Catalina 350 International Association

We replaced our head with a Raritan Marine Elegance head. The head uses fresh water which is fed from a “T” installed on the cold water feed to the bathroom sink. It is controlled by a microprocessor. The head is quieter than the Raritan Sea Era & all the hoses except the water inlet and dischar...

Hi Brett- added a "T" to the engine cooling hose stern connection on the hot water heater(HWH) I replaced the HWH with an ISOTEMP HWH but the connection location to the engine coolant hose would have been about the same as with the original HWH. Then connected a 3/8" hose to a commerc...

We added an engine coolant expansion tank to eliminate the possibility of an air lock in the hot water heater and the engine. “Eye Balling” the elevation of the hot water heater to the top of the engine radiator cap It appeared the hot water heater may be slightly higher,which could create air block...

Our manual bilge pump, a Whale Gusher 10 Mark 3, has internal corrosion and needs to be replaced. Does anyone know of a suitable replacement that will fit in the same area, be less expensive and last longer? Thank you
John & Marilyn Ferguson
Interlude (#316)

The Universal Diesel Operators Manual on page33 states “If any portion of the heating circuit rises above the engine closed cooling system pressure cap, then a pressurized (aluminum) remote expansion tank (Kit # 024177) must be installed in the circuit to become the highest point”. I think our hot w...

We are considering adding solar power to our 2005 350. Since the boat is covered does anyone have the approximate area available behind the backstay’s on a standard Bimini. Has anyone mounted larger than 100 Watt flexible panels? Thank you John & Marilyn Ferguson “Interlude”

I think the problem may be that your pump becomes air bound. The check valve,which is close to the pump discharge, does not allow air to escape from the pump even though the bilge water level is increasing. This air lock blocks water from entering the pump. The solution is put a vent hole in the dis...

The previous owner upgraded our 2005 with an Balmar 712 (80 amp) alternator with AR5 external regulator. I am in the process of replacing the alternator adjusting strap as unable to install a 39.5"belt(original size) and a 40" belt cannot be adequately tightened to prevent dusting. John &a...

Thanks Brett- were you required to change the alternator? Have you done any other changes to accommodate the AGM batteries? How have they lasted? Thank you

John Ferguson
Inderlude 316

We have been considering adding a vent to the battery compartment as the batteries generate some hydrogen gas when charging. Hydrogen gas above 4 percent concentration is considered an explosive mixture. I have not heard of any problems due to hydrogen generation and a literature search indicates hy...

We have been very happy with a 8' Porta-Bote as our dingy.  We like having a dingy but did not want to tow it or have davits blocking our access to the stern. We do not use it too often  but when we want it it is available. In its folded state it looks like a surfboard and stows neatly along the lif...

When replacing the unit did you have difficulty removing the gaskets? Did you place the gaskets dry or put a sealant on the gaskets. What length sending unit did you use? Thank you. John

Has anyone ever put cabinet doors on the space where a microwave would normally go? We don't need a microwave and thought it may make a good area for additional food storage. Thanks!

Thank you for all the helpful advice!

Thanks for your input!

Does anyone know a good place to get cockpit cushions for my 350 in CT? If you have cushions, do you use just port and starboard or all seating areas? Thanks.

We recently purchased a 350 and wondering if queen size sheets could work and also a queen size quilt if it is tucked in, for both cabins? If not, any suggestions?