Systems & Propulsion

The Catalina 30 is a remarkable success story. We suspect that more Catalina 30s have been built than any other boat of that size anywhere in the world. While the basic boat has remained unchanged since it was introduced in 1975, there have been dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of minor developments in the boat in the course of a production run that is approaching 4,000 hulls. The advantage of a boat in production for so long is a high degree of product refinement over the years. The challenge for the owner of an early version of the boat is to upgrade his boat to the standards of models currently in production.

The trend toward “smart” freshwater pumps has expanded into the realm of “intelligent” pumps. Today, sailboat water pumps monitor and respond to variations in freshwater systems and even identify problems and alert users. Practical Sailor tested 11 electric water pumps for boats from five manufacturers: Shurflo; Jabsco / ITT; Johnson Pumps; Whale Pumps; and Groco. We looked at pump performance, amp-usage, ease of installation, durability, features, and cost.

Our testing apparatus included a pressure gauge and shut-off valve rigged on an upright board that provided about a 6-foot lift—about the max for boats 40 feet or shorter. The rig has a 3/4-inch outlet with 3/4-inch hose leading down to a calibrated container; this permitted precisely timed runs to determine the actual gallons-per-minute flow. Pumps that offered multiple hose-diameter options were tested using the largest option.

Most test pumps featured “quick connect” input and output ports. These are easier than the threaded style to use, but we’ve seen instances where a bad design caused them to fail easily. Be sure to closely examine pump connections when choosing a pump. Quick-connect fittings should be robust and operate smoothly.

How far are we from Lithium-ion-powered boat engines? Practical Sailor is watching the developments of the lithium-ion battery in marine applications and hybrid electric-diesel engines for boats. In this article, we look at where the technology is currently and where the lithium-battery trend is heading. Mastervolt and Torqeedo are two of the major lithium-battery players in the recreational boating market. A third company, Valence Energy, is developing battery packs in both 12-volt and 19-volt configurations. PS also examines the differences in the lithium-ion chemistry, with a look at lithium-cobalt, lithium-cobalt nickel, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium-manganese, lithium-iron magnesium, or lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt blends.

A request for an electric-powered Alerion Express 33 prompted Pearson Yachts and Mastervolt to undertake the construction of an electric-propulsion version of the boat. The heart of the system is a pair of 160-amp, 12-volt DC lithium-ion-phosphate batteries from Mastervolt. The system also includes two 60-amp Chargemasters chargers designed for maximum efficiency.

When we last touched on electric propulsion conversion in September 2008, PS noticed several small companies catering to the niche. Among them was Above the Waterline Marine in Santa Barbara, Calif. (www.abovethewaterline.net). Owned by James Lambden, the company specializes in alternative energy systems; it also builds and markets an electric propulsion system, made by subsidiary Propulsion Marine.

Your September 2010 issue had a great article on electric bilge pumps. My Pearson 424 ketch has a bilge sump that has to be 4 feet deep, which would be a lot of water to move if it ever started to fill. In the article, you recommended a mix of a small pump for “everyday duty” with a couple of large-capacity backup units, you didn’t mention how to plumb these. Would each pump have to…

One of the more unsanitary shipboard practices is draining showers directly into the bilge, a setup that not only generates odors, but also introduces pump-clogging hair and soap scum into the bilge. A common aftermarket solution is mounting a gravity-fed sump beneath the shower pan, which collects the water and automatically pumps it overboard or to a gray-water tank, using a small submersible pump and float switch mounted inside.

I have noticed that several new sailboats are being offered with turbocharged diesel engines. Seems to me these pose two problems: excess fuel consumption and excess heat. Do you have an opinion or technical advice on their use practicality?