[C38] Sloping floor

[Tom T.]

We have a 1981 model 38 and on long offshore passage I wanted more fuel capacity but I didn't want to worry with using portable fuel containers, especially in rough seas.

We installed a "T" fitting in our fuel fill hose with barb fittings.  The third fitting is reduced to allow an outboard fuel hose to be attached.

When we want to top off our fuel tank connect the fuel hose from under the quarterberth to it.  After the tank is connected, we lift the portable tank to the starboard cockpit seat which allows gravity feed to the boat tank.  Since the cockpit seat is actually a few inches lower than the transom fuel vent, there is no possibility of fuel spillage in the water when the boat tank is completely filled.  We have topped off the boat tank in heavy seas and have never spilled even one drop of fuel using this technique, either in the boat or in the water.

If you want even more additional fuel capacity, just bring along a second 6 gal outboard tank  Two 6 gal tanks will actually fit over your anchor rode in the anchor locker which is a very safe place to store gasoline.

I installed this outboard tank system on my last few boats and it works great.  Other than one long cruise to the Fla Keys a few years ago, my boat has not been to a marine fuel dock in many years.  When we finish a trip, I top off the boat tank at the dock using this procedure which keeps our boat fuel tank full preventing condensation problems. 

It's a lot easier to tote a small 6 gal outboard tank to my dock than to drive almost 8 tons of Catalina 38 to a gas dock.

Tom Troncalli
#95
St. Pete, Fla


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To: Listserve at catalina38.org (Catalina 38 list)
Sent: 11/27/2007 1:05:01 PM 
Subject: [C38] Sloping floor


It appears that several changes were made to the Catalina 38 in 1982.  One of them was to change the sloping floor to a slight step down going forward.  We have the slope covered by a sole fitting carpet and nearly everyone who comes aboard for the first time nearly takes a tumble on the slope.  I would guess that the slope is safer after you get used to it being there.

Another 1982 change was the shape of the galley countertop.  The sinks appear to be moved outboard and the countertop raised about 2 inches.  The drop leaf counter extension was eliminated and an extra drawer was placed under the counter at its end.  I value my early model drop leaf table and the extra large dry storage locker that having the sinks inboard gives me.  But, it is a pain in the back using the lower countertop level.

I imagine that 1982 also brought the larger fuel tank with the larger cutout in the quarterberth platform.  Our cruising on the inside passage really warrants the larger fuel capacity, which I try to replicate with gerry cans of fuel on deck.  I was planning to add a larger tank, even moving the raw water intake, but I am concerned about engine access.  Que Linda was refitted with a Yanmar 3GM30 and the oil dip stick is aft on the starboard side of the engine.  If I add the larger tank, I doubt that I will have access to the dip stick and fuel pump/filter.  HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH DIESEL BLADDER TANKS?

Another change around 1982 was the step at the head of the v-berth.  The earlier C38s had a step below where the plug fits in the v-berth.  Later models have a bit more floor space when the plug is out.

Another circa 1982 change was the addition of a boarding ladder in the aft rail of the cockpit.

Anyone think of other 1982 changes?  I will write them up and submit them to the webpage.

Also what year did Catalina Yachts add the flush windows?  It must have been around 1987 or 1988.

Phil Gay
C38 049 Que Linda (a 1980 model)
Everett, WA
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