The day I picked up my new 2005 Catalina 350, the gauges had condensation inside. I was advised that this is a common occurrence. Anyone have a similar experience? Is there anything that can be done? It sure makes it difficult to read the gauges. In addition, during the test sail, the hatch cover kept sliding back and forth. Anyone have similar experience? Any ideas on how to keep hatch closed while sailing? I would like to avoid installing pins or flip locks.
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condensation
Bob, I too have some condensation. I have had the boat for 14 months and my dealer told me the same thing. In my case the condensation is fairly light and does not interfere much with my ability to see the gauges. Also I have noticed that as the day goes on it seems to diminish. Anyway, I could have made a bigger deal with it but I felt that there were some bigger issues to deal with so I let it go. My dealer has been great with those issues ( water in bilge from mast, refrigeration problems, etc.) Since this is my first time owning a new, large boat my initial expectations of perfection in all things has been tempered by a sense of reality, but overall I am extremely satisfied with both the manufacturing quality of the boat and with the response of my dealer, Winter's Sailing, to those issues where the factory did not have it quite right. Good luck and congratulations.
Bob, I too have some condensation. I have had the boat for 14 months and my dealer told me the same thing. In my case the condensation is fairly light and does not interfere much with my ability to see the gauges. Also I have noticed that as the day goes on it seems to diminish. Anyway, I could have made a bigger deal with it but I felt that there were some bigger issues to deal with so I let it go. My dealer has been great with those issues ( water in bilge from mast, refrigeration problems, etc.) Since this is my first time owning a new, large boat my initial expectations of perfection in all things has been tempered by a sense of reality, but overall I am extremely satisfied with both the manufacturing quality of the boat and with the response of my dealer, Winter's Sailing, to those issues where the factory did not have it quite right. Good luck and congratulations.
It's not the factory
it's the choice of gauges. Newer, and more expensive gauges don't condense. All the old ones do that, and the less expensive ones. Only way to clear 'em is to turn the lights on, which will heat them up and get rid of the condensation. Depending on how your boat is wired, you may have to run your running lights for a while. This is NOT a new situation, we've been dealing with this for years. Take a look at the West Marine 2004 catalog and you'll find more expensive gauges that don't condense. Stu
it's the choice of gauges. Newer, and more expensive gauges don't condense. All the old ones do that, and the less expensive ones. Only way to clear 'em is to turn the lights on, which will heat them up and get rid of the condensation. Depending on how your boat is wired, you may have to run your running lights for a while. This is NOT a new situation, we've been dealing with this for years. Take a look at the West Marine 2004 catalog and you'll find more expensive gauges that don't condense. Stu
condensation
I've read where others have had similar problems with condensation in the lenses. One solution mentioned is to drill a pin hole in bottom the lens. Seems like an inexpensive fix.
I've read where others have had similar problems with condensation in the lenses. One solution mentioned is to drill a pin hole in bottom the lens. Seems like an inexpensive fix.
Pinhole
will work except in salt water, which corrodes absolutely. The inside of the gauge is then subject to an incredible amount of unnecessary abuse. Good idea on lakes, but easier to maybe zap the outside with hairdryer. *5 Stu
will work except in salt water, which corrodes absolutely. The inside of the gauge is then subject to an incredible amount of unnecessary abuse. Good idea on lakes, but easier to maybe zap the outside with hairdryer. *5 Stu
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