CS 36T ladder replacement and engine question

SalutetoRelic · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2010

Hello I am new to this forum and to sailing generally!

I'm thinking about purchasing a CS 36T.

How troublesome is it maintaining your engine? I read reports about how inaccessible the engine is. I'm in my 40's so I need to know if I should join a yoga class to get ready to change filters etc.

Also, does the step compainionway ladder pose any issues for anyone? Has anyone replaced them?

I really love this boat. I have looked at all the usual supects.

Thanks in advance for any replies. I apologize if I have posted this in the wrong place or incorrectly in any other way.

e

Toronto

CraigDeb · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2010

We have had a CS36T for the past three seasons and are quite pleased with it. The engine access is considered to be poor, however, once all the panels are removed, you can pretty much get at everything. The V-drive is just about bulletproof, as is the Westerbeke 30 (if it's properly maintained). The main drawbacks to the V-drive are that the engine is mounted in reverse (the drive belts are aft), the stuffing box is best reached with a flexible 10 year old, and, if repowering becomes necessary, your options are limited. I had some problems with cold starts and overheating, which was solved by rebuilding the injectors and disassembling and flushing out the heat exchanger. Both relatively easy tasks. Properly serviced, the engine will last forever. That said, parts, when required, are easily found, but hideously expensive.
Otherwise, the boat sails well, points high for a shoal draft, and is built like a tank. Some don't like the companionway steps (ladder!?), but the layout requires it. It is a great cruiser and well suited for long distance voyages, it can sail comfortably in almost any weather. We are a family of 5 (two teenagers) and have done two week holidays on two occasions on Lake Ontario with no casualties.
Hope that helps.
Be happy to give you more details.

Maine Sail · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2010

The ladder is steep but you get used to it quickly. Engine access IMHO is EXCELLENT compared to many boats. The companionway removes and can be put in the galley then the port and starboard panels in the lazarettes can also be removed for access to the back side of the engine. This gives nearly 360 degree access. Our boat was re-powered with a Westerbeke 44B Four which fits nicely and only required a slight modification to the rear engine mounts which dropped them about an inch or two.

Port side access:

Starboard Access:

Front Access:

SalutetoRelic · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

CraigDeb,

Thank you for the great answer and sharing the details. Really very useful information. I was very curious to hear about how awkward it really is from an owner perspective.

I also like the sailing information you provided. I think i may be going crazy because I find it all so fascinating. ;-). I very much enjoy looking at pictures of CS 36's to see how owners have arranged their interiors and also how they manage the sails and whether they have furlers etc.

I go on.

I wonder what the net difference is between the shoal draft and full keel models? I was looking at a CS Merlin with shoal wings online today. No pictures.

How long can you sail in lake Ontario before you have to haul her out?

Regardless thank you for the great info.

e

SalutetoRelic · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2010

Maine Sail,

Holy smokes as they say! Thank you for the awesome pictures. Again so great to see. I think I will have to take a small engine reapir class at a community college to work effectively on boat engines.

The engine looks Bristol neat, I think they say that in the navy. On another CS owners site a fellow showed about 3 pics of him replacining his engine. A newer volvo I believe. I am also glad to hear from CraigDeb that the engines are so solid.

I love looking at the systems close up like this. I know I shoudn't ask and be info greedy but... What is the blue cannister thingy?

Thanks again,

e

sailingfool · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalutetoRelic

CraigDeb,

....

I wonder what the net difference is between the shoal draft and full keel models? I was looking at a CS Merlin with shoal wings online today. No pictures.
.....

e

Get the deep keel unless you absolutely REQUIRE shallow draft. The deep keel 36T goes upwind like a dream,,,

Maine Sail · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalutetoRelic

Maine Sail,

I know I shoudn't ask and be info greedy but... What is the blue cannister thingy?

Thanks again,

e

That is the drier for the refrigerant in the SeaFrost engine driven refrigeration system.

JohnRPollard · #8 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010

Hey MaineSail,

Sorry, but it looks like you may have installed your engine backwards.

I take it that is a V-drive? Or?

Maine Sail · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Hey MaineSail,

Sorry, but it looks like you may have installed your engine backwards.

I take it that is a V-drive? Or?

Yes, v-drive installation. Makes some things easier to get at and others more of a pain. Personally I prefer the access on this engine the way it is oriented. Plus to pull my prop shaft the coupling remins attached to the shaft and it simply pulls out into the boat. About a 10-12 minute job including pulling the prop...

JohnRPollard · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

Yes, v-drive installation. Makes some things easier to get at and others more of a pain. Personally I prefer the access on this engine the way it is oriented. Plus to pull my prop shaft the coupling remins attached to the shaft and it simply pulls out into the boat. About a 10-12 minute job including pulling the prop...

That is very handy, the way you can pull the shaft. Are we looking at the inboard end of the shaft at the bottom of your third photo?

How is it getting to the stuffing box?