Alcanboats Forum

Rob

An intriguing boat ! This definitely has its origins in an Alwest. It looks like the engine compartment was cut off and moved back maybe 10 ft. You can sort of see two vertical seams. Those Volvo duoprop outdrives would indicate replacement of the engines. The changes to the chines would give more b...

Rob

Interesting raised bow . . . . .

Rob

Despite the description, this is an Alwest, likely with all the wooden superstructure issues to be expected in an Alwest. Alwests do have their good points, like greater interior volume, but there will be lots of work to do here :-) The engines are 231 cu in Buick V6s. Parts are readily available fo...

Rob

Hi Terry, I can't get past the "budget" part of re-powering either :) The problem with buying used is that there is always a reason that the seller is repowering. The engines/outdrive are worn out/abused/can't get parts/whatever. Trying to mix and match different types of engines and outdrives can g...

Rob

Hi Terry, David has 4.3 L V6s (about 230 HP each I think) which easily get Buster on plane. I have the original straight 6 Volvo 170 HP engines which will not get Catherine Ann on plane . . . . but my boat is likelly 2000 lbs heavier than David's. Cadoruca has lower HP 4.3 L V6s and planes easily as...

Rob

Hi Terry: My blocking is made up of 16" long 4x4s, with each layer screwed to to the previous one with 4" screws. These screws were driven in to the depth of the power bit, so are countersunk about 2". This seems a little "light", but I have been using the same blocks for 15 years and I haul out in ...

Rob

Hi Wayne, It is almost impossible to keep the bilge dry on an Alwest because the rainwater comes down through the superstructure walls and ends up in the bilge. Whenever you have weight forward (even 4 people in the pilothouse will do it) the bilge water runs forward and gets everything wet under th...

Rob

So, is there a location and time planned for August 15th ??
Unfortunately, due to some pressing family considerations, Catherine Ann will not be able to travel to this year's rendezvous

.
If there is still a gathering planned in the Trenton area, we could attend by land.

Rob

The "transom plate" on an Alwest is the electrical ground plate, more or less on the center line of the transom just under the deck. It should have the hull number above the row of ground screws, but since the wires are usually routed up, they often obscure the number. (There was no further info req...

Rob

Hi Jay, Another question . . . . Do you have any idea what was causing the aluminum corrosion in the bright spots ? These Alcan/Alwest hulls are amazingly corrosion free, whether they are in fresh or salt water. The balance of your cleaned bilge is proof of this. When I acquired our boat many years ...

Rob

Hi Jay, You are right that the yellow foam is original to most of our boats. And you are right that this "closed cell" foam eventually absorbs a lot of water. There appears to have been two different materials originally sprayed into place. Against the aluminum is a denser bonding material and then ...

Rob

Hi Brian, I will email the file from my home computer this evening. The complete outdrive can be removed without any lifting equipment. It is first pivoted free (much more description to follow on how to first disconnect everything) while standing on its skeg on secure wooden blocking and then it ca...

Rob

Hi Brian, I have completed the replacement of the outdrive bellows and intake hose, as discussed. Weather delays caused this to be a little later in the spring than I had originally planned. This forum will not let me attach a file describing the process, so I will email it directly to you, and a co...

Rob

I've just sorted through latest PN updates with Durham Marine Services, and have my parts on order. Drive Bellows PN 876294 $74.73 ea. Exhaust Bellows PN 876631 $77.03 ea. Intake Hose PN 897599 $75.55 ea. If you do not have a local Volvo Dealer, talk to Shirley at Durham Marine Sevices (905-420-6559...

Rob

A sure sign that Spring is coming. . . . . .the anti-fouling paint discussion :-) Brian, we are all in a difficult situation (particularly in Canada) where we still don't have access to proper anti-fouling paint for aluminum boats. Since Tin based paints were removed from the market and until biocid...

Rob

Barb & Dan: The work that you are doing on Limitless looks amazing ! Completely re-thinking the entire interior layout . . . . . I am not (yet) a Facebook user, but my wife was showing me the additional pictures loaded there. I like the title of your first album on this website . . . . in the beginn...

