[C320-list] Aqua Lift Muffler

[Rick Sulewski]

For what this is worth, I have 900 hours and 13 seasons on my original
muffler and have not experienced any problems to date. I always winterize
the engine myself and believe that winterizing the external cooling system
is the key to avoiding muffler problems. I still use the original hoses and
clamps and have only had to place friction protection on some of the hoses
to avoid premature wear/failure.

My-Ria 277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
argates2nd at comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2007 10:18 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: [C320-list] Aqua Lift Muffler

I raised these questions some months ago and only got one reply - any others
with input?

Has anyone had a local fiberglass fabricator re-build the aqua lift muffler
-- as an alternative to returning it to Catalina for making a new one?
If so, result and approx. cost?

If I remove the muffler, what do I look for that would tell me it needs
attention?

The forward flange cracked a year ago but I was able to fix that with mixed
epoxy. I put on a new hose from the engine to the muffler, thinking that the
old one was too stiff after 12 years and was sending big vibrations to the
flange, but the new one is also stiff?

Rollie #182 (440 hrs on engine and muffler after 12 years, 7 in fresh water
in NH and 5 in salt)