Hi! I am new to sailing. I bought a Macgregor 26S in July 03. That hooked me and I bought a 1989 Catalina 30 last November. The boat was well taken care of by the previous owners but with 1 year under my belt and with a number of relaxing and sometimes invigorating sails over the past year I am wondering if I have gotten myself into more than I can handle. More specifically, how do you know when things such as the standing rigging need servicing. Also, what about the driveshaft packing gland, the cutlass bearing, the thru-hulls, when and how to check on/change the driveshaft zinc without hiring a diver, etc.?? I can handle the basic engine maintenance but I have read that the standing rigging is good for 5-10 years and then should be replaced. Is that true? How do you know when the packing gland and/or cutlass bearing need to be serviced without having the local marine mechanic look at it, who oh by the way is the one who will benifit from recommending servicing. Don't get me wrong, I am at least more handy than most at working on mechanical systems (I'm an engineer) and maybe i'm just overwhelmed but can any of you folks with more years under your belt lend any insight as to how to handle some of the issues I have raised? Thanks in advance! Don
Preventative maintenance and how do you know?
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Hi! I am new to sailing. I bought a Macgregor 26S in July 03. That hooked me and I bought a 1989 Catalina 30 last November. The boat was well taken care of by the previous owners but with 1 year under my belt and with a number of relaxing and sometimes invigorating sails over the past year I am wondering if I have gotten myself into more than I can handle. More specifically, how do you know when things such as the standing rigging need servicing. Also, what about the driveshaft packing gland, the cutlass bearing, the thru-hulls, when and how to check on/change the driveshaft zinc without hiring a diver, etc.?? I can handle the basic engine maintenance but I have read that the standing rigging is good for 5-10 years and then should be replaced. Is that true? How do you know when the packing gland and/or cutlass bearing need to be serviced without having the local marine mechanic look at it, who oh by the way is the one who will benifit from recommending servicing. Don't get me wrong, I am at least more handy than most at working on mechanical systems (I'm an engineer) and maybe i'm just overwhelmed but can any of you folks with more years under your belt lend any insight as to how to handle some of the issues I have raised? Thanks in advance! Don
Maintenance
Don, You have raised many questions that are common to "new" big-boat owners...the answers are simple, and the best thing to do is to ask that you call me. I will be happy to work you through your questions. Tom
Don, You have raised many questions that are common to "new" big-boat owners...the answers are simple, and the best thing to do is to ask that you call me. I will be happy to work you through your questions. Tom
Maintenance
Don, You have raised many questions that are common to "new" big-boat owners...the answers are simple, and the best thing to do is to ask that you call me. I will be happy to work you through your questions. Tom
Don, You have raised many questions that are common to "new" big-boat owners...the answers are simple, and the best thing to do is to ask that you call me. I will be happy to work you through your questions. Tom
read, look, listen, learn
Hello, I am in the same position as you. I bought a Catalina 22 in July '03, got hooked, and bought a Newport 28 in June '04. I have been reading lots of books, articles, web sites, etc. to learn more about boat maintenance. Pratical Sailor (http://www.practical-sailor.com/) is a great source to learn about maintenance. On their web site (under features) are lots and lots of informative articles. My boat is now on the hard for the winter, so I am using that as an opportunity to go over everything. I have serviced and winterized the engine and transmission. I will be checking the standing rigging, evaluating the prop shaft and all that stuff, etc. Sites like this one are a great place to learn, the Catalina 30 web site (and all the catalina sites) are also full of information and people who can offer advice. Finally, don't be afraid to hire a surveyor or someone like that to evaluate the boat. The nice thing about a surveyor is that since you are paying him to look at the boat and give a report, but not to do any work, he should be honest. Yes, it will cost you a little now, but you are buying knowledge and piece of mind. Good luck and enjoy your boat. I wanted a Catalina 30, but the one I had my eye on sold a few days before I made an offer. Oh well, I love my N28. Barry
