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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

A couple of Questions

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budd
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/13/2006 : 22:20:29

What cockpit cushions do you use, I see there are several different types, the ones from Catalina Direct, which of course are made for our boats but they are a little pricie; Then the closed cell from West Marine, Like the price but the size is a little off. ?
Also i have a new Tohotsu 9.8 LS- electric start motor, does it have a alternator that charges the battry when its running
Thanks
Bud

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 09:12:46

Hi Bud, I believe that the Tohatsu 9.8 LS does have an alternator (ours does)
If you have a gps that is hooked to the boat 12v system you can tell!
Just find the menu item that allows you to display the system voltage.
Then with the engine off, note the voltage on the screen, then with the engine running note that the voltage should go up significantly (you might see 13v!)

If you don't have a connected gps, then you can do the same thing with a digital voltmeter (an analog voltmeter will work too, but it's only a tiny needle movement from 12v to 12.5v)
Connect the voltmeter to any 12v points (remove a lamp, 12v auto connection) on the boat and you should see the change in voltage.

Paul.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 09:38:21

Bud,

It's very unlikely a motor with an electric starter would not also be equipped with a means of recharging the battery. However, it is quite possible what ever is supposed to be charging isn't. I second Paul's suggestion you have a digital multi-meter on board. They've become so inexpensive, one could easily afford to stash one at home and in each vehicle.

-- Leon Sisson

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 09:42:18

According to the information on Online Outboards, the current model of Tohatsus with electric start all have charging capability. Older models is another situation.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 10:13:23

Here are the Tohatsu specs: http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/9_8_4st_spec.html

I've used the grey closed cell WM cushions for years. They're a little short, but work just fine, at roughly a tenth the price of fitted cushions. They float in the water for swimming or, heaven forbid, if someone falls overboard.

Brooke

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 11:38:10

I just kept a collection of Type IVs--easy to store... put them anywhere as seat cushions or backrests... Use them in the cockpit or on the foredeck... Sit on two if you want to sit higher... Use one for a surprise MOB drill... If somebody actually does go overboard, litter the water with 'em... If you hole the boat and it goes down like a rock, they'll be there for ya!

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 12:02:21

Good point Dave.
I was thinking of replacing my full length original CD direct cockpit cushions with smaller individual types. The only problem with that idea is that the dog needs cushions for traction.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 12:39:08

"...with that idea is that the dog needs cushions for traction."

Dog onboard? Cover the seats (or other dog traction areas) with indoor/outdoor carpeting using velcro sticky-tape to hold it place. Then you can use whatever cushions you want. There's also 'sticky-back' carpeting available, but I haven't tried that on the boat... tho it seems to work well around the house.

Your dog will thank you.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 13:40:04

I agree with Dave Bristle about Type IV PFDs being versatile. That's what I sit and lay on in the cockpit and on deck.

I hadn't considered the dog traction issue. My cats move around onboard like monkeys with Velcro paws.

If they need extra traction, it would be at the toerails and on top of the bimini and sail cover!

Wouldn't that be a sight? Shag carpet bimini and sailcover, indoor/outdoor for nonskid.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 20:33:09

My stock Catalina foam cockpit cushions are in the dock box, I sit on throwables too.

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budd
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2006 : 23:49:49

Thanks for all the replies. I"ll stock on some more throwables plus I will try a closed cell from WM; Thanks again Guys
Bud

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2006 : 18:33:36

the four stroke and the two stroke 9.8 definitely have alternators if they have electric starts.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2006 : 19:11:40

Hi Bud, these work great and are fairly inexpensive. Cheers.

http://www.dealtime.com/xGS-Seat%20Cushion%20128%20Qt?redir=1&CLT=XPO1

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2006 : 21:03:56

I like the folding seat type cushions, I picked them up on sale at West Marine last year. You can use them flat or fold them for a seat with back rest.

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dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2006 : 22:33:29

Bud,

I was looking into adding cockpit cushons as well and was quite supprised at the price. I went to a local furniture upolstry guy and found that it was about the same price to have the cushons made. The benifet was that I got cushons that fit purfectly and I was able to get them made in 4 pieces so that one piece could be removed when there is a lot of traffic on and off the boat without having to remove an entire side.. I was also able to pick the exact color I wanted as well as pick the type of foam and thickness I wanted. I am very pleased with doing it this way and I got cuchons made exactly how I wanted them for only about 50 bucks more.

Dave

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2006 : 06:48:10

Dave, with 20/20 hindsite, we would have taken that route too. The cockpit cushions (port-n-stbd) would be much better as 4 rather than 2 for the exact reason you state. We put a towel on the dockside cushion (when 'alongside' rather than when 'tied astern'), that helps keep them clean from foot/sole debris. Another advantage would be the issue of securing them (on the C250). The manufactured cushions have 2 stud fasteners (fore-n-aft). The aft ones attach to the top of the cockpit lockers, when you raise the locker lid, the cushion has to strain on the fwd stud, one of ours has already ripped from the edge of the cushion.
I think the point made about the throwable cushions which double as a backrest are very valid too.

Whatever way an owner decides, cushions in the cockpit if you are cruising (and for those that like to just go day-sailing

too.) are a must for older butts and are well worth the expense.

Paul.

Edited by - britinusa on 10/18/2006 06:48:43

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