Catalina 350 International Association

This is going to be a difficult one, as it would be unusual that any of us have enough experience in different conditions with the two boats. http://www.phrfne.org/page/567 shows that the PHRF ratings of the Wing Keel 350 and wing keel 36' (i.e. came configuration to same configuration) is EXACTLY T...

Jim,

The process would be the same. Since we don't winterize, I can not tell you what kind of antifreeze to use in the toilet. Should be in the book though.

Bill,

What did you lube on the starter?

Brett

Same as engine raw water side. Close A/C thru hull. Remove hose from thru hull and put in bucket of coolant. Have someone outside to look at outlet from A/C (starboard side cockpit just above waterline). Turn on A/C until coolant comes out outlet, then OFF. Reattach hose. You are done. Brett

I would not use any petroleum-based grease on rubber parts-- it speeds their degradation.

Water works fine, a little soap in water works even better.

Ours stays plugged in 24/7. But, if you are on every weekend (with shore power on), that would be enough to keep the batteries charged. If you are not using shore power, safest is to disconnect from the outlet. A nearby lighting strike can follow neutral and ground wires as well as the hot wire. Jus...

Take a short punch or make one from a bolt of slightly smaller diameter than the threads of the ZN. I know you don't have much room in there, but use a small hammer to "wrap" on the bolt to knock it lose. Another option if you can get a small pair of needle nose pliers or small vice grips ...

Can you access it through the starboard end cap (will need gasket and O ring)? That would sure be the first thing I did. That way all you need to do is shut off the raw water intake, not drain the whole engine coolant system (fresh water side) which you would have to do if you pull the heat exchange...

Sorry, can't answer the engine temperature difference between 100% water and the proper 50/50 water and coolant. Coolant does a lot more than just lower the freeze point. I wouldn't be without the metal protection it offers. But, from a theoretical standpoint, as long as the engine's heat load was w...

Let us know what area of the country you are in. Perhaps one of us will have a boat you can spend some time on in your area-- much easier to see if it is something you can handle if you see how it is rigged. BTW, for any of us who have made offshore passages with two people, you are basically single...

Does anti-gel = "Store and Start" type products? Teri Tranquil OK, for storing diesel in cold climates: If you filled in the summer or fall, you got straight #2 diesel. It can gel in below freezing temperatures. Walmart, etc all carry Anti-gels for diesel. PS is a popular brand. If you bu...

Ralph,

Sure wouldn't hurt them (actually it would lower their freeze point and help with longevity) to go over a time or two with a portable generator to either power your on-board charger or a good high-amp portable battery charger.

Brett

Ralph,

You are very fortunate that the batteries still had a charge after that many months. All batteries self discharge, even with no load on them.

Any idea what the voltage was in the spring?

Duncan,

Might be a good time to pull the heat exchanger and use some acid to boil out the raw water side. Use new end plate gaskets.

Brett

Even good, fully charged batteries will self discharge over the winter. Do you have shore power where the boat will be-- if so use that to charge them up/or leave it plugged in with smart charger on. If not, consider either a solar panel or take over a small generator a couple of times to power eith...

First thing to do is determine what the "crud" is. Is it oil-- a sign of perhaps a head gasket problem? How old is the coolant? To flush, it is basically like any other coolant system. Drain, add water, open air bleeds, run engine to circulate. Repeat until the effluent is pretty clean. If...

Paul,

Just measured the thickness of hatch boards on our 2004 350: 15/16".

Probably started as 1". Suspect 3/4" plywood would work just fine.

Brett

Bill, Good idea. You might call Flexofold and ask them either for the name of someone or ask if they will contact them and ask that they contact you. And, the relevant questions are: What is your tach reading in neutral at WOT (for just an instant)? I put this one in here because there have been a n...

Jim, There is NO "right" answer to that one. YOU have to weigh out the extra performance of the fully battened main with its extra leach and better shape vs the extra work of stowing it. For offshore, I am a STRONG believer in KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). The more complex, the more chance...

Our 15X10 is over-proped. I would ask if they will allow you a one week "trial period" with the ability to change if it is not the correct prop. As has been posted, determining whether it is the correct prop is NOT difficult. With engine warmed up put the transmission in neutral. Just for ...