Hi have a new Catalina 309. The alternator was rubbing against the engine cover insulation to the point that the insulation was burning/grinding away. The dealer had their technician remove a square of the insulation immediately adjacent to the alternator and replace it with reflective aluminum tape. This has fixed the problem of the contact between the alternator and the insulation when the engine is on and the engine compartment is closed. However, now when I open and close the cover, the insualtion that was not removed, rubs against the alternator. I am concerned that this will lead to an eventual tear in the insulation and I want Catalina Yachts to move the cover sufficently to eliminate this problem. The dealer has said that this is a common problem with Catalinas, and I should live with the problem. Have any of you experienced this type of problem? Any suggestions on a fix?
Catalina 309 Alternator rubbing on Engine Cover
- Thread starter forbestx
- Start date
- Status
WOW!!!!
I saw the new 309 at the Atlanta boatshow recently and it was quite a change over from my '88 Catalina 30 Mark II. The sales rep was really singing the praises of this great replacement for the 30 model. With that I am really surprised to hear of this problem. I am aware that the engine is mounted aft under the companionway ladder and certainly must be a tight fit, but your right in implying you may have a hazard. Is the front of the alternator hitting the insulation? You did not specify what part is hitting where. That would provide a better picture of whats going on. Its a new boat, under warranty and Catalina should fix the problem. It will be interesting to learn just how the problem was eliminated so that you your engine compartment does stay insulated and therefore quieter. "Live with the problem"! I do not think I would opt for reflective tape. There is however, thin sound absorbing panels on the market that may be a good replacement. Sounds to me that they placed a large engine in a small compartment. Good luck on this one. Bob 30 footer Breezin II
I saw the new 309 at the Atlanta boatshow recently and it was quite a change over from my '88 Catalina 30 Mark II. The sales rep was really singing the praises of this great replacement for the 30 model. With that I am really surprised to hear of this problem. I am aware that the engine is mounted aft under the companionway ladder and certainly must be a tight fit, but your right in implying you may have a hazard. Is the front of the alternator hitting the insulation? You did not specify what part is hitting where. That would provide a better picture of whats going on. Its a new boat, under warranty and Catalina should fix the problem. It will be interesting to learn just how the problem was eliminated so that you your engine compartment does stay insulated and therefore quieter. "Live with the problem"! I do not think I would opt for reflective tape. There is however, thin sound absorbing panels on the market that may be a good replacement. Sounds to me that they placed a large engine in a small compartment. Good luck on this one. Bob 30 footer Breezin II
Rubbing Insulation
I have the same thing on my C320, in fact the pulley just touches the engine cover. I just trim the insulation away from the pulley...no big deal.
I have the same thing on my C320, in fact the pulley just touches the engine cover. I just trim the insulation away from the pulley...no big deal.
There is a delicate balance between
doing or having work done under warranty and DIY. If what you are describing is a simple little amount of trimming of insulation, it would appear not unreasonable to simply do it yourself. OTOH, if you feel it's a manufacturing issue and that others with new C309s could benefit from a correction, insist on your dealer doing the work and advising the factory. In addition, you are most likely signed up as a C30/C309 Association member for your first year of ownership. That Association has lots of members and could be of assistance. Go to their website and join their message board and/or email list. This website is but the first stop in getting your message out. Also, if you are unpleased with service, write Gerry Douglas or Frank Butler at Catalina Yachts. You have many, many recourses available to you.
doing or having work done under warranty and DIY. If what you are describing is a simple little amount of trimming of insulation, it would appear not unreasonable to simply do it yourself. OTOH, if you feel it's a manufacturing issue and that others with new C309s could benefit from a correction, insist on your dealer doing the work and advising the factory. In addition, you are most likely signed up as a C30/C309 Association member for your first year of ownership. That Association has lots of members and could be of assistance. Go to their website and join their message board and/or email list. This website is but the first stop in getting your message out. Also, if you are unpleased with service, write Gerry Douglas or Frank Butler at Catalina Yachts. You have many, many recourses available to you.
On my 310..
I have the same engine cover and I think, but not sure, the same engine M25 XPB-C. It is simply a re-alignment of the engine cover. It's a very tight fit on the alt side of the engine so if the cover is slightly off set to one side it may rub. Mine does not rub but it is a close fit..
I have the same engine cover and I think, but not sure, the same engine M25 XPB-C. It is simply a re-alignment of the engine cover. It's a very tight fit on the alt side of the engine so if the cover is slightly off set to one side it may rub. Mine does not rub but it is a close fit..
