I have a Cal 32 and want to replace the cabin floor. The old floor is about 1/8th inch veneer. It is missing some of the veener. It is original 1982. I want to go with 1/4 inch solid wood. Any good suggestions on what type of wood I can get away with putting down would be very helpful. I am new to the sailing world, but more than willing to learn everything I can. Thanks in advance. I also have a bad ignition switch. The motor will not shut off when I turn the key off. Suggestions for a replacement would be helpful. I am in Mexico for 6 months of the year so parts are probably hard to get.
Cabin floor replacement
- Thread starter Gordon Huwa
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Engine shut off
Gordon, I have a Cal 28-2 and while relatively new to sailing this boat (2 years) I was always told that the way to shut off the engine is to cut the fuel...not with the ignition key. If I'm incorrect, please, someone set me straight. Next to me instrument panel, I have a pull which shuts off the fuel... then when the engine stops, I push it back in. As far as the cabin sole, I'll defer to others. Good luck.
Gordon, I have a Cal 28-2 and while relatively new to sailing this boat (2 years) I was always told that the way to shut off the engine is to cut the fuel...not with the ignition key. If I'm incorrect, please, someone set me straight. Next to me instrument panel, I have a pull which shuts off the fuel... then when the engine stops, I push it back in. As far as the cabin sole, I'll defer to others. Good luck.
Teak & Holly
Gordon, A good local lumberyard can order you marine plywood with a teak and holly finish. You can get it as thin as 1/4" and as thick as ?, But pretty thick. Take up the old floor and keep it as a template, but don't trust it too far. Make a few trips back and forth to make sure the pieces fit. Make sure the sub floor is in good shape and use some penetrating epoxy if need be. Don't cut it cold. Let it get to temperature. Make sure to leave a little gap (a dime width) to allow for humidity expansion. Screw it down securely and use some adhesive. Be careful around bilge hatches etc. Just use care and common sense and remember - If it looks like you meant to do it a certain way, it will look good. The big deal is: Use a good finish and a lot of it. About 1000 coats should do. I did this a few years back and my cabin sole looks brand new even after engine repair etc. Don't let your hard work get marred up. I used something called Ultimate Sole and used twice the recommended coats. I've dropped wrenches and had two large dogs tracking sand across it for years now. Someone may disagree or find fault with my method, but it worked for me. maybe someone can add to or revise this, but have some confidence and start cutting. Good Luck!
Gordon, A good local lumberyard can order you marine plywood with a teak and holly finish. You can get it as thin as 1/4" and as thick as ?, But pretty thick. Take up the old floor and keep it as a template, but don't trust it too far. Make a few trips back and forth to make sure the pieces fit. Make sure the sub floor is in good shape and use some penetrating epoxy if need be. Don't cut it cold. Let it get to temperature. Make sure to leave a little gap (a dime width) to allow for humidity expansion. Screw it down securely and use some adhesive. Be careful around bilge hatches etc. Just use care and common sense and remember - If it looks like you meant to do it a certain way, it will look good. The big deal is: Use a good finish and a lot of it. About 1000 coats should do. I did this a few years back and my cabin sole looks brand new even after engine repair etc. Don't let your hard work get marred up. I used something called Ultimate Sole and used twice the recommended coats. I've dropped wrenches and had two large dogs tracking sand across it for years now. Someone may disagree or find fault with my method, but it worked for me. maybe someone can add to or revise this, but have some confidence and start cutting. Good Luck!
Adiesel engine does not have an ignition
switch. It has an electic accessories switch. You can by pass all of the control panel switches and jumper the starter directly and start the engine. The pull handle shuts off the fuel supply to the injectors. You can also shut off the engine at the engine by locating the lever that the cable pulls and actuating it with your hand. This is very handy when you are working on the engine and don't want to climb into the cockpit to stop the engine. If you are in Mexico then some local mahagany would be you best choice. There are also Teak plantations down there. Gordon, You don't say where you are in Mexico but there are excellant sources of very good wood for your purposes right there in Mexico. Ask around the local builders and they can direct you to good suppliers.
switch. It has an electic accessories switch. You can by pass all of the control panel switches and jumper the starter directly and start the engine. The pull handle shuts off the fuel supply to the injectors. You can also shut off the engine at the engine by locating the lever that the cable pulls and actuating it with your hand. This is very handy when you are working on the engine and don't want to climb into the cockpit to stop the engine. If you are in Mexico then some local mahagany would be you best choice. There are also Teak plantations down there. Gordon, You don't say where you are in Mexico but there are excellant sources of very good wood for your purposes right there in Mexico. Ask around the local builders and they can direct you to good suppliers.
diesel shut off
Gordon, gotta agree with Steph. My key turns the power on to my console and powers up my electric diesel pump. To kill my engine i have to open the side storage hatch and pull a cord that connects to the injector pump. Frank
Gordon, gotta agree with Steph. My key turns the power on to my console and powers up my electric diesel pump. To kill my engine i have to open the side storage hatch and pull a cord that connects to the injector pump. Frank
Careful shutting off your ignition switch!
Do you have the manual for the boat & engine? I'm not sure what engine you have and how your electrical system is wired but at least on my old Hunter, if you kill the "ignition" while the engine is running you can destroy your alternator/regulator (someone accidentally turned off the switch on my boat and my alternator has been intermittent since). I know this can also happen if you turn your battery switch to off while the engine is running. I'm not sure if your Cal's electrical system is configured that way, there are probably many different set-ups and the fine folks on this forum may provide more insight. As far as wood, I'm not much help. Maybe you could try some Ipe, it's nice stuff. Manny
Do you have the manual for the boat & engine? I'm not sure what engine you have and how your electrical system is wired but at least on my old Hunter, if you kill the "ignition" while the engine is running you can destroy your alternator/regulator (someone accidentally turned off the switch on my boat and my alternator has been intermittent since). I know this can also happen if you turn your battery switch to off while the engine is running. I'm not sure if your Cal's electrical system is configured that way, there are probably many different set-ups and the fine folks on this forum may provide more insight. As far as wood, I'm not much help. Maybe you could try some Ipe, it's nice stuff. Manny
Gas or Diesel ?
Only two ways to stop a diesel when running, shut off the fuel supply or air. Normal stop is acomplished with a fuel shut-off solenoid activated by the fuel shut off T-handle mentioned by others. On almost all diesels you may fry alternator diodes by turning off the key switch prior to stopping engine with the fuel shut-off. In either case your switch can probably be replaced by conventional switch but if it's a diesel it still won't stop when you turn the key off.
Only two ways to stop a diesel when running, shut off the fuel supply or air. Normal stop is acomplished with a fuel shut-off solenoid activated by the fuel shut off T-handle mentioned by others. On almost all diesels you may fry alternator diodes by turning off the key switch prior to stopping engine with the fuel shut-off. In either case your switch can probably be replaced by conventional switch but if it's a diesel it still won't stop when you turn the key off.
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