Slot seal strips for swing keel

I have my Omega flipped over to install new slot seal strips. I went back and read previous posts about this project first and was hoping that Catalina direct had corrected the problem with the holes in the new plastic strips. But---- no such luck! After removal,sanding and comparing the new ones we still have the same old problem. The spacing is STILL wrong. I filled all the screw holes with boat life caulk and spread it out to cover the area. The first couple go right in but all of the rest will make new holes. Looks good and cant wait to try it out. I also plan to experiment with some gelcoat repair on the bottom before i tackle the cracks in the cockpit. Charley
 
I have my Omega flipped over to install new slot seal strips. I went back and read previous posts about this project first and was hoping that Catalina direct had corrected the problem with the holes in the new plastic strips. But---- no such luck! After removal,sanding and comparing the new ones we still have the same old problem. The spacing is STILL wrong. I filled all the screw holes with boat life caulk and spread it out to cover the area. The first couple go right in but all of the rest will make new holes. Looks good and cant wait to try it out. I also plan to experiment with some gelcoat repair on the bottom before i tackle the cracks in the cockpit. Charley
Hi Charley,
I just purchased a 1981 O-14 # 1693. It needs a replacement seal also. Was wondering how you made out with your replacement now after some time has gone by? Also, would you happen to know the P/N you used for ordering yours from (I assume) Catalina Direct?? Thanks in advance!
 
I have my Omega flipped over to install new slot seal strips. I went back and read previous posts about this project first and was hoping that Catalina direct had corrected the problem with the holes in the new plastic strips. But---- no such luck! After removal,sanding and comparing the new ones we still have the same old problem. The spacing is STILL wrong. I filled all the screw holes with boat life caulk and spread it out to cover the area. The first couple go right in but all of the rest will make new holes. Looks good and cant wait to try it out. I also plan to experiment with some gelcoat repair on the bottom before i tackle the cracks in the cockpit. Charley
Hello again,

One more thing I forgot, on my O-14 there seems to be no control line for raising the keel/centerboard which also means there's no way of securing it in the up position or adjusting it up during sailing. Is mine missing something?? If so, perhaps you could shoot me a picture of yours showing how this is done/what I'm missing on my boat....Thanks!
 
Hello again,

One more thing I forgot, on my O-14 there seems to be no control line for raising the keel/centerboard which also means there's no way of securing it in the up position or adjusting it up during sailing. Is mine missing something?? If so, perhaps you could shoot me a picture of yours showing how this is done/what I'm missing on my boat....Thanks!
 
My Omega also was missing anything to hold the swing keel in the "up" position. Pictures show a line used to hold the keel down for sailing. I added a small double block with a strap just behind the metal mast holder. There is wood there to screw to. I screwed a 5/16 eye bolt to the top back side of the swing keel. I shackled a single block with a becket on it. This gives me a mechanical advantage in raising the keel. It also holds it very well when traveling to the lake. I have another eye bolt bolted to the top of the barney post. I connect shock cords there to hold the keel down while sailing. The pulley system easily overpowers them for adjusting the keel. This works well for me and only cost $20. or so, thats the good news. Charley
 
Hi Charley,
I just purchased a 1981 O-14 # 1693. It needs a replacement seal also. Was wondering how you made out with your replacement now after some time has gone by? Also, would you happen to know the P/N you used for ordering yours from (I assume) Catalina Direct?? Thanks in advance!
 
Hi Charley,
I just purchased a 1981 O-14 # 1693. It needs a replacement seal also. Was wondering how you made out with your replacement now after some time has gone by? Also, would you happen to know the P/N you used for ordering yours from (I assume) Catalina Direct?? Thanks in advance!
 
My Omega also was missing anything to hold the swing keel in the "up" position. Pictures show a line used to hold the keel down for sailing. I added a small double block with a strap just behind the metal mast holder. There is wood there to screw to. I screwed a 5/16 eye bolt to the top back side of the swing keel. I shackled a single block with a becket on it. This gives me a mechanical advantage in raising the keel. It also holds it very well when traveling to the lake. I have another eye bolt bolted to the top of the barney post. I connect shock cords there to hold the keel down while sailing. The pulley system easily overpowers them for adjusting the keel. This works well for me and only cost $20. or so, thats the good news. Charley
Thanks, Charley, for the reply - very helpful. I also purchased a block & eye yesterday and was setting about selection of a suitable mounting point. I like the shock cord additions - makes a lot of sense. Any feedback on the centerboard slot seal? Did you get it from Cat-Direct & how's it working out??
 
