Catalina 350 International Association

YOU MAY WANT TO START A SEPARATE THREAD ON THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES--that way others with electrical experience will be more likely to see it and respond. Yes, we are assuming the smart regulator is properly programmed. 14.25 VDC is fine for bulk and absorption modes. But at 20 amp charge rate I suspec...

1500 engine RPM should be plenty to provide reasonable charging. Many of us have a higher output alternator, but that doesn't address your charging at only 20 amps with an 80 amp alternator and smart regulator. You are going to be looking at a LOT of engine run time at that very low charge rate. Ass...

For a snubber, I like 10 feet of 1/2" 3 strand. I WANT some stretch to moderate the "yank" as chain comes taut. Anything of larger diameter or with less stretch doesn't mitigate that sharp yank. BTW, at least given the forecast at this time, I don't see February 4th as a go-- wind ESE...

Guinevere wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 11:58 am I built my own out of Starboard.
Bob

Bob,

Very nice work.

Only way I would do it is thru bolt with fender washer on the inside (all stainless steel).

You have to make strong enough that if someone is thrown into it in a seaway that it won't crack the FG.

Would not use 3m 5200 as you may want to remove it at some point.

Jamie, Electrolysis substantially increases the corrosion/oxidation. Check for both AC and DC current-- one probe on the engine component, the other on something in the water. Just dangle one end of a wire (strip an inch or so) in the water and bring the other end to the engine so you can use your m...

Yes, sent to your e-mail 1/4/22 and just resent.

Weather application for wind, waves. Can scroll forward up to 10 days by day part:

https://www.ventusky.com/?p=25.85;-78.67;7&l=wind-10m

Another one for wind, waves and Gulf Stream info:

https://www.passageweather.com/

Where are you wanting to depart from in the U.S. and your first port of call in the Bahamas?

And, then were?

Many of us have done this many times.

In fact my brother is in the Berry Islands right now on the 350.

What are you using for weather (wind and wave) forecasts?

Have you tried doing a web-search for the make and model of alternator. Should be mentioned if it has that feature. If not, contact the alternator manufacturer (will not be the engine or boat manufacturer).

Curious as to which red wire this is and also how it affects engine start and run vs alternator and battery charging. Said another way, do you now where it should connect? If connected to the battery, you are lucky there wasn't a dead short and fire! Are you headed just to Miami or further destinati...

Ed,

First step is to verify this IS a potable water tank leak rather than a water leak forward of there that is running under the tank.

I would use a hose the heck out of the stem fitting and anchor locker to see if one of those may be the source.

Welcome. Not sure there is any "one answer". There are many sources for dodgers, just as for biminis and sails. Most are easy to remove, leaving only the mounting hardware on the deck. And, if you positively never want a dodger, worse case is to FG/gel coat the few mounting holes. Yes, mos...

Cutlass bearing wear is "contributed to" by:

Mis-alignment
Grit/abrasive in the water
Hours it is run

And, of course, if water flow is cut off by something like a plastic bag wrapping around the shaft wear is materially increased!!!

All I can say is WOW.

Oh, and another endorsement for frequent checks of the "mechanical areas".

Ya, dampner plate issues usually show up at lower RPM in gear. I would start by retorquing the engine mount to stringer bolts and engine mount to engine bolts. Actually, I see this as part of annual maintenance. Also, check tension on the belt and bolts that secure the alternator. After that, can yo...

Yup, there is no way to properly shape a sail whose luff or foot can't be properly tensioned.

When measuring sails, be aware that both the old and new sails can STRETCH. Measuring a "stretched" original sail and ordering a new one that exact length could lead to unhappy consequences. Said another way, be sure you are not going to "two-block" the new sails. There is no way...

For many of us, flushing with potable water just means using the shower hose to flush. More "KISS theory". And, no chance of contamination.

Drilling small holes in the bottom of the refrigerator and injecting expandable foam between it and the hull makes a real difference in R value.

Then re-glass (better) or seal the holes with a polysulfide.