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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Preventative Maintenance

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Docsparker
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/28/2004 : 08:57:56

Greetings to all of the distinguished members of this forum. After lurking here behind the scenes for the last six months and vigorously researching the archives, I am excited to be taking delivery on a new 2004 Catalina 250 WB in approximately 2 weeks.
It was due greatly to this forum that I chose this boat over the competition. I wish to thank you all for the comments, information, mods, and yes, even the negatives concerning this boat. Although there are too many of you to list everyone here, I would especially like to say how much I have appreciated the writings of Mr. Arlyn Stewart and Mr. Mark Melchior, both here and on their respective web sites.
I consider myself a novice sailor, having enjoyed the thrills of handling a Catalina Capri 14.2 dinghy for over a year now. I am fortunate to live on a 250 acre freshwater lake in central Florida, where I hope to moor (or lift) my new purchase right here behind the house. My wife and my two young daughters, 6 and 8, and 14 year old son, are just happy that I decided on the boat with the "neato" seats in the back! (the stern pulpits). My desire to be able to come home from work, loosen a few lines and raise the sails, as well as the capability of easily trailering to the surrounding coastlines and keys, made the 250WB the best choice for my particular situation. I can think of not many better forms of peaceful relaxation.
A question for you all here if I might. Any advice on preventative maintenance, or prep work that you would do if this were your new boat? I mean, is there any UV protection, sealants, or lubes that you would apply to the new gelcoat, fittings, or other hardware in order to extend the useful life of the boat? (The sun here is a so harsh). I did purchase the canvas protection package. Any advice on the same for the galvanized trailer?
Thanks again for unknowingly contributing to my decision to join your ranks. I hope I can contribute back to this forum as I learn new things in order to perhaps help another newbie like me some day. I'll try to get some pictures up here as I complete the delivery and perform my initial launch. Perhaps I will even someday meet some of you in the various group flotillas around the area.

John Parker

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 09:24:47

Welcome, I know you'll enjoy the boat. As far as prevention, the two killers are UV and salt. The lake will be fresh so that helps. When you go to salt water, and come back, rinse everything with fresh water. (Especially the trailer). Rinse and wax. Fibreglass does infinitely better when protected by a wax, almost any wax is better than nothing. I also wax the stainless steel where possible (pulpits/stanchions etc.) As far as UV, cover it if you can, or hide it down below when not in use.

With a little tlc you'll be amazed how well these boats will hold up. There are numerous 22's and 25's and 30's out there that look as good as they did 20 or more years ago.

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay in Venice Inlet, Florida USA.

Edited by - Oscar on 03/28/2004 14:45:08

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 11:23:58

John, before the boat even goes in the water the first time clean the hull with Acetone, keeping a clean rag going at all times. Don't but road tar and other contaminants back were you just took them off. Then use a good fiberglass wax and do the entire hull and nonskid portion of the deck, cockpit and rudder. Then with silicone GREASE/LUBE not caulk go over all the hard plastic parts on deck, such as the rope clutches. This will protect and shine all. I did all this while the yard was doing the bottom job. Makes it a lot easier. As for bottom job in the fresh water you really donot need any so just wax the bottom. If you intend to take it to salt water, IMHO you will need something, but VC-17 will work for you since you will hauling the boat out and then washing off the salt when you get home. Take lots of pictures and post so we can all find the changes Catalina as made between early 2004's and now.
Good luck with your new baby and welcome to the Association.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 11:38:17

Thanks for the kind words and congradulations on the new boat. Enjoy!

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 14:42:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">As for bottom job in the fresh water you really donot need any<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You sure about that Frog? I remember having to paint (vc-17 in fact) the bottom of my 30 on Lake Erie...those that did not grew beards......

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay in Venice Inlet, Florida USA.

Edited by - Oscar on 03/28/2004 14:43:12

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 17:45:13

I have VC-17 Offshore on my keel (the only part of the boat in the water on the hoist) and it slimes up very readily, especially through the Summer and Fall. Fortunately, during those seasons the water is in the low 80's....

Derek

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 22:00:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oscar
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">As for bottom job in the fresh water you really donot need any<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You sure about that Frog? I remember having to paint (vc-17 in fact) the bottom of my 30 on Lake Erie...those that did not grew beards...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I concur with the need to paint even in fresh water. You might want to consider an epoxy barrier coat while you are at it with the boat being brand new and all.

Anyway, Congratulations John, and welcome to the fleet!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 22:46:23

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frog0911
 John, before the boat even goes in the water the first time clean the hull with Acetone,<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I thought Catalina forbid the "cleaning" of their 250 bottoms with things like acetone. I understood that it was a requirement of the blister warranty not to disturb the factory finish prior to painting.

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/28/2004 : 23:37:06

OOPs, I missed the part were he was to come home and loosen a few lines and go sailiing. That being the case bottom job is required for fresh water. As for the acetone, I asked that same question, the answer is that is the best product to remove dirt and road contamination before applying a non sandable primer and then bottom paint. Catalina does not have a problem with this procedure. Apparentlly it will not remove the factory applied coating. What they don't want is sanding the bottom to rough it up for primer and bottom paint, this will remove the factory coating, the way it use to be done.

Edited by - frog0911 on 03/28/2004 23:39:10

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