Hello, I am in the same position as you. I bought a Catalina 22 in July '03, got hooked, and bought a Newport 28 in June '04. I have been reading lots of books, articles, web sites, etc. to learn more about boat maintenance. Pratical Sailor (http://www.practical-sailor.com/) is a great source to learn about maintenance. On their web site (under features) are lots and lots of informative articles. My boat is now on the hard for the winter, so I am using that as an opportunity to go over everything. I have serviced and winterized the engine and transmission. I will be checking the standing rigging, evaluating the prop shaft and all that stuff, etc. Sites like this one are a great place to learn, the Catalina 30 web site (and all the catalina sites) are also full of information and people who can offer advice. Finally, don't be afraid to hire a surveyor or someone like that to evaluate the boat. The nice thing about a surveyor is that since you are paying him to look at the boat and give a report, but not to do any work, he should be honest. Yes, it will cost you a little now, but you are buying knowledge and piece of mind. Good luck and enjoy your boat. I wanted a Catalina 30, but the one I had my eye on sold a few days before I made an offer. Oh well, I love my N28. Barry
read, look, listen, learn
Hello, I am in the same position as you. I bought a Catalina 22 in July '03, got hooked, and bought a Newport 28 in June '04. I have been reading lots of books, articles, web sites, etc. to learn more about boat maintenance. Pratical Sailor (http://www.practical-sailor.com/) is a great source to learn about maintenance. On their web site (under features) are lots and lots of informative articles. My boat is now on the hard for the winter, so I am using that as an opportunity to go over everything. I have serviced and winterized the engine and transmission. I will be checking the standing rigging, evaluating the prop shaft and all that stuff, etc. Sites like this one are a great place to learn, the Catalina 30 web site (and all the catalina sites) are also full of information and people who can offer advice. Finally, don't be afraid to hire a surveyor or someone like that to evaluate the boat. The nice thing about a surveyor is that since you are paying him to look at the boat and give a report, but not to do any work, he should be honest. Yes, it will cost you a little now, but you are buying knowledge and piece of mind. Good luck and enjoy your boat. I wanted a Catalina 30, but the one I had my eye on sold a few days before I made an offer. Oh well, I love my N28. Barry
Hello, I am in the same position as you. I bought a Catalina 22 in July '03, got hooked, and bought a Newport 28 in June '04. I have been reading lots of books, articles, web sites, etc. to learn more about boat maintenance. Pratical Sailor (http://www.practical-sailor.com/) is a great source to learn about maintenance. On their web site (under features) are lots and lots of informative articles. My boat is now on the hard for the winter, so I am using that as an opportunity to go over everything. I have serviced and winterized the engine and transmission. I will be checking the standing rigging, evaluating the prop shaft and all that stuff, etc. Sites like this one are a great place to learn, the Catalina 30 web site (and all the catalina sites) are also full of information and people who can offer advice. Finally, don't be afraid to hire a surveyor or someone like that to evaluate the boat. The nice thing about a surveyor is that since you are paying him to look at the boat and give a report, but not to do any work, he should be honest. Yes, it will cost you a little now, but you are buying knowledge and piece of mind. Good luck and enjoy your boat. I wanted a Catalina 30, but the one I had my eye on sold a few days before I made an offer. Oh well, I love my N28. Barry
Overwhelmed? Join the club!
Don, Boy, can I empathise with you! Here's something that's given me hope: "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual", by Nigel Calder. ISBN 0-07-009618-X. The copy I have is the 2nd edition, c. 1996, so there might be a newer version out. This book has been the best help I've gotten so far, and as an engineer you'll appreciate the in-depth explinations of how boat systems work. I found this in my local library, so check yours before you buy a copy. To answer one of your questions: "At the annual haulout, flex the propeller shaft at the propeller; if there is more than minimal movement (1/16" of clearance between the shaft and bearing per inch of shaft diameter), the bearing needs replacing." Pg. 320 There's an entire chapter devoted to standing rigging, including lots of photos of stressed and failed components, and the merits and disadvantages of different types of connections. Good luck!
Don, Boy, can I empathise with you! Here's something that's given me hope: "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual", by Nigel Calder. ISBN 0-07-009618-X. The copy I have is the 2nd edition, c. 1996, so there might be a newer version out. This book has been the best help I've gotten so far, and as an engineer you'll appreciate the in-depth explinations of how boat systems work. I found this in my local library, so check yours before you buy a copy. To answer one of your questions: "At the annual haulout, flex the propeller shaft at the propeller; if there is more than minimal movement (1/16" of clearance between the shaft and bearing per inch of shaft diameter), the bearing needs replacing." Pg. 320 There's an entire chapter devoted to standing rigging, including lots of photos of stressed and failed components, and the merits and disadvantages of different types of connections. Good luck!
Overwhelmed? Join the club!
