Catalina Yachts 34’ Catalina MK II 1999, 34’ Catalina MK II, 1999 Catalina 34 MK II Operation Manual
Libertas
34’ Catalina MK II 1999
OPERATION MANUAL
Welcome aboard! We are happy you have chosen Libertas for your sailing vacation. Libertas is a 34’
Catalina MK II -- built in 1999. The Catalina 34 is a classic, and one of the most popular family sailboats
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made in the mid 30 foot range. It has lots of room both above and below and has a thoroughly comfortable
layout. It handles very well in big winds and can be sailed shorthanded very easily.
The Catalina 34 was designed by Frank Butler and was first introduced in 1996. Over 1700 of these vessels
have been built over the years and improved each year with input from Catalina skippers. The Catalina 34
is an ideal cruiser. Its performance is very responsive and its interior is accommodating. The Catalina 34 is
a sleek yacht with crisp clean lines and sturdy construction. A one piece fiberglass hull and engineered sub
sole structural system with stainless steel tie rods, a molded structural hull liner, and a stainless steel truss at
the mast step provides reassuring strength at sea. A structural aluminum chain plate reinforcement system
tie all mast loads to the hull. On board the deck has molded-in non-skid surfaces. The cockpit seats are
comfortable and large to sleep or sun bathe on.
The experience of Catalina 34 skippers is demonstrated in the practicality of the masthead rig with fore and
aft lowers, forestay and backstay. The inboard shroud base leaves room for secure footing on the non-skid
deck and provides for narrow sheeting angles and the ability to carry large genoas. The rigid boom-vang and
double ended mainsheet system make sail handling easier and more secure. The wide aft cabin has a large
berth, upholstered seat and bureau. It's a very "forgiving" vessel with a lot of room and comfortable
surroundings. The distinctive cabin house and diamond-shaped sail emblem help identify a Catalina
anywhere.
Catalina 34 MKII's Floor Plan
The information summarized in this manual is intended to assist all skippers, crew and guests in feeling
more comfortable with the basic systems and how they work. If something isn't familiar to you, please
check these notes. If the information is unclear, incomplete, confusing, or otherwise less than helpful,
please help us to add, change, or restate the information so that it conveys the desired results. Please feel
free to add your suggestions for other information or clarifications at the end of this manual, or simply add a
comment or two in the margin as appropriate. Your suggestions will be incorporated into future revisions.
In addition to the information contained in this manual; you will find a blue colored Catalina Manual at the
navigation station. This manual contains information from manufacturers on various systems and equipment
aboard Libertas. A companion binder contains information on the various operating systems aboard the
vessel. Feel free to consult these manuals if the need arises. Please note that throughout this manual items
denoted in bold text should be given special attention. Items denoted in bold red text are highlighted
because of personal injury concerns or situations that could cause major maintenance problems.
You will see this is posted as a no smoking and no pet’s vessel. We ask that you restrict smoking to the
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cockpit or decks and/or dockside in order to maintain a pleasant sailing environment for all guests. Your cooperation is appreciated.
There is a logbook stored by the navigation station. Please feel free to use the logbook to document your
adventures if you wish. You may also use this logbook to make any comments and/or suggestions about
improving Libertas for future charters. Please feel free to email us if you would like to make any other
comments or suggestions as well. We are interested in ensuring Libertas is not only well maintained, but
also improved over time. We look forward to hearing from you.
A final note regarding your safety and your care for this vessel: The Libertas draws 5’7’’ and is
therefore susceptible to “grounding” in the San Juan Islands and other inland waters. Please consult
with AYC staff regarding hazardous passages and anchorages. Your attention to your onboard charts
and the GPS chart plotter are essential. If you have questions regarding the operation of the GPS, AYC
staff can demonstrate the simple functions before you leave the dock. Experienced yachtsmen, familiar
with these Northwest waters, will confirm for you just how hazardous they can be without prudent
precautions.
We are sure you will enjoy sailing the beautiful islands of the Pacific Northwest aboard Libertas. If you
have questions about the vessel or about places to visit, please do not hesitate to ask the AYC staff. Have a
great sailing adventure, and again thanks for choosing the Libertas!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. VESSEL DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS…………..........................................................................
