I've been poking around looking for upgrade projects for the winter when sailing slows down a bit and I don't mind tearing up the boat. I found a few things that I thought I'd share with the group.....

1. I like the way they have trimmed out the V berth and aft cabin walls of the MK II with the ash battens along the wall. I called H & L Marine who is the company that has always made the Catalina teak components. It turns out that the ash battens are actually affixed to some thin plywood and sold as a panel. You can buy it from them cut to order. What really interested me is that they also make this batten paneling in TEAK which is much warmer and would fit in better on a MK I.

2. H & L also makes floorboards. They tell me that they have the same teak & holly plywood which was originally used for our floorboards. They will sell it by the panel or, if you are near L.A., they will take your floorboards, cut them to match AND finish them.

I plan to add this teak paneling to the walls of my V berth and aft cabin this winter, I think it will really warm up the interior. I will probably redo the floorboards as well. H & L's number is 323-636-1718 if you want to call for more info.

3. Just in case you haven't noticed, Catalina Direct is now selling new teak replacement "eyebrows" for the sides of our boats above the windows. This piece has been discussed here before in terms of how hard it is to keep nice. Supposedly, it's a bit beefier than the original and less prone to being broken or cracked by an errant footstep. Just like new rub rails or lifelines, replacing the eyebrows will surely enhance the exterior of the boat, especially if yours have gotten a little ratty over the years like mine have.

Hope this gives my fellow MK I'ers some ideas for winter projects. When I get to 'em, I'll post pictures and write-ups.

Mike