Posted: February 08 2008 at 10:16 | IP Logged

Boatman66

Our email: diveryates@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Posted: February 08 2008 at 10:53 | IP Logged

Hey guys,

Here is a link to my video on youtube of the test run with my surveyor back in september when I bought the boat.  The video shows 28.2MPH WOT but since then I've had her up to about 29.7mph per the GPS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_fibv5BQFo

I will take more photos and video this spring.

Tom

Posted: February 09 2008 at 09:38 | IP Logged

You tube has a few good CC videos.  This one's my favorite and I hope to do something like it this summer....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLGEvaZIHC4

And this one is pretty good too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8AbLnnb7RI&feature=relat ed

Posted: February 09 2008 at 10:26 | IP Logged

Hey Boatman66,

I still got that video camara to catch your ride flying past.

Posted: February 10 2008 at 12:19 | IP Logged

Here is some video for you guys.

Posted: February 10 2008 at 14:25 | IP Logged

The varous threads are advantagous in that they allow focused discourse avoiding weeding through messages in the effort stay on subject. This may be true for complex, technical threads as the group gets better at communicating info in its varous forms.

B.U.S. kinda has a built-in photo size gate-keeper (100k) by limiting file size. This avoids bogging down the site. There must be many ways the manipulate images like zipping, linking etc. As the group gets conversent, it should ramp up utility and asthetics.

ex- the link for the video just posted would be a case in point on this ramping up the threads saphistication in image processessing. We may be ahead of the curve a bit. Sharing a Readers-Digest version of image managment with the people on the other threads may be helpful. The Constillation bunch comes to mind... I've seen no images there. The complexity of their vessels and their Deisel issues will benefit from some training on image uploading. Not a big thing. 

Posted: February 10 2008 at 17:00 | IP Logged

Good ideas everyone!

I think it would be nice to have a forum that is broken down by model Catalina, Connie, Commander... then by topic or issue that is preset so we'd be sure the titles were consistent.  Searching for a specific issue would be easier as the threads here on BoatUS could contain several different issues and searching through them to find a specific topic is near impossible. 

Tom

Posted: February 13 2008 at 17:59 | IP Logged

HELLO BOATMAN, ETAL.

THANKS FOR ASKING ABOUT ME BOATMAN. I HAVE BEEN GOING PRETTY STRONG ON THE BOAT; IT'S TAKING LOTS OF TIME WAITING FOR PARTS,REBUILDS, PAINT TO DRY ECT. I HAVE BEEN READING THE THE POSTS EVERY DAY STILL LIKE THEM A LOT. I SHOULD HAVE MY BOAT BACK TOGETHER THIS WEEK; GETTING ANXOUS TO HAVE THIS PROJECT OVER. HOPE YOU HAVE LOTS OF FUN AT THE BOAT SHOW KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR SOME NEAT THINGS FOR OUR BOATS. WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT WHAT YOU FIND.  KEEP ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY GAS HOME-HA.

I READ WITH INTEREST ALL THE COMMENTS REGARDING THE FORUM. I THINK THE IDEAL WOULD BE A SEPERATE ONE JUST FOR CATALINAS, H;OWEVER I ALSO LIKE THIS ONE AND THE OTHERS. I DO APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS BOAT US IS GIVING US.

WHAT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE IS A GET TOGETHER OF CHRIS OWNERS SOMEWHERE ON THE EAST COAST THIS SPRING OR SUMMER-WHAT DO YOU THINK?

RED BARON IN N.C.

Posted: February 14 2008 at 10:50 | IP Logged

Hi 66,

some thoughts:

Saturate the sensor screws with penetrent for a few days before attempting to remove the float/indicator plate screws. Keeping debris out of the tank is important. Clean around the area as best as possible. Have a vacuum cleaner nozzle in hand when the plate removal starts.

The assembly looks original. (thank goodness for photos!) I beleive the guage/float sensor are Steurt Warner and are matched by model # with your console indicator- make sure about this. You may want to research options with Steurt Warner based on tank capacity, and dimensions or just match float model #s. There may or may not be options here, but research will tell the tale.

