the winter.  This past winter I am in a new location and I required to take it down.  Fortunately there are a lot of people to help.  Got it down fine in the fall and its up again.

My question is around now tuning it (I have read the manual).  A friend told me the easiest way it to check that the mast is first centered vertically by measuring the distance with a halyard from the top of the mast to the rail on each side and adjusting the uppers slightly until it is the same distance.  Next he said to adjust rake with by tightening the backstay as needed and then adjusting the lowers accordingly.

Does this sound about right?  Thanks in advance.

Hi.  Anyone know what this is?  (Or was)?  I found it sitting on my foredeck just starboard and aft (about 2 feet) from my mast.  Its flexible and about 1/16" thick.  Appears to be some sort of gasket.  Now - it might not be mine - might have just blown there, but wondering if it might have fallen off somewhere like the gooseneck or the mast head?

I've got a 34 Mk II year 2000 (hull 1494) if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance.

Hi.  I have an ST 60 Wind on my helm.  Its worked perfectly for more than 10 years.  All of a sudden (yesterday) the wind direction (on the display) seems to be about 90 degrees of both the wind-vane on the top of the mast and the smaller wind vane on top of the "cups".  The mast head vanes seem to indicate the correct direction - the display on the ST 60 seems to be off.  The wind-speed the ST 60 is reporting seems to be correct - just the direction is off (by about 90 degrees).

Has anyone run across this before?  Thanks in advance.

Hi.  Normally when I or a member of my crew need to go up the mast, i use the spare jib halyard.  As a former rock-climber, I don't really like a single point of failure in a system where lives are at stake.  My question - if I were to briefly disconnect the boom-lift (as a backup line for the person going up) would the boom be okay?  would the vang be able to support the weight of the boom for a short period of time?

thanks in advance.

Hi - I noticed about 3" of very clean water in my bilge on this past weekend.  I pumped the bilge dry (with a wet/dry vac) about a month ago - shortly after launch so I was surprised to see this water.  I pumped it dry again and have 1" 30 hours later (again - clean water).  I have also noticed for the first time this year my water pump is running for about 5-6 seconds from time to time even if I am not running water (it just comes on and runs - but only very occasionally).  We were on-board for these 30 hours (when the 1" came back) and had the electric water pressure on the whole time. I am guessing there is a small leak in the freshwater system which is filling the bilge?  Does that sound plausible?

I've not noticed the problem getting any worse when the  pump is shut off at the electrical panel.

FYI - I have checked all the thru-hulls and they seem to be dry.  I would think if a leak was coming from the shaft then I'd have some oil or grease in the bilge - i'd not think the water would be so clean.

Thoughts?  Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone - I have noticed a small crack on the forward edge of my keel (photo attached - this is an extreme close up - standing 15' from the boat I hardly noticed it).  It is only on the port side.  I have a Cat 34 Mk II and i have never grounded (not sure if the previous owner did).  I have been reading the forum and found references to the "smile".  Not sure if this is the same thing.  I have never seen this crack in past years.  This winter was the first winter I was on jack-stands and not my cradle (long story) but i've heard cracks can appear in the front if improperly blocked.  I am not close to the boat at the moment so cant check tightness of keel bolts.

Thoughts based on your collective wisdom and extensive experience will be most welcome...thanks in advance.

Hi - I was motoring yesterday and my prop stopped turning.  The engine was running and I had the transmission in FORWARD but the prop & shaft were not turning.  I had thought maybe the shaft became uncoupled from the engine.  I spoke to a mechanic I know and he suggested 3 things:  (1) maybe the transmission cable came disconnected, (2) transmission fluid low/out, (3) prop shaft uncoupled.

I checked today - the tranny cable is fine and functioning correctly.  Fluid was a bit low, but the colour was fine.  The coupling was visually ok...now here is where I am confused.  I can turn the shaft by hand right in front (forward) of the stuffing box and it turns fine.  If I turn it at the coupler the couple turns by itself but not the shaft.  I am guessing this is not supposed to happen?  All of the bolts on the coupler seem tight and nothing looks out of place.

Can someone help?

Thanks in advance.