Welcome Ross. I just upgraded from a 1981 US27 to a 1984 C36. What a great boat! In my days-long experience I can tell you that a thorough check of the electrical system will be in order. Electrical systems are real voodoo science to me; after a lifetime I still have trouble getting my head around it. All very well installing new stuff but troubleshooting a 25 yr-old setup is like herding gremlins. The good news is that there are so many good resources available. This site and its literature and experts are invaluable, and I would also suggest spending lots of time on the C34 site's technical pages.

Good luck!

-nick

Congratulations! What hull number are you? I also have a 1987, so if you have anything specific, I might be able to help. There is a ton of information available here; if it deals with the C36, it's likely been discussed here somewhere.

Anyway looking forward to hearing about how your work with it progresses!

Ross and Joanne, welcome. I was just welcoming another new C36 owner to this forum yesterday, and the first thing I ask is that you click on "UserCP", in the upper left corner of this page, and set up an automated signature. Use my signature below as a guide of the kind of information to include. In order for us to help you, we all need to know more about your boat.

Another hint for newbies: if you get involved in a project on your boat, please take LOTS of digital photos along the way. It's surprisingly easy with photos in hand to write (or let us help you write) a technical article that would be a valuable contribution to the C36IA's JibSheet, Mainsheet, or the Technical libraries on our website. (We're a one-stop shop: you write the article and send the photos to your Mk I, MkII, or 375 tech editors, and we'll edit and direct it to the proper publication.) Thanks.

Ross and Joanne,
WELCOME! Your have bought an awesome boat. You might want to consider joining C36/375IA. As a paid member, you would have access to all of the technical pages on this website, including the Upgrades and Maintenance Sections. You might also want to consider joining for 3 years. With a three year membership, you receive a free Tech Notes CD, which contains all of the Mainhseet Tech Notes (going back to 1984), plus over 40 owner's manuals, plus a TON of other info. Many owners have said that joining the Association has been the best money they have spent on their boats!

Great to have you aboard, I am sure you are all tingly from your new aquisition. Please lean on us if we can help.

Steve

Welcome Ross and Joanne.

As others have told you, the C36 is a great boat. However all older boats have potential issues. Many of these are discussed on this site. A couple of things that I have not seen discussed here, but have had problems with on my boat are:

First, I had a situation where the antifreeze had not been changed frequently enough. When antifreeze gets old it becomes acidic and causes corrosion in the engine. The aluminum parts in the engine sacrifice themselves to protect the cast iron engine block and head. The aluminum corosion products build up and can block cooling passages in the engine. In my case, the corrosion blocked a small passage between the thermostat housing and the head resulting in reduced circulation and a cracked head. The easy way to see if you have a problem is to remove the thermostat and see if there is a lot of corrosion under the thermostat.

The second potential problem area that I see often on older Catalinas is the teak trim that extend along each side of the companion way cover. These are fastened with screws covered by teak plugs. The trim covers the screws that hold down the cover over the sliding companionway cover. On my boat, and I suspect many others, atmospheric dirt collected under the trim and created dams so water could not drain. This caused standing water over the companionway screws, and the water entered the core in this area. The only way to check for a problem is to remove the teak plugs and trim.

Enjoy your boat.

Welcome to the forum. I remember when I had my '86 I envied my buddy's '87 because you get the white laminate tops and the new style windows. You have a great boat. The key to your maintenance issues almost always turns out to be the diligence of the prior owner. I bought my current '91 in '99 and have had very few issues because my PO was on top of the regular maintenance. Whatever might come up on yours, you can be sure that one of us here have dealt with it, so just ask.

Have Fun, Mike