1987 Catalac update written
for the Bobcat and Catalac Association by John Lack
The early Spring and Summer saw us slowly
wading through the repairs, the first 5 being usable and in varying states of
cosmetic completion for the Whitsun Rally, the more serious cases following up
during the "summer" months.
The absence of the building company put a
"further strain" on our already stretched resources, dealing with queries and
supply of Catalac parts. However, with a few delays, I hope we managed to
accommodate everyone and, indeed, I would like to thank those who did come to
us, whether it was just advice required, a hinge or a complete engine
installation package. Thank you.
To this date, I hate to admit we still have a
9m and a Sailfish 18 to complete, a ful1 12 months later. Perhaps we don't drink
the right lager!
Well, with that out of the way, my comments
and observations noted this year....
1 . I am still "coming across" incorrectly
positioned masts, as reported the last time I wrote. So please, do check that
they are upright in the tabernacles, otherwise distortion to the cabin top
locally and possible bonding failure to bulkhead below may occur.
2. Those of you with inboards fitted. This
winter, check the state of your diesel tanks (not stainless ones ) , as some are
now starting to rust through, especially at the lower margins. This being more
significant on those tanks sited in the "transom" lockers.
3. Stemheads.
a)
check carefully the welds on the upright webs. i have seen 3 this year with
cracks appearing.
b)
One incident of the fore aft bolts on the stemhead sheering off, causing the
stemhead and, unfortunately the foredeck, to peel back like the sardine tin.
This can "be checked from inside the anchor locker.
4.
Stern Glands, (inboard diesels) Again another winter job! A batch of black
plastic glands, where used at original installation, have distorted and have
worn the shaft dramatically (where it cannot be seen). The earlier white
threaded glands have proved even more unreliable, with the thread stripping, the
result a rapid ingress of unwelcome sea water and submerged engines. A point
worth remembering if your alternator or starter motor should become submerged
and you are unable to strip it immediately and make good, place it in a bucket
of fresh water (and leave it there) This will inhibit the corrossion/rusting
process until more professional assistance is available.
5.
Strippers (Weed/Rope cutters) A great many are now fitted. If you are laylng-up
ashore this year, obviously check the wear and condition but, more important,
being a relatively expensive Item, they tend to "walk". So perhaps cover them up
to make removal more difficult or, of course, take them off!!
6. A
9 metre sadly caught fire this year in the Mediterranean. Fortunately no-one was
on board at the time but £20,000 of damage occurred. At present nobody is sure
what caused it to start but it would appear to be associated with the gas
fridge, as the seat of the fire was In that area. Accordingly, it would be as
well to check the state of all gas feed pipes and connections, together with the
appliance itself.
Flavel Vanessa, the cooker manufacturers, have advised, via the October issue of
P.B.O. that appliances with a serial number after those listed below may have
been fitted with a faulty component - and they will arrange for a free safety
check by one of their service engineers. Cookers (stove) after number 70972.
Hotplate... after number 35376. Ovens after number 91155. The phone number to
ring is 0926.27027. Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
7. I
should have put this with Item 4, but worthy of a mention on its own. Those who
have craft moored in the warmer climes are suffering a higher breakdown rate on
the rubber based components used especially in engine installations, namely fuel
hoses, exhaust hoses and the short lengths of hose used at the stern gland to
stern tube connection. Again, worth while inspecting.
8.
Sacrificial Anodes Hopefully we are becoming more educated to their value
relative to their cost and most craft have them fitted in one form or another.
However, complacency should not be allowed to set in!
a) Do
NOT antifoul over them - under any circumstances.
b)
Tap them with a hammer to remove the deposit. Replace if wasted and change the
studs, if fitted, at the same time.
c)
Those moored in "fresh" water will find that the anode does not waste so
dramatically as a "calcium" like deposit forms over the surface and inhibits the
conductivity, causing the retaining stud to rust. Remove this deposit as
frequently
as possible.
d)
Finally, check all the internal wiring connections from the stud(s) to engine,
P-brackets, etc.
Please do write or make contact, with any useful information you may have to
give. Finally, an up-date on my own position.
Tom
Lack Multlhull Brokerage has had a very successful year, culminating with an
almost bare cupboard following the Moodys Used Boat Show in September. With the
need for a more technical and practicable back-up to the brokerage business, I
have now joined that partnership with my parents, which will also allow Father
to pursue and devote more time to his successful photographic work.
John
Lack, as a trading business, remains unchanged by this move and I am,
additionally, pleased to say that we have been appointed agents for the Yanmar
range of diesel engines and spares.
It Is
also my intention to continue to provide a full "After Sales" service to the
Bobcat and Catalac classes and the new Catalac owners and I are in basic
agreement that we shall be undertaking this service for their requirements and
clients.
Let
us all hope that despite the failure of the building company earlier this year,
a period of stability will follow, which can only be beneficial to the Owners'
Association and to the Class itself.
Sincerely,
John
How we earn a living
Amberdell Computer Technologies
Merritt Island, FL