Rob

Hi Brian, You did not mention whether or not you are happy with the performance and durability of this paint ? $400 per season for bottom paint (in fresh water) is rather on the high side. Unfortunately, once you go to a soft bottom paint, designed to keep itself clean by wearing away, it is almost ...

Rob

Excuse me for jumping in here . . . I noticed that the the pictures of Sioux in the Registry Section show the dinghy crane from several different angles. It looks like it would have enough reach . . . if moved forward on the upper deck. A significant consideration (for an Alwest) is how you plan to ...

Rob

Filling and purging the system . . . . Even though the following Sea Star information http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/OUTBOARD/oboard.htm?../FILL_PURGE/FillPurge.htm&1 starts our with "These instructions show how to fill and purge a Single Station, Single Cylinder System" and "This procedure requires...

Rob

Hi Brian, I get my Volvo parts from Durham Marine Services in Pickering (905-420-6559), but any Volvo Marine dealer will likely have these parts in stock as this is a common service procedure. There are a few minor differences from year to year on these parts so you need to be specific on the vintag...

Rob

Hi Jay, An interesting situation with two helms that are not one above the other. You are right that the vent path cannot have any low spots or air will be trapped. I would agree with your plan to vent both helms to atmosphere with a hose extension on the lower one to bring it's vent height up to th...

Rob

Hi Brian, Further thoughts on this topic . . . . . I have been looking through my factory Volvo Penta and my Clymer Volvo Sterndrive Shop Manuals on this topic. The factory Volvo one assumes that you already know how to do this and is not much help. The Clymer manual does a half way decent job of ex...

Rob

Hi Brian, This job is well within reach of "do-it-yourself" (in my opinion) I have done this a couple of times (and am planning to do it again this Spring) This job should really be "regular maintenance" . . . at least every 4 or 5 years in fresh water. There are 3 rubber parts between the outdrive ...

Rob

Under the "what are you working on" topic in this Technical Forum, Jay mentioned that he is looking at a new Hydraulic Steering system using Teleflex Sea Star hardware. I accomplished this a few years ago on Catherine Ann, so thought I would gather what I had learned into a new Technical Section art...

Rob

Hi Jay, This is an interesting find ! This is definitely an Alwest 370 superstructure being sheathed in aluminum just like we have been discussing. I am sure that David will be most interested. I tried a google search on Dixon Industries but didn't find much. Since you have made contact with the mag...

Rob

Ahhhh . . . . . another of life's little vexations solved

Thanks
Rob

Rob

Is there a way to permanently set my view of the forum to "decending" rather than "ascending" ?
I would like to see latest replys at the top of the list

Rob

Anything less than 1/8" would be really difficult to handle without distortion. If the sheet got stretched during handling, it would be tough to get it to lay flat. A very floppy 234 lb sheet of aluminum sounds like a lot to handle for even 3 or 4 people. This sheet could be temporarily "reinforced"...

Rob

What thickness were you thinking of for the skin ? The side panels in particular are going to be big floppy pieces of aluminum to handle in one piece, but it could likely be done with many hands to bring them into position. The holes drilled for the plug welds would really help with assembly because...

Rob

I would agree that replacing the entire roof would make the most sense to have strong overhangs without (too many) extra supports. Even with an aluminum skin, you are going to need some internal structure (be it wood or aluminum) which provides space for insulation . . . which would also be a good i...

Rob

I did understand that your plan for Buster was not as grand as what is shown in the picture. The picture was only intended as a reference for what someone else had done to extend the roof out over the side decks by way of what looks like a molded fibreglass "add-on" piece. Is your plan to add to the...

Rob

Re: Aluminum Skin for an Alwest Superstructure . . . . . Not setting the whole works on fire is an important consideration ! I would not be too worried about the heat generated by small plug welds. Continuous seam welds would be another matter. Epoxy fillers bond very well to properly prepared alumi...

Rob

Re: Aluminum Skin for an Alwest Superstructure . . . . . I can see how this method could work. Fastening aluminum angle to the sides of the superstructure frames, positioned to carry the new skin at exactly the original wall thickness would make re-installation of the original windows (and door) qui...

