Questions from a newbie

[mmeechan]

Just bought my first boat, a '88 Catalina 27, and was curious about a couple of things.
The bilge pump has a Rule-a-matic float switch, but it doesn't seem to come on unless the DC disconnet master is set to "both". Switching to 1 or 2 doesn't seem to allow the switch to turn on. Is this typical/normal?

Secondly, the survey pointed out that the engine seacock is made of marelon, and the guy recommended replacing it with a brass one. Obviously, that caon't be done until I pull it out at the end of the season, but is that a big job? Is it something to tackle myself or best left to a mechanic? I've done a lot of plumbing around the house etc, and for friends, so I know my way around that, but never done any on a boat, being this is my first.
Any opinions are appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[soupysayles]

I might give u a suggestion, if the rule switch is connected to the pump properly it should be wired directly to the battery. Your battery switch should not have any control. If your surveyor did say "brass"he was not doing his job, I think he meant bronze. I think all Catalina's came off the assembly line with marelon seacocks . My 30' Catalina did. They work fine, & no maintenance except to keep working them occasionally. You can get literature & books on how to install seacocks. "Nigel Calder's " mechanical book is good to start with. I have done it & although alot of work it gave me a lot of confidence that I could do it.

 

[mmeechan]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if he said brass or bronze. I think brass, but the gist of what he was saying was that if the marelon broke the boat would sink and that metal was stronger than "plastic". I'll look up the book you mention as I need to build up a library of useful resources.
Thanks again.
Mike

 

[audiolofft]

Just bought my first boat, a '88 Catalina 27, and was curious about a couple of things.
The bilge pump has a Rule-a-matic float switch, but it doesn't seem to come on unless the DC disconnet master is set to "both". Switching to 1 or 2 doesn't seem to allow the switch to turn on. Is this typical/normal?

Secondly, the survey pointed out that the engine seacock is made of marelon, and the guy recommended replacing it with a brass one. Obviously, that caon't be done until I pull it out at the end of the season, but is that a big job? Is it something to tackle myself or best left to a mechanic? I've done a lot of plumbing around the house etc, and for friends, so I know my way around that, but never done any on a boat, being this is my first.
Any opinions are appreciated.
Thanks,

Hi Mike,
I have the almost identical boat to yours, a Catalina 27 (1986) up in Parry Sound. My Rule-o-matic switch is wired directly to the battery, as SoupySayles suggested. It's entirely independent of the DC disconnect switch setting. I didn't know anything about the marelon engine seacock, so I've learned something. I love cruising Georgian Bay islands. Happy sailing on your Cat 27.

Alan

 

[jrowan]

Actually many 1970's era Catalinas came with gate valves that were crudely glassed in with a copper pipe directly into the hull. Any of these valves must be replaced as they will break off with corrosion & sink your boat (pre 1980). Your Marelon valves are likely original, & there is nothing wrong with them as long as the valve handle & stem turn freely. Many sailors like the Marelon plastic valves because they will not corrode or rust like metal ones do. They also cannot conduct electricity, so they can't suffer from dielectric corrosion caused by straying current in the water around many marinas. That said, most boats that I've owned have Apollo Brand bronze valves. They're pretty tough, but can easily seize up after 20 + years of marine corrosion. Your bigger concern should actually be your old or original water hoses & clamps at the engine raw water intake, etc. If the hose bursts or a clamp fails that is actually a more likely scenario to sink your boat. I have had several S.S. band clamps break apart when removing them, which actually looked o.k. at first glance.