Messages

I am trying to replace the engine mounts in my 1987 Catalina 34.  I followed all the suggestions in the C-34 forum, but now I find that starboard forward and the aft port mounts are frozen to the studs.  It should be noted that it took a lot of Liquid Wrench to loosen the nuts above the engine mounting flange.

Despite hammering on the mounts with anything on hand and copious amounts of Liquid Wrench, the mounts are still frozen in place.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might free the engine from the studs?

Thanks,

Vic Suben
Surprise
C-34 No. 453

From the literature, it appears that the R&D coupling uses the same flange that  currently holds the prop shaft.  In the Vetus literature it appears that their coupling replaces the flange on the drive shaft.  I would rather not cut the shaft.  So please let me know if my reading of the vendors' literature is correct.

Also, any idea whether the R&D engine mounts are better vibration dampers than the Vetus?

Thanks,

Has anyone had experience installing engine mounts and a flexible coupling from R&D Marine?  If so, what were the problems/benefits, etc. with the installation and use of their systems.

Thanks,

Vic Suben
Surprise, C-34 Hull 453

A couple of years ago I had the same problem.  I emptied the fuel tank by using the boat's electric fuel pump to pump the fuel into 5 gallon buckets that I bought at Home Depot.  West Marine sells a funnel that filters the fuel as it is poured into the tank.  After replacing the tank I used that funnel to filter the fuel as it went back into the tank.  I did not pour all the buckets' contents into the tank, but left the dregs in the buckets.  I disposed of the dregs in a tank used for old oil.

When I changed the Raycor fuel filter at the end of the following season, I found it to be very clean - almost no gunk.

I got rid of the odor by thoroughly airing out the boat.

Hope this helps.

Vic Suben
C-34 Surprise (Hull No. 453)

My boat is a 1987 C-34, hull no. 453.  This past summer I lost a cowl vent during an inadvertent gybe.  I have ordered a replacement from Catalina Direct that has not yet arrived.  Does anyone know if there is a direct replacement for the original vent?  If so, where can I get one?

Thanks,

Vic Suben
Surprise

Thanks for the suggestions Stu.

Please let me know how we go about getting the C34IA to purchase the tool.

Thanks,

Vic

If we have at least 5 people willing to share the cost of the tool, each of us would have to kick in about $80.00. We could share the tool among ourselves, and whoever used it last would be responsible for keeping it until someone else in the group wants it.

If we want to recoup our investment the tool could be rented to others for a nominal fee, and the fee split among those who purchased the tool.

Please let me know what you think of this idea.

Vic

I have plans for a home made tool that will enable the removal and installation of the cutless bearing without removing the prop shaft.  I can get the steel needed, but I don't have the tools to make the pieces.  If someone has access to a drill press and either  a milling machine or a band saw, then we can pool our resources and get the thing made.  Failing that, I will take the plans to a machine shop and have the parts made.

Vic Suben
Surprise

Another suggestion that might work.  Use a piece of pipe or tubing with 1-1/4" OD and 1" ID.  The tubing should be about 6" long.  Cut the tubing lengthwise.  The kerf should be about 1/16".  Hold the two pieces together with a hose clamp.  Use the split tube to push the bearing out & it should also work to push the new bearing in to place.

Hope this helps.

Vic Suben
Surprise
Hull No. 453 - Port Jefferson, NY

I moved the recovery tank in my boat to the inside of the access door near the fuel filter (on the starboard side in the head compartment).  It works fine at that location.  The liquid level is readily visible and it's easy to add more coolant if and when it's needed.  Just make sure there's enough slack in the tubing to allow for opening the access door.

Vic  Suben
Surprise
Hull No. 453

It's time to replace Surprise's  cutless bearing.  However, in the process I would like to move the shaft a few inches to make sure that it isn't worn excessively in the stuffing box (getting quite a bit of dripping).  I have plans for a tool that will enable me to remove and install the bearing without removing the shaft from the boat.

If I loosen the shaft coupling, will I need to realign the shaft when I put everything together?  If so, I would rather just pull the shaft out of the coupling.  I am hoping that someone has a suggestion for a method to slip the shaft out of the coupling.

Vic Suben

I recently learned that a company called Strut Pro makes a tool that enables the removal/installation of cutless bearings without the need to remove the prop shaft.

I found out that the tool costs $395.00 plus shipping.  Because cutless bearings generally last about 5 -6 years, it's hard to justify the purchase of one of these tools unless it's shared bya group.  Perhaps there is a group of C-34 owners who would like to chip in to have one of these tools available when needed.  Or perhaps, the C-34 Association would buy it for use by association members.  The cost of the tool could be recouped by renting it whenever someone wants to use it.

If there is no interest in the above options, perhaps someone knows of anyone who has one of these tools, that I might rent or borrow.

Incidentally, the Catalina 36 Association has one of these tools, but it's only for use by C-36 members (I inquired).

Vic Suben
Surprise

Thanks for the suggestion.  I tightened all the hose clamps and that seems to be working for the time being.  But, if the level drops again, I will follow your suggestion with regard to the exhaust riser.

Vic

The teak & holly cabin sole in Surprise is scuffed and stained in some places.  During the coming winter I would like to restore the sole to its original finish.  Has anyone tried to restore a teak and holly sole?  If so, please let me know if you had to take special precautions or needed to do something other than sanding and varnishing.

Thanks,

Vic Suben
Surprise
Hull No. 453

Thanks, I'll check the hose clamps.  Although returning from a recent trip in high winds and rough water I had to motor for about 5 hours.  No bad odors were reported by the skipper who was below for the whole trip.