Rob

Good point . . . . that probably drove the need to install the bow thruster

Rob

Alwests originally had a logo on the side "sail panels" Catherine Ann had these in 1993 . . . but I did not save them. I borrowed the attached picture from Molly O . . the only Alwest on our website to still have these. I would like to reproduce these for Catherine Ann. Did anybody save one that I c...

Rob

Picking up on David's 2nd project idea . . . . In 1993 I was seaching central Ontario for an Alcan/Alwest. I snapped the attached picture of an Alcan (at Hurst Marine near Ottawa, I think) This boat was not for sale, but I was intrigued by the molded fibreglass roof extensions, the bow thruster and ...

Rob

WOW David! . . . . you plan BIG! and BIGGER !! The Swim Platform & Dive Ladder would be easy to tackle. I am firmly convince that the "geometry and positioning" of the swimgrid on Catherine Ann is ideal. I am rethinking the materials. I have just refinished the swimgrid (shown in the tech article) f...

Rob

Hi Watercottage (Is this Jay?), I installed Teleflex Sea Star hydraulic steering a couple of years ago. The original Alwest system was cable and drums so going hydraulic was a huge improvement ! The tubing run length (in a 370) is right at the recommended limit for the nylon tubing so I went with co...

Rob

Last summer we had a forum topic started on the various seating and sleeping acccomodations possible on Alcans & Alwests. In the Website Technical Section under the tab "Accomodations" is an article with pictures and comments on the interior arrangement and relatively minor modifications on Catherin...

Rob

Hello All: The 07/08 Rendezvous' have been a great opportunity for us to meet each other and compare notes on our boats. I agree that we need to find a location more central to the eastern fleet. I wish that there were something we could do to better include the western contingent. Perhaps the west ...

Rob

Hi Wayne, Got your email as well, so I will send you the measurements taken from Catherine Ann. I would be surprised if you could fit a full 60" x 80" queen mattress without cutting off the forward corners . . . . Unless your platform has been raised, in which case you would have significantly less ...

Rob

Hi Wayne, I assume that you have an Alwest 370, since you mention lower forward berths already. I do not think that any of the other versions have enough forward space to make this work. You are right that headroom is limited. Some are OK with this, others less so. This is not unlike the headroom in...

Rob

Hi Wayne,
See new tech topic . . . "Alwest Lower Forward Berth"
Rob

Rob

So . . . . with the boats tucked safely away (for those of us in the east) and the snow beginning to swirl about, it is time to plan that new aquisition for the boat next summer, or that bigger than normal repair/replacement job that you really would like to get behind you . . . . . Whatever it is, ...

Rob

Hi All: I don't know if the "Chief Scientist" tag fits . . . . Maybe "Jack of all Trades" or something like that . . . . In any case, there are enough technical discussions scattered throughout the general forum, that it makes sense to gather these all in one place. I expect that there will be many ...

Rob

Hello Ellen, Welcome ot the world of Alcans & Alwests ! In the "Technical" section of this site, see the first series of info under the title Hull Dynamics. This data was created/provided by the site webmaster (who also has an Alwest) His newer 4.3L V6 engines are likely very close to the HP produce...

Rob

An amazingly original Alwest 370 ! (Except for the structure on the forward deck, the stove and the engines) For anyone interested in what the original interior looked like, there are many more pictures on the linked site. Certainly a near sistership of Catherine Ann. Not likely a 76 vintage . . . ....

Rob

Terry,
Send me your email address and I will send you what I have about how I block up Catherine Ann.
This is in a Powerpoint format, so I can't attach it here.
Eventually it will be posted to the tech section of the website.
Rob
rob.farrow@sympatico.ca

Rob

You know . . . . I think there is a difference between blocking an Alwest hull and blocking any other Alcan/Alloy/other Montreal built derivative. There is a nearly derelict Alcan 29 in the yard in Whitby and I took a quick look on my way home tonight. It has been siting there for several years on 4...

Rob

An intriguing discussion . . . . I have always set Catherine Ann on 3 crosswise sets of blocks, at the chines and at the keel. The first set at the transom, the second set 10 ft forward of that and the 3rd set another 10 ft forward. I place a single keel block another 10 ft forward. I try to carry t...

