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[PART 4]
[NOTE:  This electronic manual is a verbatim copy of the printed manual included with Catalina 250 #384]

Centerboard System

The Catalina 250 features a centerboard which is operated from the cockpit.  The 6:1 purchase system is located below decks, under the cabin ladder and the tail exits to the cockpit through the fitting where the mainsheet base is attached.  To life the centerboard, pull from the rope tail and fasten to the cleat located below the mainsheet base.  To lower it, release the rope tail in a controlled manner until the centerboard is fully down.

You will note that the centerboard pivots on a bronze fitting recessed into the hull.  Should the centeboard require to be removed at any time, this casting may be unbolted by removing the four fixing bolts from the underside.  Make sure that the centerboard is well supported before removing the fasteners.

If you decide to keep your boat in the water for an extended period of time, bottom paint (anti-fouling) is a must as is the periodic cleaning and removal of growth from the centerboard and centerboard trunk.

Water Ballast System

The Catalina 250 is ballasted by water in a tank below the cabin sole.  The tank must be filled before sailing or powering the 250 to insure the stability necessary for safe and efficient operation.

THE WATER INLET VALVE is located under the bottom step of the cabin ladder.  To open the valve rotate the handle counterclockwise on the threaded rod and then push down.  To close the valve rotate the handle clockwise pulling the threaded rod up until resistance is felt, then approximately one half turn more to seat the seal.

THE TANK AIR VENT outlet is located on deck in the port side of the anchor locker.  To remove the expansive plug which seals the vent, lift the handle to the vertical position and pull the plug out.  When the plug is replaced, push the handle to horizontal to expand the plug and seal the vent.

The 250 should be launched with the valve closed, an empty ballast tank will make the boat float higher which will make it easier to get the boat off the trailer.  Fill the ballast tank immediately after launching.

1. Remove the vent plug.
2. Open the inlet valve -- allow approximately four minutes for the tank to fill.
3. Check the air vent to insure the flow of air evacuating the tank has stopped.
4. Insert the air vent plug.
5. Close the inlet valve.
6. A visual check to insure the tank is filled can be made at the vent hose fitting under the "V" berth forward.  There will be water visible in the clear vent hose to the level of the waterline when the tank is filled.

The tank is emptied by removing the 250 from the water with the air vent and the inlet valve open.  The tank will start to drain as the boat is pulled out of the water on the trailer and will empty in approximately seven minutes on level ground.

USEFUL TIPS:

1. Don't trailer or store the 250 out of the water with water in the ballast tank.
2. Occasionally coat the threads of the inlet valve rod with a silicone grease or other non-water soluble high quality lubricant.
3. Inspect the air vent clear tubing for damage or debris which may clog the tubing.
4. Check the seat of the rubber gasket between the hull and the valve plate for marine growth or debris which would prevent a good seal.
5. When keeping the 250 in the water for long periods of time a few ounces of chlorine bleach may be added to the ballast tank water through the air vent to prevent growth inside the tank.  Rinse the vent hose with fresh water after adding chlorine.
6. Do not drill holes in or fasten anything to the top of the ballast tank.
7. Through hulls for a depth sounder or knotmeter may be installed through the hull in the square recess in the water tank under the "V" berth.
8. Do not store the 250 in the water where temperatures may cause the water ballast to freeze.

Central Texas Sailor
© 1998 Mark T. Melchior   --   All Rights Reserved

Revised:  20 Dec 2007 16:28:41 -0500

"In a powerboat, you get there in a hurry . . .
in a sailboat, you are already there."