[Welcome] [Lakes] [Marinas] [Public Ramps] [Marine Supply] [Sailboat Dealers]
[Books] [My Catalina] [Guest Log] [Links] 

[PART 6]
[NOTE:  This electronic manual is a verbatim copy of the printed manual included with Catalina 250 #384]

Recommended Outboard Engine

An outboard engine of 6 to 15 horsepower should be adequate to propel the Catalina 250 at hull speed under usual conditions.

A larger engine will not increase hull speed and may add unnecessary weight in the stern.  Extra long shaft engines are recommended.

The center compartment will accommodate a standard 6 U.S. gallon outboard fuel tank.  Do not make any holes through the floor of this compartment into the interior of the boat.  This compartment is sealed at the factory to prevent explosive gasoline vapor from entering the cabin.

Pop Top Operation

The 250 is equipped with a "pop top" hatch, the following notes will aid in its operation.

First of all, the pop top can be used in two different positions.  When the pop top is in the down position, the smaller sliding hatch serves as access to the cabin.  When the pop top is in the up position, access to the cabin is greatly increased and, of course, so is the headroom.  To put the pop top in the up position you must go inside the cabin.  The top is raised by lifting upward at the aft end of the sliding hatch with the hatch in the fully open position.   With the pop top in the fully raised position, reach forward and pull the stainless steel legs aft to engage in the aft end of the slot.

Do not sail or motor your Catalina 250 with the pop top in the raised position.

The optional pop to cover fits over the pop top hatch in the raised position.  The aft part of the cover is supported by a stainless steel "U" shaped frame which is inserted in the two holes in the hatch rails.   The fabric cover fastens in place with snaps which are screwed to the perimeter of the hatch opening.

Always lower the pop top in rough weather.

Recommendations for Trailering

The Catalina 250 is an easy boat to trailer when certain precautions have been properly heeded.  The following suggestions will prove helpful:

1. Be sure to read the trailer manufacturers instructions and warranty carefully, and do not exceed the manufacturers gross vehicle weight for trailer, boat and gear.
2. Check tongue weight.  Most trailers tow well with 7 to 10 percent of the gross trailer and lost weight on the tongue.  If the trailer tends to "fish tail" add tongue weight by moving weight forward or the trailer axles aft.
3. Test the brakes by operating the master cylinder manually.
4. Inspect the winch cable for broken strands or fraying.
5. Tie the mast and boom securely to the bow pulpit and mast carrier, the spars should also be supported in the middle by the cabin top.  Pad the mast at all contact points to prevent damage.
6. The boat should be seated properly on the trailer; that is, not ajar or tilted and with the bow properly snagged into the rubber wedge at the front of the trailer.
7. Follow normal trailer procedures of connecting lights and safety chain, and be sure your hitch is well secured.  Always test lights before leaving ramp area.
8. Do not allow anyone aft of the transom during launching or loading, who could be injured if the boat were suddenly dislodged from the trailer.

General Safety Tips

1. IMPORTANT:  The aluminum mast and the metal parts conduct electricity.  Coming in contact with or approaching an electrical power line can be fatal.  Stay away from overhead power lines and wires of any kind when launching, underway or stationary.
2. Be especially careful in areas where there may be commercial shipping traffic.  Keep well away from shipping channels.  Keep a sharp look-out when crossing the shipping channels.
3. Learn the rules of the road.  All other sailors will expect that you know them and abide by them.  The U.S. Coast Guard (BBE-2) 400 S. Eleventh Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, will supply free literature on request.   Your local branch or Harbor Patrol Office may also have it available.
4. If your boat has a genoa sail which obscures the helmsman's vision, have a dependable person in the crew keep a sharp look-out under the jib sail for oncoming traffic.
5. When sailing at night, provide safety harnesses for yourself and your crew, and tie these lines to the boat.  Use approved harnesses.
6. Purchase all Coast Guard required safety equipment, and learn how to use it.
7. Enroll in a C.G. class or other certified boating and sailing class.  You will learn a lot and enjoy sailing even more.
8. Do not take more than a safe number of persons aboard your boat when sailing.
9. Marine insurance is worth every penny you pay for it.   Take out insurance from the start.  See your dealer for a recommended marine agent, if you do not have one.
10. Keep all seat hatches and main hatch closed during rough weather or gusty winds which could unexpectedly strike the boat and cause a knock-down.
11. Do not venture out when the weather conditions are unfavorable, or are predicted to become so.  Listen to the weather forecast; check with your Harbor Patrol Office; look out for small craft storm warnings.
12. The pop top should be in the down position when under way.  Do not stand on the pop top when it is in the up position.