Rob

Bowsprit, anchor, windlass, chain and rode have all been sold.

Rob

Rob

Hi Brian, It is always tough to diagnose these things by remote analysis. The ignition cutout / loss of spark makes some sense . . . . but let me try another theory. The explanation that it starts, revs and then stalls (repeatedly) suggests that the choke is coming open too fast. This fits with the ...

Rob

Hi Brian, I do have a few ideas that might help . . . . but first, I need more detail on "would not start" such as: 1) Would not crank (battery/starter motor) 2) Cranked but would not start (could be fuel or spark) 3) Starts and stalls (likely carb choke adjustment) 4) Runs but quits without warning...

Rob

Hi Brian,
I will be interested to know if this works . . . . I have another theory, if it doesn't.
Rob

Rob

Hi Brian,

Gananoque is a relatively small place. 10 mins from one side to the other if you are driving.
Any of the "chain" hotels (Holiday Inns etc) are new or refurbished because of the new Casino business nearby.
If you google Gananoque Hotels, you will find a number of alternatives.

Rob

Rob

Brian, I do NOT have a HYNAUTIC steering system, but I have worked on one . . . . You appear to have done all the right things in carefully checking for a hydraulic leak. There is a relatively small volume of air in the pressure tank and I would do exactly as you describe in checking for air leaks w...

Rob

All: Gananoque is a summer tourist town so there are lots of places to stay for those travelling by land. Although many may be booked . . . . Towards the east end is the Casino and lots of motels. ( A 10 minute drive to the harbour, but a long walk!) Towards the west end are a number of other motels...

Rob

For 2009, I like the idea of putting some long range planning into this and maybe getting a significant group assembled at some relatively central point. For 2008, the weekends are coming and going fast ! Being likely the closest to Gananoque, I like the idea of a gathering in this area :-) but . . ...

Rob

Terry, I can't offer any more insight into these quick fixes than what I read on their websites . . . . . but if I were in this situation, I would try this as a means to save the last half of the summer. Based on the success of this trial (which we will all be interested in) you then have the coming...

Rob

Welcome "Low Risk" ! As I am sure many will jump to tell you . . . . . You have an Alwest, built in Gimli Manitoba . . . . actually only 2 builds after Buster ! From your picture, the upper cabin roof with the supports forward is unusual for an Alwest, more like the Alcans. See the website tech sect...

Rob

Ouch . . . . .those damned elephants ! This could be just the gasket or could lead down a deeper hole (but I guess you know this) I usually get my parts through Durham Marine Services in Pickering (905-420-6559) They can usually get parts within a few days if they are stocked in the Vovo Canada ware...

Rob

There is an intersting hull shape difference between earlier and later Alwest 370s. Buster (Hull 370 71 156) and Quadrium (Hull 370 72 167) are the same, but different than Catherine Ann (Hull 370 72 181). Something changed between 167 and 181. Cadoruca (no hull number since this boat was finished a...

Rob

Hi Brian, Re Alcan/Alwest Engines . . . . Many (most?) of our boats were originally built with the Volvo straight 6 engines. 170 A/B or C and Series 250 or 270 outdrives. These are true Swedish Volvo engines and work well if you understand them although they are slightly underpowered for what is nee...

Rob

Hi James

This is Catherine Ann in 2 ft waves driven by 25 knots of wind, but in a relatively protected channel.
This does not even disturb the dishes.
Getting safely to the dock in 25 knots of crosswind, now thats a different matter requiring further discussion

Rob

I like the "sample" picture :-) Can I borrow it ? I have taken a bunch of pictures of the various seating/sleeping areas on Catherine Ann. I am hoping that David can get his site updates working again so I can submit these as a package with descriptions, as a tech article. If not, I can email the Po...

Rob

Hi James Welcome to the world of Alcans, Alwests and their other cousins. Whatever your question, likely one of the regular contributors to this website can answer it. David (our webmaster) is having some rather complicated issues with posting website updates. Typically we have a fairly regular flow...

