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debbieandpat
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/23/2006 : 11:37:37

We are new to sailing and have just purchased a 25'Catalina (1984)We are putting it in the water on a lake for the first time. I have never done this before. When we were at a marine supply they sold us a rubber plug for the boat. Is this the correct hull plug? Any information will be greatly appreciated.

debbieandpat

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 11:53:04

First off congratulations on your purchase and welcome to this site! I'm sure you will be finding tons of useful information here. About the hull plug, our C-25s do not have one, at least I have never heard of them having one. The only holes my boat has are the through hulls for the sinks/head and my keel cable. I bought some wooden plugs that are hammered in if one fails in an emergency.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 11:56:52

We are anxious to help but need more info and a photo would help. Where do you sail?

Edited by - on

debbieandpat
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 13:03:12

We have rented a slip at Silverwood Lake in Southern California. This is in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 13:36:29

Hi Debbie,

I just read your profile, and I can't tell if you've got a Catalina 25, or a Macgregor ... which is it? What kind of keel does your boat have ... a swing keel, a fixed/fin keel, or a wing keel?

BTW, I did about the same thing y'all did ... when I bought my boat I had no idea how to sail it, rig it, or anything else. Please don't be embarrassed to ask questions ... many of us here started exactly the same way.

Welcome to the group!

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 13:39:09

Welcome debbieandpat, and congratulations on choosing such a fine boat! (That is, unless it turns out you actually bought a MacGregor, not a Catalina.

) I encourage you to browse through the archive of previous messages on this website when you find time. I think you may find some information buried in there which could be helpfull to a new C25 owner.

As mentioned above, these boats do not normally have a drain plug in the hull. Some sailboat owners install a drain plug to take care of any water which might find its way into their boat while it's up on blocks during long term work. However, such plugs are typically made of bronze with pipe threads, and get screwed into a metal plate permanently installed in the hull at the lowest point in the bilge, usually near the center of the boat. If what you've got there looks like a quick release rubber and metal version of a wine bottle cork, those are used in the transom of a small trailerable motorboat.

However, spending money on stuff you don't really need is something you'll likely get used to while owning a boat!

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - Leon Sisson on 11/01/2006 10:40:09

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 14:56:40

Hi Debbieandpat,

Welcome to the Catalina forum. I'm excited for you two and can't wait till the mystery of the 84 MacGreggor Catalina that you bought is solved.

Val on Calista, # 3936 C-25 ('83), Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 15:50:38

It would make more sense for a MacGreggor to have a hull plug.....most powerboats do. If it is the model that you can hang a 50 hp motor on, it might have a plug. Cheers.

Edited by - on

StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 16:31:02

My bet is that it's a plug for a thru hole transducer. Mine came with one so I can pull the paddle wheel and quickly insert the plug for cleaning the wheel. I keep it wire tied to the transducer for emergencies.

Edited by - on

dblitz
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2006 : 21:02:46

Transducer plugs aren't really rubber, they're a hard plastic that screws down into the shaft. The ones I've seen anyway. Don't lose yours, because my knotmeter didn't come with one and (of course) it fouled on the Hudson after a week in the water. When the boat gets pulled in a couple of weeks, I'll probably be interrupting a barnacle orgy in the knotmeter.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2006 : 21:33:57

Sounds like the equivalent of a small dinghy sailor cockpit plug. Do you have a picture.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 08:49:41

Their profile bio: "RN and Attorney new to sailing, just bought a 1984 MacGregor 25' Catalina"

Me thinks they have a Mac.

(Fine boat, indeed, Leon...) If so, it could well have a hull drain, but the plug should screw in--it shouldn't be a rubber "cork".

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/01/2006 08:51:43

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 09:15:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Me thinks they have a Mac.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yup--they're happily ensconced on the Trailersailor Mac forum.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 10:08:24

So what was the plug for Dave?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 11:17:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by fhopper@mac.com
 So what was the plug for Dave?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Something to do with the centerboard...

Edited by - on

saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 19:13:25

An attorney and a nurse were on a boat......................[insert punchline here]. Welcome folks!! NEW MEAT!!! All of us have been right where you are at one point or in one manner or another. Prophetic words of advice:

1) If you think you are about to do something that has even the remote possibility of drawing attention to your embarrassing, self- inflicted circumstance; stop, think, and then do it out of sight of others, especially in the marina.

2) In the begining, slower is better, especially under power when ingressing or egressing from the slip. Plan ahead what you want to do, and never push a bad situation compounding the consequences of your actions; and if you do, refer to item #1.

3)Make sure to outfit your boat with a set of snorkeling gear, trebble hooks, fishing line, and a large magnet to retrieve all of the cruicial equipment you accidentally drop over the side just as West Marine is closing. If you do have to "swim" for it, agian refer to item #1.

4) Safety, Safety, Safety!!! If you find yourself in a situation that has the potential to be life threatening, SOS, MAYDAY, FLARES AWAY, DEPLOY THE RAFT, ABANDON SHIP. Have the neccessary equipment and know how and when to use them. If you find yourself in a potentially life threatening situation, ignore item #1.

5)DO NOT YELL AT YOUR SPOUSE FOR ANY REASON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. The offender will pay for this indiscretion eventually, usually under cruel and unusal circumstances. Usually the one who controls the check-book is not AS enthustic about sailing as the one who does not. You will learn the hardway just when you NEED that new mainsail.