Thanks, Charley, for the reply - very helpful. I also purchased a block & eye yesterday and was setting about selection of a suitable mounting point. I like the shock cord additions - makes a lot of sense. Any feedback on the centerboard slot seal? Did you get it from Cat-Direct & how's it working out??[/quo
Thanks, Charley, for the reply - very helpful. I also purchased a block & eye yesterday and was setting about selection of a suitable mounting point. I like the shock cord additions - makes a lot of sense. Any feedback on the centerboard slot seal? Did you get it from Cat-Direct & how's it working out??
 
Yes I did get the slot strip seals from Catalina Direct. The new ones are changed from the old design which has two pieces that meet in the middle and were soft plastic. The new seals cover from one side to the other, and the other side does the same for a better seal. There is a lot more friction against the swing keel now but i can not see down through the seals . I have not had a day of good wind to really test them at speed. I went today but the wind came up to white caps with 30 mph gusts, so the boat never left the trailer but will try again Friday or Sat., Hope to have a better report then... Charley
 
Yes I did get the slot strip seals from Catalina Direct. The new ones are changed from the old design which has two pieces that meet in the middle and were soft plastic. The new seals cover from one side to the other, and the other side does the same for a better seal. There is a lot more friction against the swing keel now but i can not see down through the seals . I have not had a day of good wind to really test them at speed. I went today but the wind came up to white caps with 30 mph gusts, so the boat never left the trailer but will try again Friday or Sat., Hope to have a better report then... Charley
 
Thanks for the update, Charley. I've made progress towards getting my new purchase in shape. About to add the shock cord centerboard system recommended by Cat Direct , the Hobie Baby Bob float on the mast, and a boarding ladder on the transom. I think that will be it for this season. Anxious to get the boat in the water for the first time. However, here in Colorado the reservoirs and lakes are still very cold so contemplating a dry suit purchase.

BTW - how difficult is it to lift the O-14? How did you manage to get the boat upside down to do the CB gasket replacement? Mine is stored on the trailer so I'm wondering how to get it off and upside down. Thanks again.
 
Thanks for the update, Charley. I've made progress towards getting my new purchase in shape. About to add the shock cord centerboard system recommended by Cat Direct , the Hobie Baby Bob float on the mast, and a boarding ladder on the transom. I think that will be it for this season. Anxious to get the boat in the water for the first time. However, here in Colorado the reservoirs and lakes are still very cold so contemplating a dry suit purchase.

BTW - how difficult is it to lift the O-14? How did you manage to get the boat upside down to do the CB gasket replacement? Mine is stored on the trailer so I'm wondering how to get it off and upside down. Thanks again.
 
I was lucky to have a nice place in my sons yard with a large tree limb to throw a rope over. This holds the front up so it does not drop when you slide it back and off the trailer. The stern will settle on the ground and then move the trailer forward out of the way. You MUST remove the shroud adjusters and the bow adjuster before flipping it over, or they can be damaged. The jib cars should be tied with line to face the center of the boat or they can also be bent severely. Mine was damaged when i bought it. I was able to carefully bend it back in place. With the bow suspended 3 or 4 feet off the ground, two people can lift the stern and turn it over fairly easily. You should use something like tires to support the hull off the ground. You should fill ALL the screw holes with good caulk because the screws go through the hull into the interior. Loading onto the trailer is reverse of the removal procedure. Wet sand the hull with 600 and then with 2000 grit wet or dri sandpaper. Wax it with several coats of GOOD marine wax before trailering. This is also the perfect time to re-wire the trailer and carpet the bunks if needed. A swing set works well also. Charley
 