Rob

Catherine Ann spent Canada Day on a mooring can off Camelot Island in the St Lawrence.
Attached is a latest picture with new wood/stainless/lifeline railings and ladders (finally !)in place.
Also the new bowsprit with power windlass.

Rob

The forward seating area on Catherine Ann has a smaller table and slightly wider seating (about 18") more like couches. This is still less than the 26" cushions. The difference is made up by 4" thick foam back cushions on 3/4" plywood back boards and (this is the different part) 3" to 4" wooden cros...

Rob

Hi Robert, I have read your message several times and I am still confused :-) This needs a picture and/or a drawing! The ideal setup is where the table width comes exactly to the front edge of the seats. The seat backs need to be about 16" back from that. This works for the table to sit on rails att...

Rob

If you go to the 2007 Rendezvous picture of Catherine Ann leaving the dock, you can see the mahogany and stainless railings that I built to replace the original aluminum ones.

Rob

Having just built a new bowsprit for Catherine Ann, (which fits my new Bruce style anchor and my new windlass), I have the similar bowsprit (which I built about 10 or so years ago) to fit my previous plow anchor. If anyone is interested in buying the 45 lb anchor ($100 ?) I would throw in the bowspr...

Rob

David et al: I have a backyard rack full of all my original Alwest 370 railings. Lower and upper deck rails plus ladder(s). Storing this eyesore jumble of aluminum pipe is not going over well with the First Mate. If anyone wants all or part of this pile, it is yours for the taking. Otherwise, as muc...

Rob

David, I experienced a similar engine compartment "oil everywhere" scenario a few years back (in my case it was the the gen set) I bought a couple of gallon jugs of citrus based degreaser, and the refillable spray bottle, from Home Depot and sprayed all two gallons of this cleaner into every nook an...

Rob

Catherine Ann launched May 2nd without any cause for alarm (so far :-)) My dock fell into the river last winter, so Spring has been mainly about building a new dock (the downside of belonging to a self-help club) But things are now sorted away and the new dock is way better than the old one. A numbe...

Rob

Joe, Thanks for the detailed reply . . . . this is now on my list of things to do. springs ?? I didn't know I was supposed to have springs! But this makes sense when I think about how sliding patio doors work. I will look more closely. The rest of this puzzle (on an Alwest) for anyone considering th...

Rob

I also found Beclawat excellent to deal with when I rebuilt the windows on Catherine Ann several years ago. The current staff at Beclawat seemed somewhat surprised that these 1970's vintage housecruisers had their windows and doors. The door can also be rebuilt although Beclawat did not have parts. ...

Rob

A good looking hull

The superstructure . . . . . well . . . . .

Rob

Got a chuckle out of reading your message . . . . one of those "been there / done that" moments. Glad to hear that you got out of yours without major damage. Bring on Spring

Rob

I contacted Aquagard about Alumi-Koat properites and availability in Canada. Following is the reply. Note that antifouling is at least partially by copper content, so a barrier coat would still be advisable. Just FYI . . . . . Hi Rob, Thanks for your email. The paint contains a small amount of Cupro...

Rob

Hi Patrick, You have a lot riding on the epoxy barrier coat maintaining complete galvanic isolation between the hull and the antifouling paint. Amercoat ABC4 is a copper based paint. From the ABC4 data sheet at the site link in your message . . . . "Improperly primed surfaces or failure to immediate...

Rob

More on "bottom paint" with no antifouling properties . . . . On Catherine Ann, after stripping off the previous copper based paint (in 1993) I applied Viny-Lux primewash and this incredibly tough industrial two-part epoxy paint made by Interlux and sold as "Intertuf". The type I used was Intertuf J...

Rob

Hi Brian, That's exactly where we left off . . . . I had a long discussion with the Interlux folks at the boat show that ended at this same place. They are not actively pursuing bringing any truly aluminum compatible bottom paint into Canada. Further, they now advise several coats on Interprotect on...

Rob

This site has gone amazingly quiet.
Where is everybody . . . . ???
I am working on new railings for Catherine Ann . . . .
What are you guys working on ?
Spring is coming . . . . really it is !
Let's crank up the discussion . . . . .
So where are we going for the 2008 Rendezvous ?

