[C320-list] Repairing Water Muffler

[Robert Seastream]

Catalina needs to stop installing these 'one of a kind' mufflers.   
Having to send it to them for repair is ridiculous.
I don't understand why they can't install something that's more  
commonly available.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906

On Nov 21, 2008, at 4:58 PM, Walter Schaffer wrote:

> Karl, since I couldn't open your attachment on my Mac, and several  
> captains wanted some information on Aqualift muffler, I've just  
> replied to your list email.
> My boat is a 1998 320 with Yanmar engine. When I discovered first  
> leak, I pulled muffler and epoxied screw hole near drain. I used  
> epoxy from Lowe's which was supposed to be super and water proof.  
> Still Leaked. I pulled muffler 2nd time, and shipped it to Catalina  
> in Florida. Catalina said they did not have new one to buy, but  
> would fix mine. So, for $90.00 and shipping costs, I sent it to  
> Florida. Got it back, it looked like they did some sealing around  
> screw hole and drain. Installed it in boat and it still leaked...  
> Apparently, Catalina did not pressure test it and missed leaks on  
> outboard side... I then pulled it 3rd time. Took it home and capped  
> one end. Filled it with water and red food coloring and applied some  
> air pressure.. Found two more leaks... Sanded all areas twice. And  
> applied Marine-Tex from West Marine. Then attached a rubber gasket  
> around bottom to eliminate fiberglass on fiberglass and vibration..  
> It has worked fine... Moral of story
> is, I'm now qualified to remove and install muffler in record time!!  
> I hope this helps your article. Use what you need. Cheers.
> Bill Schaffer, Hull 515
> Bohemian II, Chesapeake Bay
>
>
> --- On Sun, 11/16/08, Karl Mielenhausen _/) <c320 at suddenlink.net>  
> wrote:
>
>> From: Karl Mielenhausen _/) <c320 at suddenlink.net>
>> Subject: [C320-list] Repairing Water Muffler
>> To: "C320IA Discussion List" <C320-List at catalina320.org>
>> Date: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 9:44 AM
>> I'm preparing a Mainsheet article on repair of the
>> Catalina Aqualift muffler. Mine recently developed a crack
>> in the underside of the base. Easily removed and repaired. A
>> C36 owner assisted me as he had been through the same
>> problem, although his cracks were in a different location
>> (exposed portion of the base aa well as inside the mounting
>> holes). I have also heard of cracks to the hose tube.
>> Please send me comments about your experiences.
>>
>> If anyone wants to write an article about replacement of
>> this muffler with another unit (e.g. Vetus), we'd be
>> happy to publish it.
>>
>> Thanks....
>>
>> --Karl Mielenhausen
>> Catalina 320 Hull 690
>> New Bern, NC
>
>
>