Aqua Lift Muffler

[Steve Viviano]

Has anyone ever replaced the aqua lift muffler with a non-Catalina one? The original fiberglass one in my 1983 C-30 is cracked at the bottom and at the inlet pipe and dumps quite a bit of water in the bilge. Rather than try to patch it, I figure I'd replace it. Centek Industries (Vernalift) and Marine Muffler Corp (Naqualift) both make mufflers that will fit (height and hose diameter) and are half the cost of a Catalina replacement. The only problem I see with these are that they hold about half the volume that the stock muffler holds. Should I be worried about water backing up into the engine on shutdown or while cranking?

 

[A. J. Byllott]

Leaking Aqua Lift muffler

A visit to your local marine supply store can save you money and get your problem fixed faster and easier than replacing your muffler.There are enough epoxy products available that you'll find the right one quickly. The key to repairing fiberglas is to spend sufficient time cleaning and roughing the surface so that the patching material can form a good bond.I have a '78 C30. As long as I could reach a muffler leak, I'd patch it in place. It looks like too much effort to wrestle the old muffler out and and struggle to get a new one in. But if I did take the old one out, I'd most likely patch it and put it back.The muffler is basically a fiberglas cylinder with a top, bottom, and interior baffle. There's no buildup of pressure and the material is impervious to salt water.Risk the repair first. If you're not satisfied with the result, then go to Catalina for the replacement. You'll be good for another 20 years.

 

[Wyndjamr]

Muffler replacement

We replaced our stock muffler on our 1982 C-30TB three seasons ago with a Vetus WaterLock muffler (West Marine - $50.00 /-). It works just fine. A touch louder if you are at the stern.Your steel "header" pipe should also be replaced. Ours cracked at a threaded elbow and started a small fire on the underside of the galley cabinet. I have also installed a heat shield above this elbow to prevent a future situation. Catalina gets no points for that design!Good Luck!

 

[Allen]

Vernalift works very well

I just replaced mine with the vernalift for my C-30. I went with the one that has the inlet on an angle and the exhaust straight up through the top. I was very impressed with the warranty and the quality of construction. With my Yanmar 2GM20F engine there is almost no noise out of the exhaust. I highly recommend their products.Allens/v Drambuie, hull 630

 

[Larry Watkins]

Muffler

Steve; My advice would be to fix the one you have. You know it works, it's the correct set-up for your boat, etc. A little cloth and resin, or Marine-Tex, and your back in business.