Don, Boy, can I empathise with you! Here's something that's given me hope: "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual", by Nigel Calder. ISBN 0-07-009618-X. The copy I have is the 2nd edition, c. 1996, so there might be a newer version out. This book has been the best help I've gotten so far, and as an engineer you'll appreciate the in-depth explinations of how boat systems work. I found this in my local library, so check yours before you buy a copy. To answer one of your questions: "At the annual haulout, flex the propeller shaft at the propeller; if there is more than minimal movement (1/16" of clearance between the shaft and bearing per inch of shaft diameter), the bearing needs replacing." Pg. 320 There's an entire chapter devoted to standing rigging, including lots of photos of stressed and failed components, and the merits and disadvantages of different types of connections. Good luck!
Don, Boy, can I empathise with you! Here's something that's given me hope: "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual", by Nigel Calder. ISBN 0-07-009618-X. The copy I have is the 2nd edition, c. 1996, so there might be a newer version out. This book has been the best help I've gotten so far, and as an engineer you'll appreciate the in-depth explinations of how boat systems work. I found this in my local library, so check yours before you buy a copy. To answer one of your questions: "At the annual haulout, flex the propeller shaft at the propeller; if there is more than minimal movement (1/16" of clearance between the shaft and bearing per inch of shaft diameter), the bearing needs replacing." Pg. 320 There's an entire chapter devoted to standing rigging, including lots of photos of stressed and failed components, and the merits and disadvantages of different types of connections. Good luck!
Constant Learning
Don, you are not alone. I am now on my third boat, a 1971 Ericson 29 and have been sailing a few years. I am totally hooked and love both sailing and working on my boat. When I first started I was completely unaware of maintenance needs and methods. I am now better but still have much to learn. I have found that my awareness of things keeps getting better. Reading all kinds of books and magazines and web articles has helped raise this awareness. My skill in repairing things is still in question. There is so much advice that it is hard to know which to follow. This site has been an awesome help. I get informed responses to my questions and there is usually great info in the archive. I am a huge fan of Good Old Boat magazine. Designed for us owners of old boats it has great practical articles on maintenance and improvements. The SailNet web site also has over 1500 articles on everything you can imagine. They are submitted by people like Don Casey and Lin and Larry Pardey, names I respect. Good Luck and have fun!
Don, you are not alone. I am now on my third boat, a 1971 Ericson 29 and have been sailing a few years. I am totally hooked and love both sailing and working on my boat. When I first started I was completely unaware of maintenance needs and methods. I am now better but still have much to learn. I have found that my awareness of things keeps getting better. Reading all kinds of books and magazines and web articles has helped raise this awareness. My skill in repairing things is still in question. There is so much advice that it is hard to know which to follow. This site has been an awesome help. I get informed responses to my questions and there is usually great info in the archive. I am a huge fan of Good Old Boat magazine. Designed for us owners of old boats it has great practical articles on maintenance and improvements. The SailNet web site also has over 1500 articles on everything you can imagine. They are submitted by people like Don Casey and Lin and Larry Pardey, names I respect. Good Luck and have fun!
Constant Learning
Don, you are not alone. I am now on my third boat, a 1971 Ericson 29 and have been sailing a few years. I am totally hooked and love both sailing and working on my boat. When I first started I was completely unaware of maintenance needs and methods. I am now better but still have much to learn. I have found that my awareness of things keeps getting better. Reading all kinds of books and magazines and web articles has helped raise this awareness. My skill in repairing things is still in question. There is so much advice that it is hard to know which to follow. This site has been an awesome help. I get informed responses to my questions and there is usually great info in the archive. I am a huge fan of Good Old Boat magazine. Designed for us owners of old boats it has great practical articles on maintenance and improvements. The SailNet web site also has over 1500 articles on everything you can imagine. They are submitted by people like Don Casey and Lin and Larry Pardey, names I respect. Good Luck and have fun!
Don, you are not alone. I am now on my third boat, a 1971 Ericson 29 and have been sailing a few years. I am totally hooked and love both sailing and working on my boat. When I first started I was completely unaware of maintenance needs and methods. I am now better but still have much to learn. I have found that my awareness of things keeps getting better. Reading all kinds of books and magazines and web articles has helped raise this awareness. My skill in repairing things is still in question. There is so much advice that it is hard to know which to follow. This site has been an awesome help. I get informed responses to my questions and there is usually great info in the archive. I am a huge fan of Good Old Boat magazine. Designed for us owners of old boats it has great practical articles on maintenance and improvements. The SailNet web site also has over 1500 articles on everything you can imagine. They are submitted by people like Don Casey and Lin and Larry Pardey, names I respect. Good Luck and have fun!
