New purchase and new sailor

[jtuner119]

i thought about attempting to the job my self. but i would prefer to leave that type if work to someone that knows what they are doing. i can take it apart and put it back together. ive been shopping and comparing machine shops and so far i've managed to find 2 shops that will do the labor for $250. i think i can find or talk my way under $200. just need to do more searching.

 

[just lucky]

well, try a mechanic before you hire a machinist.

 

[jtuner119]

well, try a mechanic before you hire a machinist.

I am going to an automotive machine shop if that's what you mean.

 

[Capt jgw]

Reiterating what kloidie1 said. The ONLY engine part you can't get from the tractor shop is the exhaust manifold. Everything else is pure tractor. For example, I needed injectors for my 5411, $401 EACH at the Universal dealer, $71 at the local Kubota shop. I ended getting a pair on Ebay for $40 each.
My engine sat half disassembled and uncovered in a barn for nobody knows how many years. When I found I roll it over about 1/4 turn by hand on the crank pulley, I knew it could be saved and took it home. All it needed was rebuilding the injector pump ($200), the injectors, and hoses ($100). It now runs like a champ. Don't get discouraged, off you can turn it over at all it most likely can be saved.

 

[jtuner119]

Reiterating what kloidie1 said. The ONLY engine part you can't get from the tractor shop is the exhaust manifold. Everything else is pure tractor. For example, I needed injectors for my 5411, $401 EACH at the Universal dealer, $71 at the local Kubota shop. I ended getting a pair on Ebay for $40 each. My engine sat half disassembled and uncovered in a barn for nobody knows how many years. When I found I roll it over about 1/4 turn by hand on the crank pulley, I knew it could be saved and took it home. All it needed was rebuilding the injector pump ($200), the injectors, and hoses ($100). It now runs like a champ. Don't get discouraged, off you can turn it over at all it most likely can be saved.

thanks for the encouragement. it is much appreciated. i have been looking at tractor parts but the parts were never really the problem. i can do most of all the work my self and i am learning about boat repairs as i go. there are just some things that i need and would really prefer a professional to do. i am not discouraged. not one bit. ive waited 3 years to get a sailboat of my own. i have one now and the excitement of getting her back in the water just makes me anxious. so i keep working on her and wait til spring.

 

[jtuner119]

as the holidays arrive so does a halt on my funds. somehow boat expenses did not make it into the christmas shopping list. there are in-laws, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, relative and relatives and relatives... good thing for me that the boat cant be in any worse condition than when i got her. she still leaks but im keeping up with draining the bilge every time it rains. once a week im at the boat just to make sure that shes still there. lol. i just want to sail.

 

[jtuner119]

So I went to check on my boat today for water in the bilge and to see if any of the windows I've recently re bedded are leaking. One of the opening ports on starboard side has a drop. Then I notice the problem. I'm almost embarrassed to say but I'm certain that I'm not the first. I installed the window upside down. So water was collecting outside the opening port instead of draining down. The worst part about it, I didn't bring any of my tools for me to fix it. Ungh!? It's only about 30-40 min drive back home. Argh!? It's just one of those days.

 

[Bob S]

I admire your tenacity. i've been following your post. Don't give up you'll look back when your done and appreciate everything you've learned on this journey. I am lucky my boat is stored where I work and I have a lot of tools at my disposal. Even so, there is nothing more frustrating than not having a tool you need when you need it. For me it's usually just a trip up and down the ladder. I can't tell you how many times I put down a screw driver or an allen wrench and go to use it again and loose it in the pile of tools in the cabin :cussing:

Wish you lots of perseverance and happy holidays!

 

[jtuner119]

I admire your tenacity. i've been following your post. Don't give up you'll look back when your done and appreciate everything you've learned on this journey. I am lucky my boat is stored where I work and I have a lot of tools at my disposal. Even so, there is nothing more frustrating than not having a tool you need when you need it. For me it's usually just a trip up and down the ladder. I can't tell you how many times I put down a screw driver or an allen wrench and go to use it again and loose it in the pile of tools in the cabin :cussing: Wish you lots of perseverance and happy holidays!

thanks.

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

me, too on loose tools in the pile right in front of me. Also note that any tool dropped on the deck will find its way to the water, saith Murphy!

 

[jtuner119]

No new updates on my progress. I've managed to re bed the port that was upside down. Lol. It no longer holds water. I've been removing the decal of the old name on starboard side. I ordered the smart eraser from Amazon and it makes it so easy. Now if I can just remember to charge the batteries for my drill, I can get all the letters off. I've noticed my row fill up quickly with other boats. Hundreds of them must have been hauled out and it seems like I barely noticed it. Every week I come back, another row has been filled. All these boats coming out of the water and I'm working on getting my boat back in. No need to rush now. She's been in the same spot for almost 3 years now. I keep telling her that one more winter and we'll be on the water. She is no longer neglected. But every time it rains, I automatically schedule a time to make it out to the boat so I can make sure the bilge stays dry. I'm dreading any kind of snow or precipitation. I have anxiety whenever the temp drops below freezing. I feel like I left my dog out in the rain. When is March coming?

