This is an o!d topic but nothing recent. Our rigger just noticed a horizontal crack in the tang just under the furler. Obviously it needs to be replaced. Talked with Catalina Direct and whereas the cost is reasonable to manufacture a replacement, the minimum 6 weeks is not. Duane Ising, our former Commodore used Garhauer for less dollars and fast turn around Anyone else have recent experience you might want to share? How about welding? At least this happened in the summer before the sailing starts in Florida.
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David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
I don't have anything to add as far as the two replacement options. I would be reluctant to have it welded, personally. The stem on my boat is still the original one,. I'm thinking about replacing it just to remove the potential failure point.
'86 Catalina 36
Work in progress!
Just replaced mine in the spring. Garhauer was very good to work with and the replacement is excellent. One caution I have is to make sure that if you bend the old one getting it off - bend it back before sending it to Garhauer or Catalina which ever way you go. In several threads here - members complained of gaps when mounting the replacement and I would guess that is the reason. Test fit the old one back onto the bow to make sure it will be a good template. I had to cut the rubrail at the bow to get the old one off after an hour of prying and swearing. I would have removed the rubber and just cut the aluminum if I had to do it again. Hind sight! Used an oscillating tool to cut through the 5200 that was holding the old one on and to clean up the boat for the new one. I bought a wifi scope that was somewhat useful but not to the extent I had hoped. A lot of blind reaching with tools - takes some real patience!
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
David: Look at this thread https://www.catalina36.org/forum/technical-discussion/how-install-new-fo...
There are some ideas there. But this thread is one of those that complained of a gap when the new one is installed. I pried at mine for some time before giving up and just cutting the rub rail. So - I had to reshape it for it to fit right. One member from the thread above said he pulled the rubber rub rail out and down. Then cut a section of the aluminum rail out. I just cut the center of the aluminum rail (and rubber), pried it open and removed the stem fitting. I plan to reshape the aluminum part around the stem fitting, then replace the entire rub rail rubber piece (it has seen better days any way and won't stay in place well.
You might think about removing the aluminum piece that rounds the stem first, then replace when the new stem is installed. If you pulled on your old stem with a halyard - make sure it still fits right before sending to Garhauer. The new one is much heavier and will be very difficult to bend to shape.
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Thanks Harold. All good options for consideration. I'm not sure we could pull the 20 year rub rail away from the aluminum and down but will discuss with the rigger. Definitely correct about the shape of the fitting. The rigger is aware of that and did not want to pry at it much. Will report back the decision.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
For a progress report, after much discussion with the riggers and considering what some of you suggested, the rigger was able to pull the rubber rub rail out of the aluminum track. He then removed several of the screws attaching the track to the hull and made a single cut with an oscillating saw on the port side. This allowed him to move the track enough to remove the stem fitting without bending or otherwise creasing the track. Once this is reasembled, the slot where the cut was made will hardly be noticeable and should look like the other joints along the track. I have sent the fitting off to Garhauer and will report back when it is returned and installed.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
This project is done. Once the riggers removed the stem fitting, as previously reported, I sent the fitting off to Garhauer to fabricate a new one. which was returned to us within 11 days. It was certainly more robust. The only issue was that the mounting holes on the horizontal portion did not line up with the holes in the deck. They were also larger, 3/8 vs. 5/16. After addressing that issue, a terrific fit. From the attached picture, you will note that the rub rail track went back perfectly, as did the rubber rub rail. The cut in the track is only noticeable by me. Although I do support Catalina Direct and have used it in the past, Garhauer provided superior service at less cost and faster turn around time.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
David can you provide contact info for Garhauer for this stem fitting replacement. I am thinking it will be on my to-do list shortly.
Thanks. Jeff.
Jeff D
Island Time
'84 MK-I SR/FK #273
Kemah, TX
Jeff, I believe I dealt with Mark at Garhauer at 909-985-9993. I think he has a 36 and knew exactly the issue and what I needed.
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
Glad that worked out David and thanks for taking the time to post that valuable information.
See you out there.
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'