My approach
Like you we also recently purchased a new boat. Same situation as yourself, smaller to bigger, outboard to inboard etc. I take the following approach. I like to do all of the preventative maintenance stuff once at the beginning of owner her taht way I can set my schedule. So I change the oil & filter, drain and re-fill the fuel tank including biocide, replace all zincs (engine if raw water cooled & prop shaft), I lubricate all thru hulls, check the cutless bearing and polish the prop. I do the underwater stuff as soon as practical after purchase and generally I can do this myself in a yard in one day so the yard costs are minimal. As far as knowing what to do? Honestly as everyone else has said, read, read, read all you can about boat systems and ask, ask, ask all of the boat owners you meet and get to know. Take it all in and evaluate it to arrive at your own schedule. Some things such as type of anti-fouling paint to use, length of time between re-paints, general life span of prop shaft zincs will be similiar to other boats in your area. If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid of a little research you can handle everything on your Cat 30 with the possible exception of a standing rigging. As well I would suggest that if you haven't already done so, check out the Catalina 30 Association. There is a wealth of info there and folks that are familiar with your boat model so will have already worked out through many of the very questions you have.
Like you we also recently purchased a new boat. Same situation as yourself, smaller to bigger, outboard to inboard etc. I take the following approach. I like to do all of the preventative maintenance stuff once at the beginning of owner her taht way I can set my schedule. So I change the oil & filter, drain and re-fill the fuel tank including biocide, replace all zincs (engine if raw water cooled & prop shaft), I lubricate all thru hulls, check the cutless bearing and polish the prop. I do the underwater stuff as soon as practical after purchase and generally I can do this myself in a yard in one day so the yard costs are minimal. As far as knowing what to do? Honestly as everyone else has said, read, read, read all you can about boat systems and ask, ask, ask all of the boat owners you meet and get to know. Take it all in and evaluate it to arrive at your own schedule. Some things such as type of anti-fouling paint to use, length of time between re-paints, general life span of prop shaft zincs will be similiar to other boats in your area. If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid of a little research you can handle everything on your Cat 30 with the possible exception of a standing rigging. As well I would suggest that if you haven't already done so, check out the Catalina 30 Association. There is a wealth of info there and folks that are familiar with your boat model so will have already worked out through many of the very questions you have.
My approach
Like you we also recently purchased a new boat. Same situation as yourself, smaller to bigger, outboard to inboard etc. I take the following approach. I like to do all of the preventative maintenance stuff once at the beginning of owner her taht way I can set my schedule. So I change the oil & filter, drain and re-fill the fuel tank including biocide, replace all zincs (engine if raw water cooled & prop shaft), I lubricate all thru hulls, check the cutless bearing and polish the prop. I do the underwater stuff as soon as practical after purchase and generally I can do this myself in a yard in one day so the yard costs are minimal. As far as knowing what to do? Honestly as everyone else has said, read, read, read all you can about boat systems and ask, ask, ask all of the boat owners you meet and get to know. Take it all in and evaluate it to arrive at your own schedule. Some things such as type of anti-fouling paint to use, length of time between re-paints, general life span of prop shaft zincs will be similiar to other boats in your area. If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid of a little research you can handle everything on your Cat 30 with the possible exception of a standing rigging. As well I would suggest that if you haven't already done so, check out the Catalina 30 Association. There is a wealth of info there and folks that are familiar with your boat model so will have already worked out through many of the very questions you have.
Like you we also recently purchased a new boat. Same situation as yourself, smaller to bigger, outboard to inboard etc. I take the following approach. I like to do all of the preventative maintenance stuff once at the beginning of owner her taht way I can set my schedule. So I change the oil & filter, drain and re-fill the fuel tank including biocide, replace all zincs (engine if raw water cooled & prop shaft), I lubricate all thru hulls, check the cutless bearing and polish the prop. I do the underwater stuff as soon as practical after purchase and generally I can do this myself in a yard in one day so the yard costs are minimal. As far as knowing what to do? Honestly as everyone else has said, read, read, read all you can about boat systems and ask, ask, ask all of the boat owners you meet and get to know. Take it all in and evaluate it to arrive at your own schedule. Some things such as type of anti-fouling paint to use, length of time between re-paints, general life span of prop shaft zincs will be similiar to other boats in your area. If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid of a little research you can handle everything on your Cat 30 with the possible exception of a standing rigging. As well I would suggest that if you haven't already done so, check out the Catalina 30 Association. There is a wealth of info there and folks that are familiar with your boat model so will have already worked out through many of the very questions you have.
