Bought a project, need some advice

[Van Almen]

First off, I just wanted to say how happy I am, to have found this forum. I have learned SO MUCH from it! Especially from Peggie, THANKS!

Now a couple questions I haven't found answers to, by searching the forum.

I bought a 1978 27' Catalina. My first sail boat, something to learn on. I also wanted a project so I could become intimate with all of its systems. First, the fresh water system. Shore water hook up works no prob, foot pump connected to the water tank is leaking badly, when used. Someone has already cut an access hatch to reach it, but how on Earth can I replace it?? I spent an hour today just trying to remove one screw! Not easy when only one hand fits, on top of doing it blind?

My second issue is the head. It works if I fill it up with some water and set to dry, however, when set to wet I get nothing. I found what I believe to be the feed to that water tank here:

The hose going up can replace the drain hose on the bottom of the sink. Which I did, the second hose goes no where? But the is a valve in between the two which I closed. I ran the water in the sink, the hose quickly filled up and then started to fill the sink. I assumed the vertical valve with the circular handle was closed. It was extremly hard to turn but with just my hand I did get it to turn counter clockwise. BUT, it didn't do anything and never stopped turning, now in both directions the handle just spins. I now assume the valve is toast and ceased shut. How can that be replaced? The valve is heavily corroded and appears to be screwed into a fiberglass connection? Additionally, I'm at a total lose when looking at this picture:

Is the valve with the wire coming out, at the bottom of the image, the one used to empty the tank? (I'm very hesitant to pull something that looks like a plug on the bottom of the sail boat ) If so, I assume I need a manual pump (or electronic) and hose to empty? I've also read on these forums about proper ventilation for grey water tanks, I see none??

My third and final question is regarding the keel bolts. RUSTY, and there's water in there:

I plan on having it hauled out and the bottom repainted, while it's out, I assume this should be taken care of at that time? What's entailed with that project? Any advice?

Thanks again for your help and a great forum!

Andrew

ps. ohh yeah, the fridge has 4 to 5 inch think solid block of ice on the cooler, should I melt that off? Or does that block actually work for me while not connected to shore power?

 

[biggio]

Congratulations this link should help you if you don't have the 27 manual or parts list.
http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/c27manuals.htm
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=8

Your head is not hooked up to a water tank.

 

[Tim C350 April IV]

In your third picture, the "valve with the wire coming out, at the bottom of the image" is your speed sensor. The wires should lead back somewhere to a readout in the cockpit. The speed sensor (it's a little paddlewheel) is removable, usually there is a plug around somewhere to stop the inflow of water when you remove the sensor.

Those valves that have the round handles on them and that are all corroded, those replacement of those needs to be one of the top items on your "to do list" - they are called gate valves, and can fail, or break off, and you can easily sink your boat.

The head is commonly pumped out (via a shore pump) attached to a fitting on the deck somewhere, or on my 1986 C27, is was in the anchor well.

Good Luck!
Tim Brogan
April IV C350 #68
Seattle

 

[Van Almen]

they are called gate valves, and can fail, or break off, and you can easily sink your boat.

Thanks!

The head is commonly pumped out (via a shore pump) attached to a fitting on the deck somewhere, or on my 1986 C27, is was in the anchor well.

That is the one place I did not look for connection at. Thanks again!

 

[Van Almen]

Congratulations this link should help you if you don't have the 27 manual or parts list.
http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/c27manuals.htm
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=8

Your head is not hooked up to a water tank.

Thanks for the links. When you say "not hooked up", so it's normal to switch to the "wet bowl" setting with no results? Where does the plumbing go?

 

[Dean5735]

Pull it out of the water and take out all and I mean ALL of that old crap!!!! You said you wanted to get to know her and have a project, see, careful what you wish for !!!!!

 

[biggio]

Thanks for the links. When you say "not hooked up", so it's normal to switch to the "wet bowl" setting with no results? Where does the plumbing go?

You have to open a thru hull valve. It will alll sea water into you bowl.
Becareful doing this. The valve on my 86/ 27 is underneath the v berth to the starboard side so is my holding tank.
Use this as a guide
http://www.catalina27.org/images/C27PC-42-57.pdf
This is from the link I posted above "BIG PDF Pages 42-55 pages 4 of 15 and 5of15.
You can sink your boat via the toliet so it is best to leave the valve close until your comfortable with the plumbing.
I have a pan that I use to flush with. I fill the bowl with fresh water using the pan and pump it to the holding tank. You might want to gets some marine bowl freshner also.

 

[dsavlin]

I bought a 1978 27' Catalina. My first sail boat, something to learn on.

First off, welcome to the club!

Shore water hook up works no prob, foot pump connected to the water tank is leaking badly, when used. Someone has already cut an access hatch to reach it, but how on Earth can I replace it??

I have found that one must often be creative in removing fixtures and whole panels to gain access to things, and even then sometimes you end up standing on your head. It's pretty uncomfortable all right. Sometimes things were installed before bulkheads were glassed in, which is of course a very unservicable way of constructing a boat. Good luck on this one.

My main point: That rusty gate valve and corroded fitting scares me to death. Take a look at http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects for some good info about seacocks, gate valves, and other goodies. Look at the one where the gate valve is totally destroyed because it was meant for a house and not a boat. Gate valves on through-hulls is scary! There's a reason we have to use stainless steel all over the boat, it won't rust and break, possibly sinking us.

Is the valve with the wire coming out, at the bottom of the image, the one used to empty the tank?

That'll be one of the transducers (sensors) for depth or speed. It feeds your instruments. You can remove them, and you can hold back the water by putting the palm of your hand over it. Beware though, old O-rings like to break when that happens.

My third and final question is regarding the keel bolts. RUSTY, and there's water in there:

I recently heard of something called the Catalina Smile. Somehow it involves wood between the hull and the keel, and water getting in there to rot the wood resulting in cracks (visible when the boat is hauled) fore and aft where the keel joins up to the hull. I wonder if that's an indication.

My keel bolts are not rusty at all, and we pretty much always have a little water in our bilge. a) the bilge pump can't get it below a certain point, and b) our stuffing gland drips as it should, so... I dunno how to advise you on that front.

ps. ohh yeah, the fridge has 4 to 5 inch think solid block of ice on the cooler, should I melt that off? Or does that block actually work for me while not connected to shore power?

That will definitely work to your advantage when you're saving power. Wish I had a refrigerated icebox Might not hurt to make sure the drain is clear so water doesn't pool up in the bottom.

 

[John]

As to your first question - removing that screw: Can you get a cordless drill in there? Often, if you have an impact-type cordless drill it will remove screws much more easily than a hand-held screw driver.