Major repair above the waterline while in the water?

[emgersh]

I've got a Catalina 27 I just bought with a partner and we'd like to make a modification or, more correctly, return the boat to standard. A previous owner removed the inboard and cut space for an outboard in the transom. We'd like to close that hole and then mount the outboard on a removable mount.

My question is, can we do this while the boat is in the slip or do we have to haul it out, a much more expensive undertaking.

We're located in southern California so the weather isn't a big issue.

Thanks for any suggestions here.

Eric

 

[Cayennita]

The quality of the work is directly proportional to the availability of the work site. Talk to a local glass shop. The work can be done, no problem. Remember that the stern will be lower to the water while working on it. Any wake will damage the glass work.

 

[Ross]

Where are you going to stand while you are grinding the fiberglass on the outside? How do you feel about using 120 volt power tools while at constant risk of be wetted? Where will you lay your tools while you are working? How will you control resin spills into the water?

 

[Joe]

Why do you want to change it? All outboard model Catalina 27's came equipped that way. So, unless you're planning to go blue water sailing, or just want to use the space for something else, there isn't a huge reason for changing it. Look at my pictures. The biggest inconvenience is that I must remove the motor cowling to get it tilted up into the cavity. Notice, though that I have a Tohatsu remote control, electric start motor....... well worth it, the convenience of an inboard. I considered modifying the hole years ago after looking at some other owner's projects. Just never got around to it.... quite frankly.. I'm used to it now... I leave the motor down when sailing.... except for the few times we've raced... then we kick it up.

That said, it's an easy modification. You should be able to do it in the water.

I would use battery powerd tools, for safety. (or, at the very least have a GFCI breaker on the power tool circuit. I have a portable GFCI plug I keep around the boat for just that purpose)

I'll answer some of Ross' concerns: Since you're in SoCal you are probably at a floating dock marina. Position the boat, stern in, so the transom is right next to the dock. You can lay down side ways, on the dock, and reach the area at the bottom quite easily.

Needless to say, don't sit with your feet in the water... even though you have the GFCI breaker in the circuit.

For spills, you can also rig a small shelf "bib" at water level to catch anything... tape an edge to the boat and put some floatation under the shelf.

I suggest you go to the owner's site.... www.catalina27.org for lots of info on these great boats. There is a list of owner recommended upgrades and retrofits that you should study and compare with your boat to see what's been done or not... and take care of these issues right away. Spreader brackets, Chainplate retrofits, through hull upgrades... etc. These are more important than the outboard mount.

 

[Benny17441]

The way Catalina designed the mount has some good points, 1) the engine sits in the center of the boat which is good for balance and directly behind the rudder which will help low speed manuevering. 2) Electric wires, contols, and fuel line can be routed directly through the opening. 3) No need to hang over the transom to perform routine motor maintenance. I have one serious question about your proposed modification; where do you intend to hang the new engine bracket? The patched up section of transom may not be strong enough.

 

[BobM]

I suggest

...use air powered tools...unless you have a death wish. There is enough power in a cordless tool to really make your day. At least tie a lanyard to it so it can't possibly fall in. It is probably $200 for a short haul at a marina and it will likely save you days of labor...it is also probably illegal to do the job in the water in CA...everything else is!

 

[Calif. Ted]

Most yards in S. Calif. are going to charge $100 a day for space, it can add up fast while waiting for stuff to dry. Most places are going ro be difficult in water due to pollution control laws, it is illegal for ANYTHING to enter the water, even sawdust.
If it's not broken what are you fixing? I always advise new owners to sail the boat for awhile before commiting time and money to major projects. You are sure to find plenty of things that need correcting.

 

[emgersh]

Why do you want to change it? All outboard model Catalina 27's came equipped that way. So, unless you're planning to go blue water sailing, or just want to use the space for something else, there isn't a huge reason for changing it. Look at my pictures. The biggest inconvenience is that I must remove the motor cowling to get it tilted up into the cavity. Notice, though that I have a Tohatsu remote control, electric start motor....... well worth it, the convenience of an inboard. I considered modifying the hole years ago after looking at some other owner's projects. Just never got around to it.... quite frankly.. I'm used to it now... I leave the motor down when sailing.... except for the few times we've raced... then we kick it up.