I was lucky to have a nice place in my sons yard with a large tree limb to throw a rope over. This holds the front up so it does not drop when you slide it back and off the trailer. The stern will settle on the ground and then move the trailer forward out of the way. You MUST remove the shroud adjusters and the bow adjuster before flipping it over, or they can be damaged. The jib cars should be tied with line to face the center of the boat or they can also be bent severely. Mine was damaged when i bought it. I was able to carefully bend it back in place. With the bow suspended 3 or 4 feet off the ground, two people can lift the stern and turn it over fairly easily. You should use something like tires to support the hull off the ground. You should fill ALL the screw holes with good caulk because the screws go through the hull into the interior. Loading onto the trailer is reverse of the removal procedure. Wet sand the hull with 600 and then with 2000 grit wet or dri sandpaper. Wax it with several coats of GOOD marine wax before trailering. This is also the perfect time to re-wire the trailer and carpet the bunks if needed. A swing set works well also. Charley
Charley, thanks again for the info. Unfortunately I'm not that lucky re the tree! I'm going to try and rig a pulley system in the garage. You gave me an idea as to where to attach the sling(s). I'm going to try and figure out a point(s) where, once raised high enough, the whole boat can be turned over and set down upside down. Will keep you posted.
On another note - do you use an electric trolling motor? I have one that came with the boat and am trying to figure a good way to restrain the battery in event of capsize. Be interested in anything you have done or seen on other Omegas. Thanks again...
 
Hi Charley and every one.
My boat is Mod 3 - year 2000. When the boat gets a bit of speed water gushes in from the centerboard opening. I'm assuming Catalina upgraded the gasket to fix this issue? Did it work well with you?
 
Hi Charley and every one.
My boat is Mod 3 - year 2000. When the boat gets a bit of speed water gushes in from the centerboard opening. I'm assuming Catalina upgraded the gasket to fix this issue? Did it work well with you?
 
Hi Charley and every one.
My boat is Mod 3 - year 2000. When the boat gets a bit of speed water gushes in from the centerboard opening. I'm assuming Catalina upgraded the gasket to fix this issue? Did it work well with you?
Bond,
The newer version uses two pieces of sailcloth each of which is wide enough to go across the entire opening forming a double barrier against spray. If your plastic retainer strip which the screws go through is removable and in tact you can order the newer kit from Catalina Direct. Note that it is for the newer 14.2 boat but, you can use the sailcloth pieces and your own retainer strip to effect a replacement. The 14.2 boat uses a different hole pattern for the screws but it won't matter since you're not using it's retainer anyway. Currently it is on a 3-week back-order status.
 
Hi Charley and every one.
My boat is Mod 3 - year 2000. When the boat gets a bit of speed water gushes in from the centerboard opening. I'm assuming Catalina upgraded the gasket to fix this issue? Did it work well with you?
Bond,
The newer version uses two pieces of sailcloth each of which is wide enough to go across the entire opening forming a double barrier against spray. If your plastic retainer strip which the screws go through is removable and in tact you can order the newer kit from Catalina Direct. Note that it is for the newer 14.2 boat but, you can use the sailcloth pieces and your own retainer strip to effect a replacement. The 14.2 boat uses a different hole pattern for the screws but it won't matter since you're not using it's retainer anyway. Currently it is on a 3-week back-order status.
 
Bond,
The newer version uses two pieces of sailcloth each of which is wide enough to go across the entire opening forming a double barrier against spray. If your plastic retainer strip which the screws go through is removable and in tact you can order the newer kit from Catalina Direct. Note that it is for the newer 14.2 boat but, you can use the sailcloth pieces and your own retainer strip to effect a replacement. The 14.2 boat uses a different hole pattern for the screws but it won't matter since you're not using it's retainer anyway. Currently it is on a 3-week back-order status.
The material that covers the slots is some sort of plastic material that is flexible and is finished with a cloth looking finish. All of the parts come in a flat box coiled up like a belt, even the plastic retainer strips. Un-roll everything and lay in sunshine and it flattens out perfectly. The screws will go right through the retainer, plastic strips and through the fiberglass at the same time. Caution should be used because if a screw strips out from over-tightning it could leak a little because the screws go through into the interior of the hull. Use plenty of good caulk. I have only been in wind strong enough for 5.5 knots. The water in the slot was almost smooth. The water was not even close to coming out of the slot. I was able to tell if the boat was level by the water level in the slot. I will be out several days this week, staying aboard my Cat 25 to re-finish some wood and will have the Capri tied alongside for some quick response to wind on the lake. More later. Charley
 
