bringing back an abused 30

[Chris Callaghan]

last week I bought a very abused 1985 Cat 30. The diesel has been pulled and is in the shop for re-build as the previous owner left the head thru hull open and semi sunk it. I have lots of questions about the systems, but will try to narrow it down. The thru hull right below the macerater is connected to the macerater, does this mean that the head holding tank will be emptied into the lake? Not desireable. There is no y fitting so I guess just keeping the thru hull closed is kosher. Is anyone else's set up this way? 2-- The refrig. batt. lines go to the third battery under the quarter berth, I thought that would be the battery to keep for engine only starting. ideas? 3-- The stove (propane) has a switch dedicated to it on the control panel. Why? By the way, I had totally rotten sheaves on my main traveler blocks, but instead of buying a whole new set of blocks, I ordered new sheaves from West Marine, who found them from Sheaffer.A lot cheaper fix if you drill out the old pin and replace it with a ss bolt. Also did that to the turning and cheek blocks. Any input would be appreciated, and will let you know about the progress as time goes by. Thanks

 

[Chuck Graser]

Abused C-30 Questions

Chris, the previous owner of your C-30 should have used a checklist and made sure that no thruhulls were left open when he left the boat.If your boat is on Lake Mead or about anywhere else, it is not legal to use the macerator thruhull, so just leave it closed and go to a pumpout dock to empty holding tank.You may need a separate battery to use your refrigerator when the engine isn't running, but we have only the standard dual batteries in our C-30, and we havn't needed a separate starting battery in more than 10 years. We do carry a Powerpack emergency battery, just in case.The propane switch on the electrical panel is critical. When you are cruising, you can leave your manual propane tank valve on, and just use the panel switch to open the electrical valve when you are cooking. The red light is to remind you to turn off the propane switch when you are through with the stove. This is an important safety system to keep propane from leaking with the chance your boat could blow up.Have fun playing with your boat!Chuck C-30 Columbine #5153

 

[sail30 ri]

propane stove

Chris, The switch at the panel for the stove is probally for a 12 volt valve that shuts off the gas to the stove when it is not in use.Good luck with your new boat, Jim

 

[Ron]

Abused 30

We just bought an 81 Cat that requires alot of TLC also. Our 'new' boat was not submerged, but we have lots of weathered wood both inside and out. The previous owner used clear plastic hatch boards that were ill fitting that allowed rain to drip into the cabin onto the wood plate that the ladder is secured to. All the wood in this area is heavly water stained as are other parts of the interior wood. So far we have removed all the teak we can and have refinished it in our garage. After sanding several pieces to bring them back to their original condition, I tried a product called 'Teak Cleaner' (go figer) by Star Britte. You squirt some on, spread it out with a stiff brush, let it work for about 3 minutes then scrub the piece in the direction of the grain. Rinse off with water to stop the chemical action and presto, brand new looking. I'm very plesaed with the outcome and only wished I had tried this product earlier. It was very easy to use and will not damage fiberglass or gel-coat, (I left some on a sample piece for several minutes to test and found no damage at all).Hope this helps, good luck with your new boat.Ron.

 

[Dave]

Boat US Teak Oil

Something that might help: Last year I noticed that Boat US brand teak oil seems to match the teak oil used by the factory on my 1983 Catalina 30 perfectly... But use only 1-2 coats, after that it becomes glossy.