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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Gauge removal

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/12/2012 : 07:12:16

We removed our masthead unit some time ago, and have found that the gauges don't work very well without the sending unit. In fact, they don't work at all, no matter how much I try to Jedi them into action. I guess its hard to judge windspeed and direction without a vane and anemometer.

We also haven't missed the gauges at all since they stopped reading. In fact, its one less worry while sailing.

To that end, I am considering patching over the holes where they once were. Other folks who have ventured down this road, can you offer any insights? I am considering a couple approaches to the fix right now, ranging from plugs and mounting plates for chartplotters to a full repair with new gelcoat. Part of me says keep the holes inplace for a reinstall of the gauges in case I decide I want to resurrect them, but part of me says that holes are opportunities for water to enter the boat, no matter how well plugged. A tough decision.

I am not interested in the "tiny porthole" cure at all. I've seen it on other boats and it just doesn't turn my crank.

"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/owner_questionnaire.htm

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 08:07:30

Apparently I was talking about this back when I bought iris in 2007 - http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=16620

I guess its time to do something about it eh??

For those who have bought teh gel coat from CD how good of a match was it??

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 09:24:44

What you can do to if you want to put a patch over the hole(s) without putting addl bolt holes in the bulkhead is use a piece of starboard but the attachment bolts installed going thru the gauge existing hole along it's inside perimeter vs drilling holes around the outside of the existing hole. Then put a beveled edge on the outside edge and caps on the thru bolt heads. I did this when I installed a fishfinder on a RAM Swing Arm. On the bulkhead inside, I used another piece of starboard to cover up the hole and serve as a mount for the Swing Arm. In this way, using some sealant on the outside starboard perimeter and tightening up the thru bolts, the bolts hold the starboard by the friction/sealant that provides a secure waterproof seal. My inside starboard mounting board also fits adjacent and against the bulkhead edge so there is no way the starboard shifts. But the bolts alone should provide a secure mount if you use a similar starboard circle pattern on the inside vs what I did to mount the Swing Arm.

Edited by - OLarryR on 03/12/2012 09:30:02

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 09:52:36

A PO filled the holes on Pear with Marine-tex. I covered the the port side with a large rectangular piece of Starboard and remounted the displays, essentially creating an instrument panel that doesn't look out of place. The same thing could be done with teak.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 18:12:46

can you post a photo of the holes?

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JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 18:37:03

Have a sign maker engrave "iris" on two teak plaques and mount them ovet the holes. Or, if you don't like Iris, you could always go with one of those logos from the mud flaps of 18 wheelers.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 20:13:22

The guy that owns the C27 next to me took out the gauges, enlarged the openings, and installed opening ports like the ones in the cockpit area on the '88 - '89's. It looks good, brings in more light, and provides better air flow through the cabin.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 03/12/2012 : 20:55:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Happy D
 can you post a photo of the holes?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

What do you need to know? They are 4-1/8" diameter, and the bulkhead is 1.172" - 1.311" thick (I mic-ed it to check).

No photos yet, but soon.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.