[C320-list] Dinette question: Use a sharp blow to the table top to break the gas lock

[Rick Sulewski]

Regarding the challenge of lowering the table, here is the technique we use
and it has been successful since it was demonstrated by the dealer rep. when
we inspected the boat as we were completing the commissioning process:

1. Loosen the large screw at the base by turning it several rotations to be
sure that there is no friction on the tube.

2. With both hands placed directly over the tube, suddenly/abruptly, with a
striking blow with both heels on the palms of your hands produce a sudden
downward pressure on the top of the table to break the gas pressure lock and
then the pressure is relieved and allows the tube to retract. Normally we
can break the pressure lock on the first attempt and if it does not work at
first, I repeat with increased a sudden pressure strike with greater force
with my arms extended. I do not think I have had to ever make a third
attempt when extending my arms to increase the striking force by also using
the momentum of by upper body. My petite size wife has also used the same
approach to successful lower the table demonstrating to me that it is not
brute force, but rather one's technique that works best. Be sure to tighten
the friction screw to keep the table in the desired lower position.

3. To return the table to the desired height, I simple loosen the friction
screw and the table raises on its own at a rate of speed depending on how
much friction is applied to the tube when loosening the friction screw.

We lower the table frequently (more than a dozen times a year) and have even
made some 2 x 4 I-beam type struts to place on either side of the post under
the table to stabilize the table when we lower the table for use by our
overnight guests.

Rick 
My-Ria
Hull #277

 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Irving Grunes
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:39 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dinette question

We bought into #851 in 2001
This discussion has come up at least once a year since then.
All 320's have this problem.
The only solution has been the different ways to apply a large amount of
pressure directly over the post some how.
No amount or type of lubricant works on that gas spring, only
We haven't dropped our table but once or twice.  I did it by putting a towel
on the table, standing on it and bouncing all my weight without jumping to
get it down.  Others have sat on the table and "bumped" up and down.  It
seems that some of the gas cylinders are a little softer than others, butits
pressure directly over the post.
I think all 320 owner's have had the same problem.
And getting it up is just as much a problem.
Irv Grunes
2001 #851


On Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 7:04 PM, Peter & Barbara Sheerin <
sheerinp at bigpond.net.au> wrote:

> Irving has anyone spoken to the factory about the problem with the table?
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Irving Grunes" <igrunes at gmail.com>
> To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 8:56 AM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dinette question
>
>
>  Remember to push directly over the post.
>> Some people sit or we have even stood on the table and bounced to get the
>> table down.
>> It takes a lot of pressure to get it down
>>
>> And to get it up, we kind of rock it side to side with a little upward
>> pressure.  Too much upward pressure and the table top comes off the
>> pedestal.
>>
>> Some people keep it down always.
>> Good luck
>> Irv Grunes
>> #851
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 24, 2008 at 6:03 PM, <tjdames at comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>  I have recently purchased a 2000 Catalina 320. I am looking for
>>> instructions on how to lower the dinette table. I do not know if my post
>>> is
>>> stuck, or I am doing something incorrectly. Can anyone assist?
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>>
>>
>