How do you like your 309?
How do you like your 309? I currently have a Catalina 22 and I am considering stepping up to 30-33 foot coastal cruiser to keep in San Diego as my weekend get away/day sailor. I plan to spend as many weekends as possible living on the boat with primairly my wife and on occasion my two teenage kids. I am looking for a boat that I can single hand with safety and ease. To get my wife (first mate) to enjoy my passion, I need to involve her as little as possible in the sailing operation and provide as much comfort below deck wile at anchor or at the slip. Thanks, Pete
How do you like your 309? I currently have a Catalina 22 and I am considering stepping up to 30-33 foot coastal cruiser to keep in San Diego as my weekend get away/day sailor. I plan to spend as many weekends as possible living on the boat with primairly my wife and on occasion my two teenage kids. I am looking for a boat that I can single hand with safety and ease. To get my wife (first mate) to enjoy my passion, I need to involve her as little as possible in the sailing operation and provide as much comfort below deck wile at anchor or at the slip. Thanks, Pete
You Got It Backwards...
P wrote: " To get my wife (first mate) to enjoy my passion, I need to involve her as little as possible in the sailing operation..." You go down below and make the meals and do the dish washing. She'll enjoy sailing a lot MORE if you DO get her involved, in things like steering, anchoring, and sailing. Good luck with your concept.
P wrote: " To get my wife (first mate) to enjoy my passion, I need to involve her as little as possible in the sailing operation..." You go down below and make the meals and do the dish washing. She'll enjoy sailing a lot MORE if you DO get her involved, in things like steering, anchoring, and sailing. Good luck with your concept.
Tell the Dealer to drop dead..
I went and looked at the new Catalina 309 just this last weekend in Kemah..have the sales brochure in front of me as I write this..raise the enginge cover and did not notice it rub anywhere..and yes,I did look.The boat equipt the way I want it is sailaway at $117,000.00. For that kinda money I expect the Dealer and/or Catalina to fix problems if/when they occur.I'm not excessive in this,I just expect the boat to be right.If I want aboat to work on-I'll buy used.The way the Dealer fixxed your problem is not the correct fix,it was a quick fix that got you out of his haiir.Believe this: when you gho to sell this boat and the Serveyor comes in and finds this "issue" he will recomend it be fixxed before the new Buyer makes thye purchase..and/or will have the deficientcy give the new Buyer a bargaining chip to take off money from your asking price.Lastly,how fire retardant is this material?? will the friction from rubbing the pulley possibly ignite it? Food for thought..personally,I'd be on the phone to Catalina complaining..right now.
I went and looked at the new Catalina 309 just this last weekend in Kemah..have the sales brochure in front of me as I write this..raise the enginge cover and did not notice it rub anywhere..and yes,I did look.The boat equipt the way I want it is sailaway at $117,000.00. For that kinda money I expect the Dealer and/or Catalina to fix problems if/when they occur.I'm not excessive in this,I just expect the boat to be right.If I want aboat to work on-I'll buy used.The way the Dealer fixxed your problem is not the correct fix,it was a quick fix that got you out of his haiir.Believe this: when you gho to sell this boat and the Serveyor comes in and finds this "issue" he will recomend it be fixxed before the new Buyer makes thye purchase..and/or will have the deficientcy give the new Buyer a bargaining chip to take off money from your asking price.Lastly,how fire retardant is this material?? will the friction from rubbing the pulley possibly ignite it? Food for thought..personally,I'd be on the phone to Catalina complaining..right now.
Close fit
My alternator pulley is very close to the engine cover insulation on my boat, and has left a slice in the insulation (mostly because I opened and closed the cover with the engine running). And I guess it will rub if I don't close the cover carefully. But then, I was the one who installed both the insulation and an upgraded alternator on my boat so I can't blame Catalina or the dealer. Bottom line for me is that it is no big deal, so I didn't even bother trimming any of the insulation. If I had a new Catalina, I'd be more concerned with finding all the gelcoat voids
My alternator pulley is very close to the engine cover insulation on my boat, and has left a slice in the insulation (mostly because I opened and closed the cover with the engine running). And I guess it will rub if I don't close the cover carefully. But then, I was the one who installed both the insulation and an upgraded alternator on my boat so I can't blame Catalina or the dealer. Bottom line for me is that it is no big deal, so I didn't even bother trimming any of the insulation. If I had a new Catalina, I'd be more concerned with finding all the gelcoat voids
- Status