 I'm thinking that replacing the sensor assy instead of attempting to cal it may be simpler as you will not run the risk of breaking the old one when workin with it..it is old.  In any case, the rubber seal will need to be replaced..may want to order that before starting.  I can't remember if the mechanical indicator on top of the tank is intergal or is another part to be replaced. I suggest replacing that too if it's not intregal. An advantage of buyingthe replacment assy is you get the correct install and Cal(if any) instructions, although install/cal procedures may be on-line.

Perhaps the tank cleaning service guy can advise you on calibration options, or do the float replacment for you.  If debris gets inside during the sensor switch-out, the right guy will be there to take care of it.

For safety reasons, may I recommend making this a one-operation deal (seals, cleaning and replacment/Cal of float assy.

In this day and age, fuel managment is critical and you are really doing the right thing! All the best...

        Roy

Posted: February 14 2008 at 12:23 | IP Logged

Hi 66-

I bit the bullet and have Adobe Photoshop- I have never regreted getting it  for many applications. Marketing my Rock band Rubberoom.com  , internet pic managment, personal pic files.

There is something called CompuPic Pro that does photo managment pretty good and is is a snap to use. Don't know what it costs, but I have it and I like it.

photo at Miami- any finished CC 280's with project details would be cool.

Mounted St. Crois Davit systems, particularly the removable type. Thinking of installing on Lorelei. See projects in prevous posts from me.

Thanks

Posted: February 16 2008 at 11:25 | IP Logged

Hi guys,

New topic...anchors for the Catalina

I currently have a galvanized danforth on the pulpit/windlass but wanted to upgrade to a plow style.  What do you guys use and what would you recommend?  I will be using the danforth as my spare and the plow as the primary.  I typically anchor in an all sand bottom.  West Marine has a 14 lb (for 21-31' boats and a 22 lb for 25-35' boats) and I am trying to decide if I do go to a plow style, which weight is best.  I would also consider the alumininm Fortress anchor.  How much chain so you use?  I know the standard is 6-10' however my windlass does not accept chain so I would have to pull up the chain portion by hand and loop it around the horns on the windlass.  With the plow, could I get away with little or no chain?  Since I bought her in Sept and only took a couple of rides, I have not had an opportunity to drop the hook.

Thanks,

Tom

Posted: February 16 2008 at 13:36 | IP Logged

Tom-

Ground Tackle on board depends on use. You have a windless so ya might as well go for worst case like over-nights in snotty conditions.  The windless does  dictate what tackle you choose to some extent as the anchor stays in place on the roller and can't bang around. All vessels should carry backup ground tackle of the same or better configuration as the primary. We stow ours aft of the fuel tank in tha lazzerette. It's easy to get at and is never baried under anything. It is always ready if we use two rodes to secure in iffy conditions or we loose the primary. Sand does not hold well, but we have found the Danforth works, particularly a big one with a good length of chain. In my opinion, plows are a worl in progress, they're still working out the perfect plow. There are some really great though- reaserch tells the story.  

 In anchoring, size matters. Think oversize- fish pros do. I beleive the fortress is basically a Danforth made out of alinimum designed  to allow the use of oversize hardware , a plus for weight managment although the tradeoff is construction material, cost and no real corrosion resistance...a trade off.

Perhaps a smaller tackle setup can be aboard and used for hook down for lunch,  nooners etc., although a anchor watch is a good thing- watching for drag that is!

Switching anchors using the shackle should'nt be done as the shackles are always be locked with seizing wire.

TIP 1: Install a swivel shackle to avoid the rode binding up.

TIP 2: Tie a fender to the end if the rode inside the rode locker. If you run the rode out, you won't lose it.

For short term anchoring, no chain needed. This said, anchors generally are designed to be used with at least 15-20' of chain so it's a good idea to live with it.  For the 280: 300' 1/2'  (5/8 is better) twisted, nylon rode with length markers installed (very useful!),  20' chain, seized, swivel shackles and anti chafe sleeves at the tie points on the anchor and shackles. 

Practice, practice!

Fair winds,  Roy

Posted: February 16 2008 at 18:30 | IP Logged

Roy,

Thank you very much for your quick and very detailed response.  I went to the boat yard today and removed the davit/roller from the pulpit so I can take it to West Marine.  I am not sure the plow style will fit properly but I will check them all out and compare the different styles.  My windlass' brand name is "Good" and is the 500 series rope model still made today, but it will not handle chain.  They have an upgrade option to trade in the old but I suspect it will still cost a lot of $$$. 

