Hi,
I need to get the heat exchanger replaced, and I would like to get more access to the back of the engine. My mechanic told me the other Catalina 36 have more space in the back.
How look yours? and how should remove the back engine panel?
—
Ludovic François
Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA
Ludo,
The shelf/enclosure in the aft cabin is fastened in 3 places FROM THE INSIDE. You have to be somewhat of a contortionist, but if you reach up and outboard from the aqualift muffler, there will be a screw going through a wooden cleat into the outboard end of the shelf riser. There is also one on the inboard end of the shelf riser, and a screw going through the galley bulkhead into the shelf. There might be another, but those are the three I remember. Once I took them out, I drilled new holes so that I could fasten the shelf to the bulkheads from the OUTSIDE! Much easier the second time around. I've attached a pic showing where the screws were on my 1987 #659. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Ludo -
While you at it (replacing the heat exchanger), you might want to check out what several of us did -- we relocated the heat exchanger by mounting it to the front of the box that holds the center water tank:
See: https://www.catalina36.org/comment/56893#comment-56893
and https://www.catalina36.org/comment/57504#comment-57504.
It will make certain future maintenance chores much easier in terms of access, such as getting at the transmission fill, the rear engine mounts, and the heat exchanger zinc.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
I am going definitely to do this Matthew! Opening a new thread to make sure I order the good heat exchanger actually :)
Tom thank you for your great help, I was able to remove it! Now cleaning time and also making sure to put it back in an easier way to get it off next time :)
Ludovic François
Hotel Catalina - Catalina 36 Hull #883
Marina Del Rey, CA