Cat 22' REFIT

[sailoklahoma]

I have all but stolen a 70's model Cat'22 has a trailer, sails good hull, etc. It does need to be re wired and a motor. Before I start the refit and get a bunch of parts that wont work with the final goal I want an outboard that will charge the battery(s). So the boat will be self supportive at anchor. I will also need a stove and sink for the galley. I may hve to give up the single berth on starboard to accept the galley. An okay sacrifice for the function gained. Also I thought of a grill on the pushpit (cheeseburger in paradise anyone?). Any ideas on the refit or where to get cheap or used parts?

[David Luckenbach]

If you're going to keep it anchored, the first thing I would get would be a small solar panel that will charge the battery enough to run the anchor light at night, and a good led anchor light with an automatic switch to turn it on and off.

[sailoklahoma]

Other than west marine where is a good place to start looking for the solar panel and other parts?

[blownaway]

Earlier this spring we were in a similar situation and ended up here:

www.onlineoutboards.com/6hp_nissan_outboard_motor.html

I suppose we could have gotten a used one much cheaper, but we have gone that route in the past and decided it's worth the extra money to get something that is reliable right off the bat.

We got the ultra long shaft since we have a monohull sailboat. It comes standard with a 60 watt 5 amp charging system. Available as an option on the other two shorter shaft models. We are pleased with the motor, and were happy with onlineoutboards. Immediately available to answer questions on phone or by email. 3 day delivery on the motor. Our local dealer took nearly two weeks to reply to an email request for a quote. Haven't needed service yet, so I can't comment on that.

Also have a small solar panel that I hooked up with a cigarette lighter type fitting for sunny days. think it's 6.5 watts. There are issues with needing a controller if you go with a higher capacity panel. Also be sure that a blocking diode is included in your panel circuit, so it won't discharge when it's dark. A google for "solar marine battery charger" will likely yield more results than you have time to look at. Gotta love the internet!

sailoklahoma said:

I have all but stolen a 70's model Cat'22 has a trailer, sails good hull, etc. It does need to be re wired and a motor. Before I start the refit and get a bunch of parts that wont work with the final goal I want an outboard that will charge the battery(s). So the boat will be self supportive at anchor. I will also need a stove and sink for the galley. I may hve to give up the single berth on starboard to accept the galley. An okay sacrifice for the function gained. Also I thought of a grill on the pushpit (cheeseburger in paradise anyone?). Any ideas on the refit or where to get cheap or used parts?

[blownaway]

As an afterthought, when we rewired, we ended up using switches, fuse holders, wire from Walmart. Saved a bundle over the marine grade. I suppose there are those who would rag on us for doing so, but the reality is that this is a 1983 dirt-cheap freshwater lake boat that is great for its intended purpose of learning to sail in. We'll put premium quality stuff on the next one we are planning for.

If the marine outlets are pricy for the sink, you might try an RV supply place or maybe find one in a junked RV. Maybe J. C. Whitney in the RV section for on demand or hand powered pumps for water supply. there are outfits that mold water tanks to fit any custom situation if you need that done...you supply the dimensions, they build what you want. Haven't decided on a stove yet. Propane storage is iffy in small enclosed areas, as is gasoline. right now I'm leaning towards one that uses small propane cylinders and keep the cylinder outside when not in use. Gas tank is also kept in the thingypit, bungied on the aft starboard seat. It looked like the former owner put the tank in the area under the thingypit and ran the hose out through a thru-hull rubber fitting near the motor mount. Not a good idea.

sailoklahoma said:

I have all but stolen a 70's model Cat'22 has a trailer, sails good hull, etc. It does need to be re wired and a motor. Before I start the refit and get a bunch of parts that wont work with the final goal I want an outboard that will charge the battery(s). So the boat will be self supportive at anchor. I will also need a stove and sink for the galley. I may hve to give up the single berth on starboard to accept the galley. An okay sacrifice for the function gained. Also I thought of a grill on the pushpit (cheeseburger in paradise anyone?). Any ideas on the refit or where to get cheap or used parts?

[amoviento]

Check integrity of plywood bulkheads, thingypit drain hoses and fittings, swing keel cable, winch, and connections. Reseal chainplates & any other deck fittings that leak. Practice closing
poptop, locking keel (if your boat has this feature, it's under the port settee just aft of the main bulkhead, near the boat's centerline), shortening sail, putting in hatchway boards, securing hatch slider and thingypit lazarette lids. These boats sink fast when knocked down if
all that stuff isn't buttoned up. The keel lockdown is a bolt that screws into the side of the swing keel. It acts as a friction brake to prevent the (heavy cast iron ) swing keel from slamming down suddenly if the boat's completely inverted: that's enough of an impact to bash
a hole in the bottom. Most C22's have quite a bit of weather helm. They need to have their
headstay turnbuckle tightened (shortened) (& backstay/aft lowers loosened - fwd lowers tightened) to make the helm more neutral. Mast should actually lean forward a bit with nobody in the (floating) boat. While you're doing your wiring, figure out a way to no kiddin'
tie the battery down so it isn't sliding around every time you tack. Please don't let my ddomsday rap scare you. C22's are very solid little boats. I've had mine out on Travis in 40 knots of wind with 12 full-size thrillseekers aboard - at midnight. But you have to check
everything over, get it all righteous, and not be an idiot, to dance on the gummed flap of the
old envelope. P.S. : Please excuse my use of the imperative voice. Viva C22's! Happy Sailin'!

[bobboat]

I've had pretty good luck on eBay for getting used stuff cheap. Be patient and check out the deals there... you'll find them eventually, but don't bid too high!

Also there are several real good used parts dealers, a few in Florida (St. Augustine and Ft. Lauderdale area).

Bob E.
Columbia 22 "First Draft"