II. VESSEL OPERATON................................................................................................................................ 5
A. ENGINE................................................................................................................................................ 5
Engine Inspection.................................................................................................................................. 5
Startup................................................................................................................................................... 6
Shifting.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Shutdown .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Fueling Up ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Trouble Shooting Engine Problems...................................................................................................... 7
B. GETTING UNDERWAY ..................................................................................................................... 8
C. DINGHY ............................................................................................................................................... 9
D. DOCKING ............................................................................................................................................ 9
E. MOORING CANS (BUOYS) ............................................................................................................. 10
F. ANCHORING ..................................................................................................................................... 10
III. VESSEL SYSTEMS................................................................................................................................ 10
A. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................. 10
110-Volt AC System........................................................................................................................... 10
12 Volt DC System ............................................................................................................................. 11
Troubleshooting Electrical Systems ................................................................................................... 12
B. SANITATION SYSTEM.................................................................................................................... 12
Marine Head (toilet)............................................................................................................................ 12
Holding Tank ...................................................................................................................................... 12
C. WATER SYSTEM.............................................................................................................................. 13
Fresh Water Tank................................................................................................................................ 13
Fresh Water Pump............................................................................................................................... 13
Water Heater ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Shower ................................................................................................................................................ 14
D. GALLEY SYSTEMS.......................................................................................................................... 14
Propane Stove/Oven............................................................................................................................ 14
Refrigeration ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Barbeque ............................................................................................................................................. 15
E. HEATING SYSTEMS........................................................................................................................ 15
Forced Air Diesel Furnace.................................................................................................................. 15
Space Heater (110 Volt AC) ............................................................................................................... 15
F. ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................... 15
VHF Radio .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Depth Sounder/Knot Meter/Wind Speed............................................................................................ 16
Global Positioning System (GPS)....................................................................................................... 16
Autopilot ............................................................................................................................................. 16
AM/FM Stereo Radio – CD Player..................................................................................................... 16
G. BILGE PUMPS................................................................................................................................... 17
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H. THRU-HULL SEA COCKS............................................................................................................... 17
I. DODGER AND BIMINI...................................................................................................................... 17
G. SAFETY EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................................... 17
First Aid Kit ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Fire Extinguishers ............................................................................................................................... 17
Signaling Flares .................................................................................................................................. 18
Life Jackets ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Steering Gear Failure .......................................................................................................................... 18
Engine Spares/Tools ........................................................................................................................... 18
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I. VESSEL DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications Electronics Galley Other Features
LOA: 34’6” GPS (chart plotter plus
handheld)
LWL: 29’10” Autopilot Pressure H/C Water Forced Air Diesel Heater
Beam: 11’9” VHF Radio Refrigeration Stereo/CD
Draft: 5’7” Depth sounder
Displacement: 1,950 lbs. Knot meter
Ballast: 5,000 lbs.
Engine: Universal 35 HP
Cruising Speed: 6.5 kts
@3/4gph
Headroom: 6’2” Sail Area: 554 sq. ft. Sleeps 7 in: Collapsible Crab Pot
Fuel Capacity: 25 gal. Dutchman Flaking V-Berth
Water Capacity: 55 gal. ST Winches Queen Aft Strm
Holding Tank Capacity:
18 gal.
Mast Height Above
Water: 55’
Sails Etc. Accommodations
135% Genoa Roller
Furling
Tall Rig Double Dinette
Propane Stove/Oven Electric Windlass
Head with shower Inflatable Dinghy
Single Settee
Dodger
Custom Cockpit Table
Propane BBQ
Walk on Transom w/
H&C Freshwater Shower
"The wonder is always new that any sane man can be a sailor." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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II. VESSEL OPERATON
A. ENGINE
Libertas is powered by a 35 HP Universal engine. There are separate control levers at the helm that operate
the throttle (right) and transmission (left). On the engine control panel there are gages for RPM, fuel,
ammeter, oil pressure, engine hour counter and water temperature.
