This is  C36 MkII Tech Expert Tom Senator

And this is  Tom's toolbox

Hi there!

I'm Tom Senator.  I've been the Mark II Tech Notes editor for a few years now, and once thing I've learned is that no matter how much help either Tom Sokoloski or I try to give an owner, it doesn't help if you don't have the tools.  We owners tend to pick up tools as we need them -- but some tasks require special, single-task tools and they have to be custom made.  They're often not difficult to use -- but they're too expensive for an owner to buy to use once every five years or so, and owners become forced to to pay rather high boatyard costs for something we could have done ourselves if we only had the tool.

I currently have FOUR custom-designed single purpose tools -- designed for the Catalina 36. 

1.  I have a Deep-Dish Socket (I mean six sockets DEEP) -- designed to fit over the keel bolts so you can tighten them up.   It's actually several deep sockets cut and welded together.  You'll still have to provide your own torque wrench (the proper torque is 105 ft lbs.) - but if your Catalina 36 has the "smile" when it's pulled, it might be a good idea to tighten that baby back together.  A little muscle (well, considerable muscle) and a little time and the keel is tightened back up and the smile is gone.  

2.  I have a Cutless-Bearing Removal Tool.  When your boat is pulled, if there's extra play in your prop/shaft, you probably need to replace your cutless bearing.  This tool fits around the shaft, sort of like a gear puller (but in reverse) as it pushes the cutless bearing out, allowing relatively easy replacement.  The actual time it takes to remove the cutless bearing is only a few minutes -- if you have the tool.

AND, two new tools were added in June 2006...

3.  An Optical Tachometer has been added to the toolbox, so you can accurately & easily set your tachometer.  An instruction sheet has also been been added to simplify the process.  The time it takes to set your tach?  Including the time to remove your engine cover and the facia plate on your gauge, maybe 45 minutes?    The actual process of connecting the tools and setting the tach is only a few minutes. 

4.  And we added a Loos Gauge, to set up/tune your standing rigging.

So here's the deal...   I'll make these available for loan to C36IA members.  NO COST -- except to pay the postage both ways, and you need to return the tool so I have them back in my toolbox for next member to borrow.   I just figured it doesn't make a lot of sense to leave a tool sitting unused in a box -- and as long as I have the tools, maybe I help another C36IA member out.

These tools are in frequent use, so we need you to return them promptly so it's available for next member's use.  

Sound like there's a catch?  No catch.  Just pay the postage and return it on time.  This is an honor system, and if you know anything about me, I'm a man of honor (just ask my fellow officers).

If you're interested, complete the boxes below, provide a 'good' telephone number and email address, and I'll get back to you to on how the tool works, and how we'll work this out.  And if there's a tool you need that's not listed, please ask and I'll see what I can do to help you out.

- Tom

Tom Senator
Mk II Tech Notes Editor