Help for a new 27' owner

[Bernie]

Dear Fellow 27' owners, Hi, I just upgrade from 22 to a 27 and I was wondering if anyone can provide me with a quick checklist for get the boat underway? For instance, first open valve on engine, turn blower on, etc...Moving up to the 27 is a little overwhelming and any help would be most helpful. thanksBernie

 

[Big Windy]

C27

Try the C 27 forum: www.catalina27.org

 

[David H]

Congratulations on the upgrade.

Congratulations on the upgrade.I did the same thing 2 years ago. And find that the 27 is less trouble to get under way than the 22 after all no crawling under the dinette to lock down the keel. She is a bit heavier so keep that in mind when you come back to your moorage and slow down a bit sooner, as long as she has forward momentum she will steer. Backing up is an issue that has been discussed here. You will be surprised how far she will move with one good push from the dock. A few times out and you will see what I mean.  I have an inboard diesel so it’s really a matter of getting the beer on board and in the fridge, tiller cover off, mainsail cover off, shore power disconnected, start engine, cast off dock lines and go.Of course this is assuming you have all of the required safety equipment for a 27’ boat.Now if you’re talking for a weekend or more, well that’s another matter…Not in any order: Fill diesel tank, fill water tanks, pump holding tank, check fuel for heater and stove, store food stuffs, store clothes, cameras etc, put dingy in the water, crab pots in dingy, double check that you didn’t leave anything you need in the truck or sitting on the dock, then do above.

 

[Randy]

Quick checklist

Bernie--Here is a quick checklist of the procedure I use when I start my boat. I have a 1984 Catalina 27, with a Universal Diesel.Battery switch to both.Open seawater intake in engine compartment.Check engine oil level.Check alternator belt tension (just a quick check by hand).Visual check of fuel in Racor fuel filter.Visual check of coolant level in reservoir.Ignition key to "run".Blower on for 30 seconds.Check that gear shift is in neutral.Blower off.Press & hold glow plug switch for 15-30 seconds depending upon ambient temp.Release glow plug.Engage starter.Once engine fires, check over stern for seawater flow out of exhaust.Blip throttle to engage alternator.That procedure works for me & my boat. You may have to add or subtract steps for yours. What ever procedure you use, make it just that, a procedure, that you follow religiously every time. It soon becomes second nature.I follow similar procedures for setting sails, preparing to dock, and shutting down/putting the boat to bed. Those habits are so ingrained that they are easy to follow.One other idea: when I moved up to the C27 (from a 17 footer) I spent lots of time tracing the boat's systems. Trace the water lines, electrical lines. Examine the fuel system from tank to injection pump. Follow the exhaust from engine to through-hull.If you do that with each seperate system, soon you have a real good understanding of how the boat is put together and how it works.It also allowed me to become familiar with the boat so that in case of an emergency, I don't have to spend valuable time "learning" on the fly. For example, I know where every through hull is located on the boat so that the seacocks can be shut off immediately if a hose ruptures. Stuff like that.Good luck with your new boat. Before long you know it like the back of your hand. Happy sailing.Randy

 

[bernie]

Thanks

Thanks Randy, This is exactly what I was thinking of! I really appreciate your input!