new season woes

[newboatowner]

After a long hard winter my Catalina 30 just went into the water and, lo and behold, I had to confront more problems than normal. The first issue concerns the engine controls. I have a tiller and side mounted unit. The fuel control is fine but when I went to shift into neutral from reverse, the shift broke off at the fitting and I was left looking very closely at the knob and broken shaft. I have had some issues with it in the past (difficult to shift into any position) but this is the ultimate result.

Not only was I floundering about, I discovered that the Jabsco head pump was not pushing water, only air even though the sea cock was open. I pump and no pressure. Could it need a rebuild or does is sound like I have some blockage in the water line?


What alternatives do I have with the transmission and fuel throttle on a side mounted unit and what kind of rebuild kit might I need- major overhaul or simply pump?

 

[dive7mmwet]

the head may not of had proper strength anti freeze in the valve over the winter, and this may of caused problems in valve and yes you can order parts but may find other problems as you go on a head $150 may be worth it! also new cable and have old handle repaired not a major deal at a machine shop

 

[Admiral]

Are both the intake and out side open and free?
Do a little more trouble shooting and you may find the problem before a rebuild. A pump rebuild kit is not too expensive.

There are many ideas and posts here for relocation of the controls. I wish mine were at the helm.

 

[jrowan]

Moving the controls would not be worth it if you do not have wheel steering - no binnacle to mount it to. I would try to repair the shifter mechanism that you have, or contact Catalina to see if they still have a replacement part available. They keep a remarkable amount of old parts in stock in their warehouse. Sounds like the shift bracket & or trans linkage is rusted & corroded & not enabling free movement. I would replace the shift cable & thoroughly lubricate the linkage to make sure that you don't break it again. Never force the linkage of it doesn't want to move, always lube it first. I always run my trans. from neutral to forward & then reverse while tied up at the dock to make sure it works before going out, because it jammed on me once before as well. Live & learn I guess. Good luck on your repair.

 

[newboatowner]

Thanks for the suggestion but I purchased a Teleflex Osprey side mount control. The hardest part of the replacement was removing the old control. I did not have a sawzall but I did use a multi-tool. It took hours to cut through all of the fused metal parts. I replaced the transmission cable but left the original throttle in. It worked fine with the original shifter but it was not compatible with the new control. I am now replacing that cable as well. A two hour job turned out to take two days. It looks like I am not going to get this boat together to sail this season. I now have found that the marina bent the extrusion arm of the furling when they pulled the boat last fall. I am now approaching the attitude of the last of the best two days of boat ownership.

 

[jrowan]

Sorry to hear about your furler. You are not the only one who had a yard mess up & bend an extrusion. A sailing friend of mine also had our marina yard totally mess up his furler too. When I remove my mast one day I'll be watching them like a hawk.