Hi, all.
I have a new issue ("issue" being a question or problem but I'm not sure which yet :)):
As you can see in the attached pic, there is a crack in the stem fitting. The funny thing is that the crack is in an odd place - not at a joint, not near the base or a weld - almost as if the steel has flexed fore and aft for so many years that it's starting to come in half.
Have any of you ever had this happen or does yours have this crack?
Is it likely to come apart under stress? Or because it's running ACROSS the long part, is it more likely to split in half longitudinally and thus both remaining halves could still bear the load of the jib?
I have to admit I don't know how many years it's been like that. I just now noticed it.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
BTW, there is another one just like it on the other side.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Ben,
This looks very strange, it is so perfectly straight and centered I would question if it was two pieces welded together a machined down. It is not where I would expect it to crack under load. I might suggest emailing this picture to Catalina for their take on this unless others jump forward with ideas.
Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas
Ben,
If you look carefully, you will see that the stem fitting is indeed two pieces of roughly 1/4" SS welded together and ground smooth to form a roughly 1/2" stem fitting. I would call CY and get their opinion. My guess is that it is no big deal. I would put a few drops of something like Captain Trolley's to keep water out and expanding the crack.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Interesting. Thanks, guys. I'll call Catalina about it and post what they say.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Tom is correct (who would ever doubt him?). As longs as the other parts of the seam weld are sound, it should not be an issue, but I would get Catalina's advice on it.
I had a different type of cracking on my stem fitting last year and Catalina sent me directly to Garhauer to get a new one made. It required sending the old one to them. I guess that manufacturing items to engineering drawings was not so common in 1999. The good news is that they eliminated the stress-riser in the remade fitting and it should last "forever."
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I had a crack in the joint where the stem was welded to the small roller. This one isn't exactly a crack, it is two pieces (you could see that when I took mine off). I took mine to Catalina in Woodland Hills (they still have a presence there). They got a new one made, I don't know if they sent it to Garhauer. If this is a vertical weld coming apart, it may not need replacement.
Dan
S/V Tao 1983
S/V Tao
Catalina 36
1983, Hull #114
I sent this question to Catalina. Warren (the engineer) doesn't think it's urgent, but he recommends I replace it from Catalina Direct (or somewhere else) fairly soon.
The problem I have with Catalina Direct on this particular part, is that if they get the measurement wrong and the new part doesn't fit, they won't refund my money or make a new one, so I'd be totally on the losing end of that deal. Seems to me that this fitting needs to be perfect, right?
I've thought about taking the fitting off and having a welder here in Miami make me a new one from this one.
How have others solved this in the past?
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Ben, maybe you missed my post. Catalina told me to send the old one to Garhauer and they would make an exact replica, but in the newer style. I did so and was happy with what I got back. It was a very reasonable price, too.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Hi, Duane. No, sorry. I miss that one. Thanks so much for the heads-up! I think that's what I'll do to. Do you remember about how much the charged?
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
Ben, I normally keep accurate expense records and save receipts, but I can't seem to find that one. I believe they charged $150 including shipping. You should call to ask. They are great to work with.
Good luck.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thanks, Duane. I will.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263