[C320-list] commissioning questions re: da plumbing

[Allan Field]

Make sure the AC thru-hull is open before trying to run the AC unit.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jane & Ken
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 4:10 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] commissioning questions re: da plumbing

Susan,
     As to the frig, you will receive many opinions--mine is to look at the
lowest part of the frig box, you will find a drain hole--put a cork into the
hole and consider the frig as the same thing you have in your home.  Let the
frig run 24/7 if you have shore power to keep the batteries charged.
HOWEVER, if you leave the drain hole open, then the water from the frig
should drain into the bilge.  You pour water into the frig box and then look
for water running into the bilge area, or listen for the bilge pump to work
(not too great an option since you indicate a problem with the pump)--I do
not want any water in the bilge, so I use the cork and sponge any water out
of the box when I defrost.
     The a/c may be a different situation depending upon how the marina
"winterized" the unit.  If you are "lucky" they drained the water and blew
out the lines---no problem, turn the unit on and watch for water out the
outflow,  checking of course for water leaking into the bilge--hopefully
not.
     The head SHOULD not present a problem, but I always start the season
with a 1/8 cup of baby oil to help lube all the dried rubber parts--so far
13 years later--no problems--I also end the season with a 1/8 cup of baby
oil.
     A dripless packing gland will eliminate the water flow via the prop
shaft problem.
  Good luck,   Ken Cathey,  OBUOY  #219

Moondancer5 at comcast.net wrote:
  Hi all, I did not get to do the winterizing myself due to work problems,
the marina did, and I am trying to do the water systems myself now, and have
a couple of questions. Thank you in advance for any help!

The manual says to add water to the fridge and check the drain, but I don't
see where to do either. (2006 320 hull 1089; not the mark II). I also
couldn't find info in the manuals whether I need to do anything to the a/c
unit before running it. The water tanks and shower I should just flush out
with fresh water and a "glug" of bleach, right? (According to the marina.)
And then reflush and put a little vinegar in to help get rid of the bleach
smell and don't drink it anyway, correct? Am I missing any
water-in-the-boat-related activity? The marina said I didn't need to do
anything to the head as the antifreeze would just get flushed out with the
next pumpout, is that okay?

It was a little distracting when the boat was splashed and water started to
flow in via the prop shaft and the electric bilge decided not to work at
all, so we are a little behind in getting the rest of our act together. 
I'm wondering if having a sinking house is better than just 2 sails and an
outboard...

Thank you,

Susan