Required Minimum Safety Equipment

FIRE EXTINGUISHER(S):

It is wise to locate an approved for marine use fire extinguisher near the galley, preferably below the cockpit hatch.  Should a galley stove or engine fire start, you can always reach a fire extinguisher.

Dry chemical extinguishers should be inverted occasionally to prevent the contents from packing.  Extinguishers should be recharged yearly or after each use, according to manufacturer's recommendations.

PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES:

Keep a Coast Guard approved P.F.D. on board for each crew member.  Wear them during rough weather and night sailing.  Children and non-swimmers should wear vests at all times, no matter how much they object.

HORN:

You yacht should be equipped with a horn capable of producing a blast that can be heard for a distance of one mile.

The law requires that your yacht be equipped with a minimum of three (3) day/night flares.

Suggested Safety Equipment and Safety Package

MEDICAL KIT:

A basic medical kit is a wise investment for any boat owner.  Suggested items include:  Motion sickness pills, aspirin, bandages, etc.  We recommend that you personalize your medical supplies for yourself and your crew members' specific needs.  First aid kits are available at most marine stores.   Consult your physician for recommendations if you are planning a voyage away from medical facilities.  A first aid procedure book is a necessity.

TOOLS: [This heading was omitted from the printed manual]

A varied arrangement of tools is, again, a wise investment to have on your boat.  Tailor your tool box for the conditions that you sail.  For local sailing, with professional help just a phone call way, you only need a small array of tools.  However, for long-range cruising, a more extensive supply of tools will be needed.  Your mechanic may be helpful in suggesting tools required for your particular engine installation.

Safety Package, Factory Option

Anchor, Anchoring and Mooring

The anchor manufacturer suggests an anchor in the 13 pound range, to be used as a bow anchor in ordinary conditions.  This anchor will only be effective with at least 6 feet of 1/4" gauge or heavier chain and at least 3/8" line or heavier.

Inquire in your local area about anchoring procedures relative to the place you plan to visit.  Get opinions from several experienced people and always play it on the safe side in "making up" your anchor as well as in using it.  Do not forget to wire all shackle pins so they cannot come loose under water.

REMEMBER:

Lighter anchors are made more effective by increasing the scope: i.e., the ratio of length of line and chain to depth of water.   A 7:1 ratio is recommended.  This means using 7 feet of anchor line for each foot in water depth.

Lightning Precautions

Your yacht was not provided with a lightning protection system during construction.  The reasons are as follows:

1. There is not a procedure for lightning protection which has proven reliable under all conditions.  Yachts with elaborate lightning protection systems have sustained serious damage from a direct lightning strike.
2. If the builder were to assert that the yacht was lightning protected, it could instill a false sense of security in the owner or operator, leading to less-than-prudent actions when lightning threatens.
3. Lightning systems are "out of sight, out of mind", except when lightning threatens.  Generally, they are not checked and maintained on a regular basis.  A defect in the system (i.e., a break in ground line) could, in some cases, increase the risk of personal harm, as well as damage to the yacht, as compared to a yacht with no protection.  The reason for this is that many lightning protection systems distribute the high voltage throughout the yacht before allowing it to exit through the ground.
4. It is impossible for Catalina Yachts to control changes which you, the owner, may make to the yacht which could affect lightning protection systems.  You the owner, must decide whether or not you wish to equip your yacht with lightning protection and, if so, the method of doing it.  For your guidance, a copy of the ABYC recommendations is attached.  The following suggestions and comments are also offered:
   1. ABYC recommends straight-line wire runs.  This is virtually impossible within the yacht.  For grounding the shrouds: A battery cable, which clips to each shroud and extends outside the yacht to the water, can minimize the number of bends required.  This method has the added advantage of keeping the power surge outside the boat, and allowing easy, routing inspection.  The obvious disadvantage is that the clip on cables is not a permanent installation and may not be in place when an unexpected lightning strike occurs.
   2. Use only top quality materials and go oversize wherever possible.
   3. Keep all permanent attachment points and connections where they are readily available for inspection, yet protected from damage or inadvertent disconnection.

By far, the most important consideration regarding lightning is observing common sense safety precautions when lightning threatens.  The key considerations are listed in the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) publication, which is reprinted herein.

Warning Labels

These warning labels were applied to your Catalina 250 at the factory, and contain information important for the safe operation of your boat.   If any of these labels are missing, or you require replacements or additional labels, please contact the Catalina Yachts Parts Department at (818) 884-7700.

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

Revised:  20 Dec 2007 16:28:38 -0500

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