[C320-list] Shaft Log Hose Emergency Repair - Experience to Pass Along

[Jon Vez]

Just as an FYI, Hamilton Marine carries the proper Shaft Log hose (per Maine Sail) and can pretty much get any size needed...

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Greg Flanagan
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2015 4:52 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Shaft Log Hose Emergency Repair - Experience to Pass Along

What is a shaft log hose? The OEM shaft log?

Thanks,

Greg


-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of DAVE Swanson
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2015 11:02 AM
To: C320IA List Server
Subject: [C320-list] Shaft Log Hose Emergency Repair - Experience to Pass Along

All,

I was Just before getting ready to embark on a week long trip, I noticed that my shaft log hose was bulging.  Also, the 3/4 inch raw water intake hose to the engine was severely cracked.  So we did an emergency haul out of the boat yesterday, and I made the repairs last night.  

A couple things that I learned in my repairs that I would like to pass along:

1.  It is such a good practice to check everything before sailing.  I feel lucky that I caught these problems while they were small and manageable and before they became large, costly, and potentially unmanageable.

2.  The OEM shaft log hose was very flexible and seemed deteriorated.  The inner hose layer was perforated in places and it was just matter of time before the bulging outer layer was going to rupture.

3.  The 3/4 inch raw water intake hose was severely cracked due to aging, heat, and the severe bend from the through hull to the raw water strainer.  I replaced this hose as well as several others as a precaution.

4.  Catalina did a nice job laying out the shaft and rudder placement as I was able to drop the shaft slightly to get ample access to the shaft log for replacement.  The Owners Manual was very helpful too with reference photos.

5.  I used the flange coupler nuts and washers as spacers to slowly remove the shaft flange coupler while using 2 of the 4 flange coupler bolts to “press” he flanges together to remove the shaft.  I held the “spacer” nuts and washers with double faced foam tape so I could mate the two flanges together without the spacer nuts and washers falling down.  I am going to get a pair of longer SS bolts and nuts to make this task easier next time so I can use a socket as a spacer.  I will keep these longer bolts on board.

6.  Maine Sail has some good advice on using non-perforated hose clamps and a specific shaft log hose, however that brand, Buck Algoquin, does not have a 1.625” ID to mate up with the C320 Shaft tube.  My local marine supply, Fisheries Supply in Seattle, suggested heavy duty heater hose at 1.625” ID.  I used that for the repair.  We will see how it holds up.

7.  I used to have a PSS in a previous boat, but opted to reinstall GoreTex GFO packing material and reuse the traditional stuffing box.  I have been happy with the low tech reliability of the stuffing box with the newer high tech Gore Tex packing material.

8.  At haul-out, our boat weighed about 18,000 to 19,000 pounds!  It was fully loaded when hauled, so perhaps that it why it weighed so darn much!

I have posted photos of this emergency repair exercise in our C320IA Owners Gallery.

Off to do some sailing now!

Dave

David Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA