[C38] New Owner - feedback

Wed Oct 26 12:02:22 EDT 2011

Hey Mark, Here's my two cents:

2: Owner's manual: As far as I know, there's no specific manual for the C38.
I just came with a general Catalina manual that just shows how to take care
of sails a regular maintenance.... We have around 60 technical drawings from
Catalina on the website that might help a lot.
4: I don't live in the US, but I have heard that CNG is expensive and very
hard to get. That propane is the way to go...
The osiginal stove on estancia was querosene, and the PO installed a seaward
propane conversion kit. It works great. Besides bringing the boat to CR,
that was the only good thing he did for her!
6-tiller to wheel... This is expensive if you buy all new, but really cheap
if you get all the used parts. Go to minneys, or check on ebay..I have seen
lost of pedestals with all the parts needed going really cheap.. Just in
case, contact David, owner of Intemperance.He removed his pedestal and
installed a tiller. The whole assembly is very easy to install, but I guess
that the fiberglass rudder tube in the hull is one piece from the bottom of
the hull to the lazarette. This needs to be cut in order to install the
packing gland (which no matter what, always leaks into the hull....) and the
steering quadrant wheel. I don't know if the gland have been originally
installed on tiller models. If this is the case, your're lucky, otherwise
you have to haul the boat, take rudder out cut the tube, fiberglass the
gland and make a hole in the rudder post for the quadrant thru bolt....This
can be made easily in one day. and you get to inspect the rudder!
After this modification you'll still be able to use the tiller and install
the other hardware at your slip. The attached pic shows the arrangement on
that area.
What ever you do, just buy an Edson pedestals, the one with 6 7/8" top (336
I think), Not the 8". Yacht Speciaties is long gone and parts are almost
impossible to get. The one with a . There is a Edson parts list for the
steering assembly on the C38 site. Check that out. You can start by buying
the gland new from edson and install it, then, you can start looking for the
pedestal patiently..

6- There should be a couple of veeeeeeeery small drain holes under the toe
rail on each side. I don't know why Catalina didn't make them bigger..
The first ones are located right next to the most aft stanchions, and the
seconds about four feet after of the first ones.

7-Recently we found out that earlier models came with the light fixtures on
the head liner, and you're right, you can get to the wires and won't be able
to...They came fiberglassed when the interior head liner and deck were
joined  You'll have to look for alternatives. Isolate the ones with the
short, and install bulkhead lights on that areas,  like later models, or use
a wood channel for leading new wires, just like someone suggested earlier.
The only one you might be able to replace the wires, is the one above the
icebox, which can be accessed  from the port sail locker..

8- The C38s uses lead keels.They are bolted on, not encapsulated. Someone
might correct me, but I think the came with just gelcoat, not fiberglass.
You will find some at the hull to keel joint. The smile is no big problem,
just make sure on the yard that the nuts are tight, let dry the smile, and
then repair it. Is mostly cosmetic.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
MAx

 2011/10/21 Mark Lewis <mwlewis at comcast.net>

> My name is Mark Lewis, and I purchased hull #6 (1979) last December, based
> in Long Beach, CA.  Name was "Pokai" (owner said Hawaiian for "with the
> wind"…my google search says "night of the supreme one".  It is a bay in
> Hawaii, named after a ruler).  Planning on renaming the boat "Bluewater" (my
> reason for buying - former Great Lakes Sailor).****
>
> ** **
>
> The boat participated in the Congressional Cup series in the 80's and won
> the first Cat 38 race in 1980.  Attached is a Sports Illustrated article
> about the race you may find interesting.  Watched this years race and it was
> amazing how they can maneuver those boats.  The 12 identical current 37.5's
> donated by Catalina are very similar in dimension / sail area to ours.  Is
> it bad luck/manners to rename it?****
>
> ** **
>
> Forgive my "shotgun" approach on the following questions.  I numbered them
> so you could respond on one or two items, vs. the whole listserve, or refer
> me to an archive if you think one exists.   Thanks in advance.****
>
> ** **
>
> 1.  Trouble backing to Starboard - read Chapman's re single right turning
> prop favors port.  Any suggestions?****
>
> 2.  Owners Manual - don't have one.  Anyone scan their's to email?****
>
> 3.  Adler Barbour - Fridge has worked twice (ice cubes next morning).  Had
> freon checked, OK.  By passed thermostat, no joy.  Fan and compressor run.
> Control unit?****
>
> 4.  "Gas Systems" brand, range/oven - no gas connected.  CNG v. Propane?
> Preferences?****
>
> 5.  Tiller to wheel convertion - have tiller, would like to go to wheel.
> Ideas for finding used parts?****
>
> 6.  Rear decks retain water - rail has a lip that doesn't allow drainage so
> the boat collects dirt/water.  Anyone drill a hole under toe rail to drain?
> ****
>
> 7.  Two interior lites above galley and chart table have shorts - can't get
> to wires to replace.****
>
> 8.  Hull blisters and smile - boat hasn't been pulled since 2005.  Have
> pictures.  Smile both sides and diver says 60 - 80 blisters, which he
> describes as "typical".  I'm planning on pulling the boat this winter.
> Suggestions for $ pain for gain, materials / approaches?****
>
> 9.  Keel - is it encapsulated in fiberglass?  Is it lead or iron?****
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks again,  Mark.****
>
> ** **
>
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>
>

-- 
Max Soto
C38 #198 ESTANCIA
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
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