Bond,
The newer version uses two pieces of sailcloth each of which is wide enough to go across the entire opening forming a double barrier against spray. If your plastic retainer strip which the screws go through is removable and in tact you can order the newer kit from Catalina Direct. Note that it is for the newer 14.2 boat but, you can use the sailcloth pieces and your own retainer strip to effect a replacement. The 14.2 boat uses a different hole pattern for the screws but it won't matter since you're not using it's retainer anyway. Currently it is on a 3-week back-order status.
The material that covers the slots is some sort of plastic material that is flexible and is finished with a cloth looking finish. All of the parts come in a flat box coiled up like a belt, even the plastic retainer strips. Un-roll everything and lay in sunshine and it flattens out perfectly. The screws will go right through the retainer, plastic strips and through the fiberglass at the same time. Caution should be used because if a screw strips out from over-tightning it could leak a little because the screws go through into the interior of the hull. Use plenty of good caulk. I have only been in wind strong enough for 5.5 knots. The water in the slot was almost smooth. The water was not even close to coming out of the slot. I was able to tell if the boat was level by the water level in the slot. I will be out several days this week, staying aboard my Cat 25 to re-finish some wood and will have the Capri tied alongside for some quick response to wind on the lake. More later. Charley
 
Thanks Charley. So I assume this new upgrade would stop water gushing in through the slot. I called Catalina Direct yesterday and they said 3 weeks back order and I called them 2 weeks ago and they still said the same. Do you think I can order them directly from Catalina Yachts?
 
Thanks Charley. So I assume this new upgrade would stop water gushing in through the slot. I called Catalina Direct yesterday and they said 3 weeks back order and I called them 2 weeks ago and they still said the same. Do you think I can order them directly from Catalina Yachts?
Yes. The same parts should be available from Catalina parts. The part numbers should also be the same. I have not personally ordered from Catalina, but please give us the web address etc. so all can have a few more options. Time is valuable to seasonal sailors like me. I cant tolerate cold water. This is when i start on my to doo list which also has some time constraints, like with gelcoat repair. Sail repairs/conversions are ok any time the weather is cold. The rest of the time is dreaming time. Charley
 
Yes. The same parts should be available from Catalina parts. The part numbers should also be the same. I have not personally ordered from Catalina, but please give us the web address etc. so all can have a few more options. Time is valuable to seasonal sailors like me. I cant tolerate cold water. This is when i start on my to doo list which also has some time constraints, like with gelcoat repair. Sail repairs/conversions are ok any time the weather is cold. The rest of the time is dreaming time. Charley
UPDATE> I spent several days on the lake last week while staying aboard my cat 25. Was able to sail each day, though not much wind. There was s Hobie with jib zipping around but tried to follow me into the harbor but stalled out and had to be towed to keep off the rocks. Everyone knows better than to try manuvering with little wind in a cat, or they should know better than try to sail with a Capri in close quarters. Just had to tell this story. However, when loading the boat on trailer , she twisted slightly while coming aboard the bunks, and the center roller on the trailer pushed one of the slot seals out of alignment. No damage done after lifting the boat with a piece of 2x4 under the stern. I then cranked the tongue jack up and lifted up just right to let the strip lay out flat. I will watch out for this in the future. Just figured yall might like to know. Charley
 
I constructed a home made Barney Post for my O-14 so as to raise the mainsheet cleat off the floor. Since it is open in front and enclosed on three sides it also stops water coming in from the slot. It builds up in there a little and then drains back out the slot. So I got an added benefit. I used to put a long wood plug in the top of the slot when the board was down, but it was a hassle.
Homemade Barney Post.jpg
 
I saw these in the west marine catalog the other day. It seems to solve the battery securing problem, if you have a good place/way to mount it. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50543&classNum=50546#.UAJAU_F5mK0
This is really great. It should solve the battery mounting problem quite well. I wish the P.O. of my boat had tried these instead of putting the battery in the forward storage locker. The fiberglass repairs are plenty solid and are out of sight. The thin layer of glass will NOT support a battery, especially while trailering the boat. Just FYI. Charley
 
as for the centerboard seal, I just couldn't justify the 40 bucks for the new seal and only use the seal part... so instead went to my local home depot(magical place full of wonder and useful items) and spent 5 bucks on a 1'X5' sheet of shower liner(rubbery plastic) and sliced a couple inch and a half strips to make my own seal. I've had my boat out twice now and had a blast both times. Today I took two of my friends from work and we had enough wind to have all three of us on one side and two of us hiked out, not even a dribble from the centerboard cutout! then we anchored up and took a swim for a bit, climbed back into the boat, which was more than stable enough for any of us to climb over the side without any support on the other(very pleased about that, now I can single hand and take breaks to swim!)
 

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