A sound alarm is provided to indicate high fresh water temperature and low oil pressure. The engine will
propel Libertas at its cruising speed of 6.5 knots in calm water at 2500 RPM. We ask that you maintain
engine RPM between 2000 and 2500 for cruising. Higher throttle settings will only minimally increase
speed, but will greatly increase fuel consumption and wear on the engine. Please limit higher throttle
settings for emergency situations.
Libertas has noticeable prop-walk to port in reverse. When in reverse, be careful to keep a firm grip on the
wheel and use only low RPMs.
Manufacture instructions are located in the Catalina Owner’s Manual, which is stored at the navigation
table. Also you will find a blue engine manual with an extra key attached.
Engine Inspection
Engine Compartment
Step 1: Check engine oil level daily. The dipstick is located on the starboard side of the engine, near the air
filter. The engine should not be operated with oil levels above the “high” mark or below the
“low” mark. If the oil level is below the “low” mark, add more engine oil. Extra oil is stored in the
port lazarette. The engine oil fill is located on the top of the engine just behind the fan belt and the
cap simply reads “oil.”
Please wipe away any oil that may have spilled while filling.
Important: Please make note of any oil that you find on the engine and call it to the attention of AYC
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staff upon returning from your charter.
Step 2: Check the coolant level by removing the coolant cap (with the engine cool). The coolant cap is
located on the port side of the engine on the top. To open, push down and turn counterclockwise.
The coolant should be visible or felt within 1-2 inches below the top. Additional coolant is stored in
the port lazarette. Do not overfill, as there needs to be room to allow the coolant to expand as the
engines warm up to operating temperature.
Step 3: Check the tension on “fan belt” for the alternator and water pump. The belts should give slightly
under moderate tension from a finger. Loose belts should be tightened before starting engine.
Step 4: Check bilges for excess water. The manual setting for the bilge pump should be used to remove any
excess water. Be sure to return the bilge pump switch back to automatic.
Step 5: Inspect the raw water intake strainers and raw water intake thru hull, located under the berth in the
aft cabin. The thru hull should be open and the strainer clear of debris. If the strainer needs
cleaning, close the thru hull before opening the strainer. Unscrew the plastic bulb holding the
strainer. Be careful not to lose the rubber O-ring. Rinse the strainer and plastic bulb and replace them
with the O-ring in place. Do not fully tighten initially because the air needs to be removed. Slowly
open the thru-hull valve and allow the air in the plastic bulb to escape. When the air has escaped,
tighten the plastic bulb by hand and observe for leaks. The continued supply of seawater is critical to
the operation of the engine.
Raw water intake thru hull (aft, starboard compartment) Intake strainer (behind engine)
Important: After cleaning, confirm the thru hull is open, as shown in the above, left photo.
Step 6: If necessary, disconnect the shore power connections by first turning off the 110 AC master
breakers, then turning off the breaker at the dock box, and finally disconnecting the actual cords.
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Starting Engine
Step 1: Switch off AC and turn the battery selector to ALL.
Step 2: Double check that the gearshift is in neutral.
Step 3: Move the throttle slightly ahead.
Step 4: Insert the key into the ignition, turn and hold down in clockwise direction. Hold for a few seconds
to heat glow plugs. Then push the starter button and release key. A warning buzzer will sound until
the engine starts.
Step 5: Reduce throttle to idle, adjusting as necessary until engine is warm.
Important: Confirm water from the exhaust muffler discharges from the outboard, aft port outlet.
This will indicate that intake water is reaching the engine for cooling.
Step 6: Check oil pressure. If an alarm sounds, it should stop within 15 seconds. If not, immediately shut-
off engine by pulling up on the shut-off lever. Check level of engine oil before restarting.
After Starting Engine
Step 1: Check for fuel. After turning the engine key, check the level on the fuel gauge. Fill as necessary.
The capacity of the fuel tank is 23 gallons. (See fueling note below.)
Step 2: While the engine is warming up, check around the boat, dock, and surrounding water to make sure
there are no loose lines or floating objects and that it is safe to get underway.
Step 3: Turn on the appropriate DC breakers necessary for running the electronics, running lights, radio, etc.
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