We had a 2003 Catalina 350 survey and sea trial done today and there was a severe vibration and noise in the floor of the cockpit when under diesel power at about about 5 knots (full RPMs). Does anyone know what might cause this? Slower speeds the problem was minimized. The sails were stored for the season so we don't know if the problem was caused by the diesel engine or by the speed of the boat. We listened carefully in the lazarette compartments, under the aft bunk and in the engine compartment. The vibration was most evident on the diesel fuel tank under the aft bunk. It was not as noticable in the engine compartment or near the shaft. We could not identify the source. When tied at the dock we tried the engine at full RPMs in reverse, forward and neutral without the noise or vibration. Any ideas? Thanks for any help you can give us.
Stern Vibration in 350 Underway
- Thread starter Mary Lou15497
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C350s have been notorious for this problem
and I recall that the factory fix was a different prop. Check the archives. Search for C350, and, no kidding, "Blair DeHuff" who was an early C350 owner who brought this problem up here and worked it out and reported back. The C350 website is cleverly named: www.catalina350.net (usually they're .org, so this one's a little different) Try this: http://www.catalina350.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=13&sid=47b7aae544330ba31295dc01798b4099
and I recall that the factory fix was a different prop. Check the archives. Search for C350, and, no kidding, "Blair DeHuff" who was an early C350 owner who brought this problem up here and worked it out and reported back. The C350 website is cleverly named: www.catalina350.net (usually they're .org, so this one's a little different) Try this: http://www.catalina350.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=13&sid=47b7aae544330ba31295dc01798b4099
Change the prop
Stu is correct. I had the problem with my 350 like many others and it was solved by changing the prop to the one that is now recommended by Catalina. In addition to eliminating the vibration, it improved the performance in rough seas when motoring.
Stu is correct. I had the problem with my 350 like many others and it was solved by changing the prop to the one that is now recommended by Catalina. In addition to eliminating the vibration, it improved the performance in rough seas when motoring.
Prop cavitation appears to be the problem
Thank you! Prop cavitation described in the link you sent tells the story of similar Catalina 350 boat owner experiences. I appreciate the help.
Thank you! Prop cavitation described in the link you sent tells the story of similar Catalina 350 boat owner experiences. I appreciate the help.
Maybe More to it
Here's a couple of other thoughts: 5 knots at full RPM's in a C350 is real slow - it should be over 7 at full throttle. If you weren't able to see that kind of speed, and were getting a lot of vibration, it's possible the the prop was fouled or damaged. Additionally, an out of alignment engine can cause the kind of vibration you experienced. Stu's mention of a "notorious" problem is cute - gotta get that headline soundbite. It's true that some boats have experienced vibration, but as you might have seen on our forum, or I'm sure you'd see if you browsed through our email list traffic, not all boats had the issue. I think you'll find the the C350 is a lot of boat for the buck - and that there are many of us owners that think so, as evidenced by how few you find available on the used market. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Here's a couple of other thoughts: 5 knots at full RPM's in a C350 is real slow - it should be over 7 at full throttle. If you weren't able to see that kind of speed, and were getting a lot of vibration, it's possible the the prop was fouled or damaged. Additionally, an out of alignment engine can cause the kind of vibration you experienced. Stu's mention of a "notorious" problem is cute - gotta get that headline soundbite. It's true that some boats have experienced vibration, but as you might have seen on our forum, or I'm sure you'd see if you browsed through our email list traffic, not all boats had the issue. I think you'll find the the C350 is a lot of boat for the buck - and that there are many of us owners that think so, as evidenced by how few you find available on the used market. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Tim, notice I put "notorious" in quotes
which related to the problem, not the boat. Great boat, great people. Hope no one took it the wrong way. I have no idea how detailed Mary Lou might be in her investigation of C350s and how much she may have ...seen on our forum, or I'm sure you'd see if you browsed through our email list traffic..." Heck, even some people on this board don't read posts that maybe ask and answer the same question they had on the very same day! Stu
which related to the problem, not the boat. Great boat, great people. Hope no one took it the wrong way. I have no idea how detailed Mary Lou might be in her investigation of C350s and how much she may have ...seen on our forum, or I'm sure you'd see if you browsed through our email list traffic..." Heck, even some people on this board don't read posts that maybe ask and answer the same question they had on the very same day! Stu
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