Great replies
In addition to the C30 website, check out the C36 and C34 websites. The boats are essentially the same regarding systems. Good luck, we've all been there - you'll make it, too! Stu
In addition to the C30 website, check out the C36 and C34 websites. The boats are essentially the same regarding systems. Good luck, we've all been there - you'll make it, too! Stu
Great replies
In addition to the C30 website, check out the C36 and C34 websites. The boats are essentially the same regarding systems. Good luck, we've all been there - you'll make it, too! Stu
In addition to the C30 website, check out the C36 and C34 websites. The boats are essentially the same regarding systems. Good luck, we've all been there - you'll make it, too! Stu
Thanks!
I sure do appreciate the replys. It's just good to know that I am not alone! As I mentioned, I just bought "No Whining" in Nov 03 and had a very reputable surveyor go over it and he was impressed with her condition so I think i'm good on most of the major items for now - just trying to prepare myself! I wish everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving and fair winds! Don
I sure do appreciate the replys. It's just good to know that I am not alone! As I mentioned, I just bought "No Whining" in Nov 03 and had a very reputable surveyor go over it and he was impressed with her condition so I think i'm good on most of the major items for now - just trying to prepare myself! I wish everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving and fair winds! Don
Thanks!
I sure do appreciate the replys. It's just good to know that I am not alone! As I mentioned, I just bought "No Whining" in Nov 03 and had a very reputable surveyor go over it and he was impressed with her condition so I think i'm good on most of the major items for now - just trying to prepare myself! I wish everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving and fair winds! Don
I sure do appreciate the replys. It's just good to know that I am not alone! As I mentioned, I just bought "No Whining" in Nov 03 and had a very reputable surveyor go over it and he was impressed with her condition so I think i'm good on most of the major items for now - just trying to prepare myself! I wish everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving and fair winds! Don
A couple of specifics
I agree with others that reading and researching are the best way to get piece of mind on these issues, but until your reading gets up to speed I'll share tips on a couple your specifics (which are repeated in just about every sailing magazine every year at this time, so if you subscribe to one you will be reminded). Packing gland--changing it yearly will keep your bilge drier. There are synthetic ones now that may work better than flax. Through-hulls: lube each year, open and close them to distribute the lube and break corrosion. Zincs--I came across this more complicated issue: boats from the 80's may not have a galvanic isolator hard-wired into your boat's electrical system. This device is very important for holding back unnecessary damage from electrolysis. When you change out your zincs this season check your manual to see whether you have the isolator and if not looking into having one installed (perhaps $200 plus labor).
I agree with others that reading and researching are the best way to get piece of mind on these issues, but until your reading gets up to speed I'll share tips on a couple your specifics (which are repeated in just about every sailing magazine every year at this time, so if you subscribe to one you will be reminded). Packing gland--changing it yearly will keep your bilge drier. There are synthetic ones now that may work better than flax. Through-hulls: lube each year, open and close them to distribute the lube and break corrosion. Zincs--I came across this more complicated issue: boats from the 80's may not have a galvanic isolator hard-wired into your boat's electrical system. This device is very important for holding back unnecessary damage from electrolysis. When you change out your zincs this season check your manual to see whether you have the isolator and if not looking into having one installed (perhaps $200 plus labor).
A couple of specifics
I agree with others that reading and researching are the best way to get piece of mind on these issues, but until your reading gets up to speed I'll share tips on a couple your specifics (which are repeated in just about every sailing magazine every year at this time, so if you subscribe to one you will be reminded). Packing gland--changing it yearly will keep your bilge drier. There are synthetic ones now that may work better than flax. Through-hulls: lube each year, open and close them to distribute the lube and break corrosion. Zincs--I came across this more complicated issue: boats from the 80's may not have a galvanic isolator hard-wired into your boat's electrical system. This device is very important for holding back unnecessary damage from electrolysis. When you change out your zincs this season check your manual to see whether you have the isolator and if not looking into having one installed (perhaps $200 plus labor).
I agree with others that reading and researching are the best way to get piece of mind on these issues, but until your reading gets up to speed I'll share tips on a couple your specifics (which are repeated in just about every sailing magazine every year at this time, so if you subscribe to one you will be reminded). Packing gland--changing it yearly will keep your bilge drier. There are synthetic ones now that may work better than flax. Through-hulls: lube each year, open and close them to distribute the lube and break corrosion. Zincs--I came across this more complicated issue: boats from the 80's may not have a galvanic isolator hard-wired into your boat's electrical system. This device is very important for holding back unnecessary damage from electrolysis. When you change out your zincs this season check your manual to see whether you have the isolator and if not looking into having one installed (perhaps $200 plus labor).
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