 

[jtuner119]

heres the port that i had to do twice because i installed it upside down the first time. also a pic of her with her old name almost gone. i left whats left of the "R" on there because it looks like a J.

 

[jtuner119]

I've been meaning to post these pics up. That little pimple on the side of my hull, I believe, is that screw from the inside of the cabin under the sink in the head. It doesn't appear to be cracking at all and no penetration. Come spring time I might try to relocate that screw and smooth that pimple out.

 

[jtuner119]

whoa. i was checking on the boat after the holidays and found a kubota parts and services on my way home. i ordered most of the parts for my engine at an insanely much cheaper price than i originally anticipated. should be expecting them at the end of the week. the project moves on.

 

[brianhess]

Ahhhh, I think so mate. In the late 70's to early 80's when Universal began making their early model diesel engines as the Atomic 4 was being phased out, they commonly badged & referred to their diesel engines as: Universal Atomic Diesel. This was because "Atomic" was famously associated with their company & had a bullet proof reputation for reliability.

Unfortunately, as all things in the universe grow older, Atomic engines are now boat anchors. . . that's why I have a Yanmar. . . . . . .

 

[Nahart51]

My Atomic 4 is running just fine. I use my anchor...for the anchor.

 

[jtuner119]

My Atomic 4 is running just fine. I use my anchor...for the anchor.

lol. I think calling my engine an atomic would actually be incorrect. It is a kubota engine block after all. And it would be a Universal before it would be atomic. I find it amusing that "sailors" are arguing about the engine of a "sailboat". I just want to sail.

 

[jrowan]

I stand behind what I wrote a while back. The engine is badged a "Universal Atomic Diesel" when the 5411 was built. This is because Universal were riding their reputation for the original gas engine Atomic straight 4 cylinder engines that they were famous for building a venerable, but dated engine design. It is a Kobuta block only. Universal marinized the tractor block by installing an impeller housing, & on later models a heat exchanger. They installed an alternator, Hurth transmission, fuel injection, filters, linkage, etc. so I think they have a right to call it a Universal. If you go to Kobuta & ask them for parts for a 5411 they won't know what the hell you're talking about. Its a Z400 Kobuta block. Their parts are a lot cheaper, as Westerbeke now owns Universal & charges an arm & a leg for the parts. Many engine companies source out parts as it just makes sense. When they stopped building VW Beetles in Germany they still made them in Mexico, & it's still called a Volkswagen. Even when Frank Butler built his first boat, its design was from another manufacture, called a Coronado. No one disputes that the C-22 is indeed a Catalina, because he said it was.

 

[jtuner119]

I stand behind what I wrote a while back. The engine is badged a "Universal Atomic Diesel" when the 5411 was built. This is because Universal were riding their reputation for the original gas engine Atomic straight 4 cylinder engines that they were famous for building a venerable, but dated engine design. It is a Kobuta block only. Universal marinized the tractor block by installing an impeller housing, & on later models a heat exchanger. They installed an alternator, Hurth transmission, fuel injection, filters, linkage, etc. so I think they have a right to call it a Universal. If you go to Kobuta & ask them for parts for a 5411 they won't know what the hell you're talking about. Its a Z400 Kobuta block. Their parts are a lot cheaper, as Westerbeke now owns Universal & charges an arm & a leg for the parts. Many engine companies source out parts as it just makes sense. When they stopped building VW Beetles in Germany they still made them in Mexico, & it's still called a Volkswagen. Even when Frank Butler built his first boat, its design was from another manufacture, called a Coronado. No one disputes that the C-22 is indeed a Catalina, because he said it was.

thanks for agreeing with me. I guess. Lol. A marinized Kubota engine block is still a Kubota engine block. And I believe it's a z500 Kubota block that came off the B5100 Kubota tractor. I agree that if you go to a Kubota parts dealer and ask for parts for a 5411 universal atomic diesel, they wouldn't know what the hell you're talking about. Even if you asked for parts for a Z500 Kubota engine, which is what I did, they wouldn't be able to help you because the engine has been discontinued. But if you ask for engine parts from a B5100 Kubota tractor, the diesel model of course, then they will be able to pull it up from their database. Probably have to order the parts but they are much cheaper. Kubota head gasket- $32 Westerbeke head gasket- $90. It's the same exact thing. Like I said. I just want to sail.

 

[Kestle]

heres some good news. i had my bottom hull checked out and it passed with flying colors. despite of that catalina smile. the previous owner told me that he had a water barrier coat done and its still in good condition. some 3m 5200 and paint should fix that. now if i can just get the engine started. sailing on i guess. <img src="http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=82290"/>

Seriously, not owning a Catalina 30, but considering one, how do you repair the smile?

Jeff