6) Do not refer to her as the "Admiral" to anyone in her presence. As a matter of fact forget the word altogether. It is cute right up until th point you realize your indisretion. There are no admirals outside of the Navy anyway. Punishment under item #5 has the potential to be instituted as well as a slp to the back of the head as soon as you are alone with her.

7) Make alot of time for taking part in non-sailing events with your spouse. I recommend giving up the days when the wind is extremely light and/or mediocre. Do what "SHE" wants to do 2 times out of three. This way you can sail when you REALLY REALLY want to and she has nothing to say about it. Yardwork/housework is a good way of racking up points. Keep a keen eye on the weather so you can cash in your chips when it matters most.

8) "It is always better to ask for forgiveness than to get permission." Forget you have ever heard this redicilous statement. Whoever thought it up was NOT married to MY wife. If you test this theory, you may again be subject to the punishments as outlined in item#5, as well as being forced to become intimate with your boat since you are now sleeping on it "full time".

9) As with sailboats, one spouse will sail more often than the other, and will become more confident and proficient in his boat and abilities. Healing over 30 degrees and tossing the tiller over to your spouse so you can adjust something is a scenario to avoid. All of the items above have to potential to apply. Get her acclimated to steering and knowing the capabilities and limits of the boat before you suddenly decide right "now" is the best time for her to learn, just as she has been paralized with fear.

10) Kids and pets are a full time job on a boat. If you do not keep your eye on them every minute, you may end up one less. When everyone comes back safely it is a success, but it is not over until everyone is in the car on the way home. If your sailing trip did not leave you with a sense of peace, exhileration, or a sincere craving for more, you are doing somehting wrong.

Learn & enjoy. You have not chosen to become sailors, it has chosen you at soome point.

Edited by - saribella on 11/01/2006 19:21:03

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 22:29:38

Well said, Matthew! But Debby and Pat are probably gone to the Mac board.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/01/2006 22:32:28

Alan Clark
Captain

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406 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2006 : 22:38:38

They can always learn on a mac and than move on up to Catalina!

Edited by - on

pegasus
1st Mate

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USA
65 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2006 : 10:55:13

What did Judge Smells say in Caddyshack - "The world needs ditch-diggers, too." Mac sailers - how unsavory...

I'm just kidding, of course. When I bought my -25 I spotted the two through-hulls, the knot meter and depth meter mounts and marched directly to West Marine to procure a bag of wooden through hull plugs. Better safe than sorry?

BTW, I saw a Mac motoring around the other day - It must have been cutting 20 knots. It was strange seeing a boat moving that fast - with a mast and boom!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2006 : 10:10:56

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pegasus
 ...BTW, I saw a Mac motoring around the other day - It must have been cutting 20 knots. It was strange seeing a boat moving that fast - with a mast and boom!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I'm sure they love having people gawk at them! It is quite a sight.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 11/04/2006 : 12:30:08

I'm sure they love having people gawk at them! It is quite a sight. - Dave

You've got that right, Dave ... how would you like to see this thing coming at you?!

Edited by - on

dblitz
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2006 : 09:42:13

Buzz:
That pic was great. Thanks for the laugh.

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 07:21:16

There's two of them at my marina.

One of them zooms around all day just like the one in the picture Buzz posted. The other Mac is in the slip directlty behind me and the owners never, ever take it out. The owners do come down at night to sit in the cockpit and the lady actually wears a horseshoe PFD whenever she's onboard while the boat sits in the slip.

Strange sights indeed.

Edited by - oldsalt on 11/07/2006 08:29:09

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 08:04:49

I have one down a few boats from me, they both wear life jackets at all times. They sail absolutely flat, have never had a sail all the way up and leave thir toy halyards slapping when they leave. This generates me climbing on their boat which you can only do off a dock box at the bow because the coamings are so high I can't get on their boat any other way. The deck flexes a lot, the rigging is of a size for a daysailer, the nonskid is non functioning, it is the biggest load I have ever been around. I can find something I like about all sailboats except this one. The biggest violation of all is that they are sold to people too ignorant to know what they are buying. We have three at our lake, two bought by newbies who will soon quit sailing and one was bought by knowledgeable trailer sailors who enjoy it and have a 9.9 hp ob. When they get to their rendezvous they are the big boat and that is cool.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 11:36:20

Some good friends bought a Venture (the old Mac brand-name) 22--actually a quick little boat, and about as well built as our 17' O'Day, which is to say not bad. They waited for a "windy" day (figuring that's what sailboats are for) to teach themselves how to sail on it, so at first it scared the $h!+ out of them... Later they became hooked on sailing and now cruise the Chesapeake in a 30-something-foot Beneteau. Sometimes those little Clorox bottles serve a function...

Edited by - on

dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2006 : 10:48:48

Congratulations on your purchase..!!! I also have an 84 25ft Tallrig. since your in Southern California come on down to San Diego/Mission Bay to meet Fleet 7. You will find 5 (maybe 6)25ft Catalina's all at the same marina and on the same dock.. :-) We have a great time sharing stories and lending (receiving in my case)advise.. As an added benifet there are lots of sailing supplie stores near by.. :-)

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