a few questions

[Jeff Kaplan]

as posted before, i bought a 1986 c34 #219, have sailed her  for a month and have been quite pleased with her speed,comfort and stability. a few questions i would like to address pertaining to where i can get several parts,other than thru catalina, unless their the best bet. i noticed that the foward opening port on the star. side in main cabin leaks in the rain and soaks the cushion below. looks like the gasket needs to be replaced, where can i order them? also the anchor bow rollers need replacing, any ideas? the sinks  drains very slowly and when i inspected the area both sinks drain into a common tee, than out. looks like a y barbed fitting would drain much better than going thru tee fitting, comments? lastly, i will be replacing the main sail soon, full batten or std. batten setup? also where is the best place to get catalina stock sails. i am a cruiser not a racer. the boat has lazy jacks. all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. thanks...jeff kaplan

[Jim Price]

Jeff, concerning the port leakage, there has been several threads on this subject here on the board.  Mostly centering on replacing the o-rings on the flip latches.  These little o-rings get compressed over the years and you can no longer tighten the latch sufficient to eliminate the leaking and still turn the latch.  That is probably 80% of the reasons for leaks on the ports.  You could have a more serious (expensive) problem but I would start by replacing ALL the o-rings first.  Search the board for the threads / info on supplier.  I replaced all mine last year but I am not where I can get to the information now but it is all on the board.

[Stu Jackson]

Jeff

With your #219, you have the same vintage we do.  As previously noted, this website has two basic parts, this message board and the main website.  The message board is for asking questions and its search engine should help you find much of what you are looking for.

However, a lot of basic information, such as what you are looking for, is on the main website under FAQs and projects, especially for the older boats.

You have Beckson ports.  Go to http://www.c34ia.org/faq-pages/faq.html, and on the right side, scroll down under "Past Wisdom."  Beckson ports appears and shows you how to replace or repair them and how to contact Beckson.  You can also do a search on both the main 'site and this board for Beckson, and learn more than you could hope for. {Jim's answer with his newer boat, was for the newer Lewmar ports, which you don't have.}

No one's sinks drain on the older boats.  Check out "Projects" on the main site for sink drain.  It's there. http://www.c34ia.org/projects/kindred-spirit/sink_drain.html via http://www.c34ia.org/projects/projects_top.html

Dare I suggest a search for "bow rollers," on both parts.  They are two different search engines for the two sections of the site.

Catalina stock sails come from Catalina.  I think it's Gary at Ullman sails who does them, but I don't know where you live:  it might be less expensive to buy locally to suit your sailing conditions.

As a new owner of an older boat, I think you'll find that lots of your questions have been documented here on our site.  

I also suggest you check out "Wiring Harness," and find out if you need to do this.  It is a safety issue.  Try this: http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1652&highlight=wiring+harness

Glad to have you with us, and keep the questions coming and we'll do all we can to help.