That said, it's an easy modification. You should be able to do it in the water.

I would use battery powerd tools, for safety. (or, at the very least have a GFCI breaker on the power tool circuit. I have a portable GFCI plug I keep around the boat for just that purpose)

I'll answer some of Ross' concerns: Since you're in SoCal you are probably at a floating dock marina. Position the boat, stern in, so the transom is right next to the dock. You can lay down side ways, on the dock, and reach the area at the bottom quite easily.

Needless to say, don't sit with your feet in the water... even though you have the GFCI breaker in the circuit.

For spills, you can also rig a small shelf "bib" at water level to catch anything... tape an edge to the boat and put some floatation under the shelf.

I suggest you go to the owner's site.... www.catalina27.org for lots of info on these great boats. There is a list of owner recommended upgrades and retrofits that you should study and compare with your boat to see what's been done or not... and take care of these issues right away. Spreader brackets, Chainplate retrofits, through hull upgrades... etc. These are more important than the outboard mount.

Thanks to everyone for the great responses.

Quickly to motive. . . This is not the stock factory cutout. This was done by a previous owner and I'm not thrilled with it. Also, with the outboard up, we're measuring 28' 10" LOA and that puts us in a slip that costs about $900 more per year. That alone is somewhat compelling argument as it pays for itself in year one and keeps on paying. I understand the benefits of the engine placement but I hate the open hole in the transom and the fact that the motor blocks the rear cover from sitting properly. We'd probably have to cut some more away to seat the motor properly.

Clearly we'd use either battery powered or pneumatic tools due to the proximity to water. I had thought about the pollution issues but that might end up being the biggest problem.

And, yes, the haul out's one thing but the dry dock costs could mount and, if we do it ourselves, the project would probably take a couple weekends, easy.

As for the other, inevitable, costs of owning the boat. . . yeah, I'm with you. Luckily, we got the deal of the century. I won't even say what we paid for this boat. On Saturday, we went out with a licensed captain and marine surveyor for a day long "intro" to our boat. He spent quite a bit of time pointing things out. . . all of them positive. We felt even luckier than we did when we found the boat. We know we'll have stuff to replace but, with the exception of the cushions, most of it looks to be at least a year or two off.

Oh, and the best part. . . we had a great time. The boat sails like a dream!

Thanks again for the great feedback.

Eric

 

[emgersh]

Why do you want to change it? All outboard model Catalina 27's came equipped that way. So, unless you're planning to go blue water sailing, or just want to use the space for something else, there isn't a huge reason for changing it. Look at my pictures. The biggest inconvenience is that I must remove the motor cowling to get it tilted up into the cavity. Notice, though that I have a Tohatsu remote control, electric start motor....... well worth it, the convenience of an inboard. I considered modifying the hole years ago after looking at some other owner's projects. Just never got around to it.... quite frankly.. I'm used to it now... I leave the motor down when sailing.... except for the few times we've raced... then we kick it up.

That said, it's an easy modification. You should be able to do it in the water.

I would use battery powerd tools, for safety. (or, at the very least have a GFCI breaker on the power tool circuit. I have a portable GFCI plug I keep around the boat for just that purpose)

I'll answer some of Ross' concerns: Since you're in SoCal you are probably at a floating dock marina. Position the boat, stern in, so the transom is right next to the dock. You can lay down side ways, on the dock, and reach the area at the bottom quite easily.

Needless to say, don't sit with your feet in the water... even though you have the GFCI breaker in the circuit.

For spills, you can also rig a small shelf "bib" at water level to catch anything... tape an edge to the boat and put some floatation under the shelf.

I suggest you go to the owner's site.... www.catalina27.org for lots of info on these great boats. There is a list of owner recommended upgrades and retrofits that you should study and compare with your boat to see what's been done or not... and take care of these issues right away. Spreader brackets, Chainplate retrofits, through hull upgrades... etc. These are more important than the outboard mount.

Oh, and Joe, Any more info on the outboard upgrades you mentioned? Would those work with any outboard? We've got a 9.9hp Nissan.

And I did discover catalina27.org but thanks for the tip, it's a great reference.

Eric