Rob

Hi guys: Having fiddle with these screens (and worked with Beclawat on restoring my Alwest windows) I would have to say that no two windows (even ones which appear to be the same) are close enough for screens to be interchangeable. I would suggest careful measurement of each window at the screen run...

Rob

I would agree with all the info from Metalcraft Marine, except that you have to remember that he is starting with new aluminum . . . . we have a lot of work to do, to get back to this condition. The sandblast surface spec is close to what you will get with careful application of a 60 grit sanding di...

Rob

I have a little bit of Trilux II T which is the last of the tin based antifouling taken off the market about 5 years ago. I use it from chine to waterline every 2nd year and probably have enough for one more application. Below the chines is still as painted 5 years ago. In the US they have Interlux ...

Rob

I think we might be able to learn more about the evolution of our boats if we look carefully for the exact hull identification number. This is stamped into the electrical grounding plate on the inside centre of the transom. Depending on how the grounding wires are routed, the number may be completel...

Rob

I think the difference between frame/tarp and shrink wrap is whether or not you are working on the boat over the winter. Both will keep things dry, which is the important part. Before we purchased Catherine Ann, she sat outside, uncovered, through several winters. This is when the majority of the da...

Rob

In my opinion, a tight tarp and good ventilation are the keys. A tarp without a good strong frame is going to flap in the wind destroying itself and damaging nearby paint. I have a frame that is almost like an open ended garage. I use a new polyethylene 30 x 50 tarp (less than $100) each year. The s...

Rob

What if we added this website address to our boat "business cards" (with David's permission of course) We have these cards made up with a picture of our boat and our names and email addresses that we give to those who we meet in our travels. Tucking one of your own cards under the windshield wiper o...

Rob

David, I have examined exactly this additional hull section on another 32, so it is likely as originally maunufactured. My own theory is that this is added bouyancy to compensate for the weight of the flybridge. It is a constant battle on Catherine Ann (Alwest 370 with flybridge) to keep the bow hig...

Rob

Throughout my various renovations on Catherine Ann, I have kept many of the original pieces. Things like the original "push-a matic" 120V circuit breakers or matching dash panel switches and engine gauges are all but impossible to find anymore. I'll bet many of you have similar old spare parts boxes...

Rob

David et al:

Sounds like a plan is coming together !
Catherine Ann will be there.
Now . . . back to the food question.
Cathy makes a great potato salad (unless there is already one of these in the plan) Anything else that we can bring ?

Cathy & Rob

Rob

David,

Catherine Ann will be there.
How many boats are you expecting ?
Either shore based or island anchorage is fine with us.
We do have 2 dogs who tend to wander from boat to boat in a raft up
(which may not be OK with everyone)
More to follow on what we can add to the dinner . . . . .

Rob

When I recently had to go shopping for a new insurance broker/policy I was having trouble finding someone interested in a 35 year old housecruiser . . . . . so, one broker said "describe her to me" . . . . and I said "V hull, twin engines, built in generator, steering station and flybridge forward, ...

Rob

From the picture, I am quite sure that this is an Alwest. The key to identifying an Alwest hull is the unique gunwale extrusion with no openings along its length and the very pointed bow. The Alwest superstucture is wood framed and covered with plywood. Originally, the exterior surface was thin alum...

Rob

and another one . . . . . . Alwest 370 with flybridge only $20K !
http://www.boatcan.com/index.php3?ts=11 ... 1151613791

Rob

David,
Note the Alcan370 brochure pages on the Sault Ste Marie listing.
I haven't seen these before.
Maybe you could get better resolution versions from the seller ?
Rob

Rob

All: Thanks for all the feedback . . . . but I think you missed my original question. I am not going to put my boat IN salt water . . . . .I am thinking about WASHING IT with salt water (and then a fresh water rinse of course) as perhaps a gentle way to keep the mold out of the teak. My question is ...

Rob

David,
I am already getting email messages when an update to something I am "tracking" happens on the forum.
I might just make this my homepage

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