I completely agree with your idea about the spare tackle, on my other boat, a 20' Seaswirl, I always keep 2 complete anchor set ups and wanted to do the same on the Cat. 

I had a chance to speak with my uncle this afternoon who has a 30' sailboat on the same body of water as mine (100% sand bottom).  He uses a plow (Lewmar 14 lb) with 15' of chain but no windlass (those sailors like to ruff it ).  He said he was very happy with the holding power.

I have always used the danforth/fluke style so that is what I am used to but as I mentioned above, the davit/roller will probably determine the final outcome.

I will try to use it without or with just a small amount of chain and add/adjust as necessary... and as you said...practice practice.

Regards,

Tom

Posted: February 18 2008 at 09:37 | IP Logged

Hi Boatman, thank you for yur update on the Miami show and your feedback on the anchor. 

I tried to zoom in on your photo of the side profile on your boat to see the pulpit and have 2 questions:

Is your Good windlass the 500 Rope series?

Are you using any chain, if so how much and have you noticed any issues if using little or no chain? (sorry that is 3 questions in one )

Thanks,

Tom

Posted: February 19 2008 at 12:02 | IP Logged

Hi 66,

Yup, looks like both products are viable retro-fits for the 280's. You do have a good eye for this.  Complete drawings, wiring, the works, online...very useable.  By the drawings, looks like they will fit nicely and be a smooth install.

Terrific upgrades.

Thank you for searching and the legwork!

Roy 

Posted: February 19 2008 at 12:04 | IP Logged

Thank you Boatman, that is very reassuring that your anchor holds well without chain but with extra scope.  I too have only ever used the fluke type anchors with chain but I will try out the plow style, I will keep the fluke style as my spare.  I took the bow roller to West Marine and it fits almpst perfectly on the Lewmar 14 lb galvanized plow.  I also emailed the Lewmar service department all my specs (boat, rode, bottom, depth, etc) and they got back to me within 12 hours saying the 14 pounder should be more than adequate but they did not comment on the idea of no chain.  When I put the boat in the water in April I will test the plow design with no chain and hopefully I will not have to add chain and deal with securing it manually on the bow.

Roy, thank you for your advise as well regarding the chain/no chain question and the info on the spare anchor, I intend to put it into practice. 

Between your feedback and the feedback from Lewmar, as well as being able to exchange the plow style anchor at West Marine should it not pan out, I am good to go. 

Now I just need the weather to warm up

Posted: February 19 2008 at 12:34 | IP Logged

Nauti,

As they say: it aint the destination, it's the gitten thar! cool...

Roy

Posted: February 21 2008 at 18:39 | IP Logged

Hi all, Another new Catalina owner.

I recently purchased a 1989 292 Catalina with sunbridge thats has 2 -350 crusaders.Love the boat and got it at a steal.Am looking for info on the maxium number of allowed  people on board and the certificate for Coast guard requirements.Any help to find this info is greatly welcome,The vessel sleeps six and is in grest share,getting all new bimini top and full enclosure this week.Hope to ba back on the water soon.

 Dewy,Norfolk Va

Posted: February 21 2008 at 21:06 | IP Logged

Ahoy Dewy,

Welcome aboard mate! The group is just getting used to uploading photos etc. This function will be a real resource as need (particularly technical) arises.  Perhaps photos of your engines and of the vessel will be useful for feedback on what we see. 

Maximum allowed aboard is a designation used by the USCG for commercial vessels ( guest fishers, tour boats, ferries etc). The number of people aboard any civilian vessel is a matter of common sense.  On my 280 for instance, 6 persons, preferably 4 is a good max number and I equip it for such. 

Required equipment for your vessel type will be listed on the USCG web site.

I venture you are new to boat ownership?

If so, please remember: you're the owner/captain and master of your destiny, you're responsible For everything and everyone aboard your vessel at all times.

So endeth the lesson, class dismissed, leave an apple on the desk

Fair winds, Roy

Posted: February 22 2008 at 20:47 | IP Logged

Thanks Roy and mates

No ,I;m not new to boat ownership, the question is  that here in Virginia the coast guard require a certificate of max passengers allowed.I have contacted Chris-craft in this matter ,howevery they have not answer my email as of yet.Thanks for the other info.

Dewy