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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Pop-top and sink pump question

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pcumberpatch
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/27/2010 : 18:55:55

It's another newbie here and we'd like to ask for some seasoned advice as we're brand new to the world of C-25 swing keel pop tops!

1. There isn't an "obvious" (to me, anyway) way to secure the pop-top in the up position, short of tying a line around the hatch forward to the mast! Is our newly acquired heart's desire lacking an integral bit of kit?

2. Where would the water pump be located that charges the fresh water sinks in galley and head?

Awaiting divine/experienced intervention!\Thanks!

John and Paige in Annapolis

Edited by - on

Even Chance
Captain

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USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2010 : 19:05:46

John and Paige:

There's supposed to be a sliding hook in the kerf (slot) of the mast. You raise the pop top against the mast, slide the hook up over the downturned rim of the pop top, and tighten a knurled wheel to make it stay. If yours is missing, visit catalinadirect.com.

The water system isn't pressurized (on most C25s). You should have a small pump handle on the side of the faucet. My 1985 boat has Whale Flipper faucets -- you move the lever back and forth to get the water flowing.

Edited by - on

bouy
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2010 : 19:09:20

Catalina Direct offers a pop top latch that fits into the sail track on the mast Item #D1219 $28.57. You may also consider the larger aluminum nut (Item #Z1909 $2.50) instead of the plastic one that comes with the latch, that secures the latch to the mast channel.

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pcumberpatch
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2010 : 19:13:40

Thanks, Brooke!
You really saved us a lot of head scratching! Beautiful weekend forecast ahead, so it's maiden voyage of as-yet-unamed (though already well-loved) C-25 planned for tomorrow!

Thanks!

John and Paige

Edited by - on

pcumberpatch
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2010 : 19:15:06

Thanks, Bouy! Much obliged!

Paige

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Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2010 : 19:47:52

Paige,

You probably already know this, but I'll say it just in case you don't: The pop-top is very heavy and if allowed to free-fall will cause great suffering of anyone whose fingers (or toes) might be underneath. Given that, I never get underway with the top up. I think it is generally agreed that the top should be down and dogged if you are underway.

Also, as you get more familiar with your boat and develop more questions, this is a great place to ask... I've often wondered how many years of Catalina 25 sailing experience is represented here! I know I've learned more here on this forum than all my years boating put together. BTW, I'm just across the Bay on Kent Island if you need any help. Might be a little light on the wind this weekend, but you should have fabulous weather otherwise.

Welcome to the forum!

Here is a link you might want to keep handy: http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?model=eta&Submit=Change+Source&state=MD&sta=KNAK

Edited by - on

pcumberpatch
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2010 : 06:14:29

Thanks, Tom! Local knowledge question: is Fleet 8 our local fleet for the Annapolis/KI area?

Our membership check is barely out the door and already we've learned so much on the forum! So here's another question!

We learned here that the water system isn't pressurized; our boat hasn't been used for a long time and there's no water in the lines. Do you have to charge (prime) the lines in order for the faucet/toliet pump to operate? We don't seem to be able to draw water from just pumping the sink handle.

Thanks!

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4018 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2010 : 07:22:14

The sink handles/faucet should self prime. The head might need water dumped in the bowl to prime it and get it going. This is assuming you have all the valves open and the faucet and head are in working order and you have water in the tank. You might ask the P.O the last time these were used and if they work.

Edited by - islander on 08/28/2010 07:23:56

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2010 : 15:10:31

That "pop-top slide lock" is shaped like an upside down small letter h. When not in service holding the pop-top up, it slides a foot or so down the kerf to the mast step.

Bon yoyage!

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9075 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2010 : 15:46:59

I'll throw in a commercial for Catalina Direct's [url="http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=4&ParentCat=5"]C-25 Owner's Handbook[/url], which is essentially their catalog for our boats, with replacements and upgrades for many things. For example, in addition to the replacement hook discussed above, they carry a gas strut kit that makes reduces the weight of the pop-top for lifting and lowering by more than half. I know one person who bought the kit after wrenching his back to the point of not being able to sail for a while.

Anyway, I recommend the handbook. For the initial $10, you get free updates (to prices as well as products) in the mail each year. You can see most of the stuff on their site, but the book has other discussions and ideas... I think you'll find it $10 well spent.

Edited by - on

Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2010 : 18:27:11

Paige,

As to your first question about Fleet 8, I don't know.

As to the question about the water pumps, I'll tell you what I did with my boat. You don't say what year your boat is, but I think it is fairly typical that Catalina used Whale Gusher Mark IV pumps. Here's a picture:

If this is what your pump looks like, you very probably need to disassemble, clean it out, and reassemble using a rebuild kit like this one:

which is available from Defender for $20.

Over the years, gunk builds up in the lines, tank, and the pumps and they eventually need to be cleaned and/or replaced. The pump is very simple and dependable, but has parts that eventually wear out (mostly rubber gaskets and valves). Once these parts wear out, the pump can't hold its prime and is unable to pump water. It's an easy fix, and if you have a few basic hand tools you can rebuild both pumps in a morning or afternoon. The pump in the head is easy to reach, the pump in the galley, not so much. I actually removed the water tank and replaced all the lines. While I had the galley cabinets out, I rebuilt the galley hand pump. It's a lot easier with the cabinet out of the way, I promise you. Also, I would NOT use the water on board for potable water... After cleaning out the tank and replacing the lines in my boat, I can assure you you do not want to drink the water! You might want to check your water lines (you can usually get a good look under the afte quarter berth or by removing the drawers in the galley under the sink. If the lines look black, they could be clogged with Lord knows what!

A word of advice: If you haven't already, start a separate bookmarks menu for your boat - maybe two; one for fun and one for fixing. In addition to Catalina Direct mentioned by the esteemed Dave Bristle, I would also add:

www.JamestownDistributors.com

www.defender.com

And of course there is West Marine. Here in Annapolis, you simply must stop by "Bacon's Sails" over on Legion behind the Goodwill on West Street. It is a veritiable treasure trove of parts and information. Great people there!

Edited by - Tom Gauntt on 08/28/2010 18:28:32

mrapkins
Navigator

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USA
124 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2010 : 07:49:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pcumberpatch
 Thanks, Tom! Local knowledge question: is Fleet 8 our local fleet for the Annapolis/KI area?

Our membership check is barely out the door and already we've learned so much on the forum! So here's another question!

We learned here that the water system isn't pressurized; our boat hasn't been used for a long time and there's no water in the lines. Do you have to charge (prime) the lines in order for the faucet/toliet pump to operate? We don't seem to be able to draw water from just pumping the sink handle.

Thanks!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm currently the Captain of Fleet 8. If you have questions, here I am!

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2010 : 08:19:03

I hate to state the obvious, but if the boat has not been used for some time, has anyone checked the water tank for water?

Edited by - frog0911 on 08/29/2010 08:20:36

pcumberpatch
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2010 : 12:16:38

The C-25 manual is my new bedside reading, I've asked Santa for the pop-top power strut kit, and I'm resting up to attack the sink pump. Thanks to all for great advice!
Paige

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2010 : 04:26:47

I added a line with a snap to keep the top from falling. I found the screw would come loose and the mast clip would fall without me knowing it.

.
.

Also secures one of my extravagant sound systems..

Edited by - on

skrenz
Captain

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USA
351 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2010 : 14:43:59

If you fill the water tank and it has a leak in one of the hoses, it will put about 2" of water in the bilge. Don't ask me how I know

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