Alcanboats Forum

Rob

Catherine has been sold!

Rob

Rob

Adding winter US phone number.

Rob

Rob

1972 Alwest 370. Asking $45,000 Located in Kingston
After 25 years of extensive renovations and upgrades, it is time for us to move on from boating.
Many of the upgrades are documented in the Technical Section of this Forum.

Rob

Rob

Hi Pedro, The screens lift straight up so that the lower edge will clear the guide track. The problem is that there is a piece of rubber tubing inside the upper part of the screen that is supposed to be compressible to allow this. Over time this tubing hardens and make getting the screen out, really...

Rob

Hi justcruzin, I have an Alwest, but know the Alcan quite well too. Funny that you have the genset for sale :). The original engines and outdrives from Thumper IV are now my rebuilt spares. I'm kind of into restoring the original stuff . . . but the parts are getting stupidly expensive. Before you a...

Rob

Hi Bob, I put 50 gallon plastic marine tanks in Catherine Ann, many years ago. These have worked well and passed two surveys with no questions. They expand (bulge) when filled, which is a little "un-nerving" at first . . . but is part of their design. This expansion has to be allowed for at installa...

Rob

Hi Walt, Project looks to be progressing really well. Many have considered OB power for an Alcan, but you are the first that I know of to actually accomplish it. Congratulations ! "Rebalancing" to get back to bow-up (or at least level) will be an interesting exercise. Moving the fuel and water tanks...

Rob

Hi Walt, Sounds like a great project . . . that many have talked about but no one (that I know of) has embarked on. Here is a place to start on motor mounting bracket ideas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GORpt8Cybw. Strengthening the transom to take this different load will be interesting. The Alca...

Rob

Hi Walt, There are so many variables in this equation . . . it is impossible to solve from the sum of the bits and pieces of information. There have been so many Alcans repowered (although none that I know of with outboards) it might make sense to look at what others have done and what worked or did...

Rob

Hi Walt, To add to David's info, Catherine Ann has the original 2 x 170 HP Volvo engines and does not reach planning speed. Although hull shape is identical to Buster (somewhat different than your Alcan 370) I estimate that my boat is 5000 lbs heavier than David's. Flybridge, teak decks, stainless a...

Rob

The teak decks worked out well an Catherine Ann, but are tough to keep from going black. This seems to be the nature of teak in our environment without salt water and salt air to control what is actually a form of algae. You would think that the "black" is mold . . . but the fastest growth is on the...

Rob

For used parts, I have found a good source at http://stores.ebay.com/Fresh-Water-Volvo-Penta-Parts/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=124104633&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=3 For new parts, http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/index.html has access to every new Volvo part that still exists and an excellent website ...

Rob

This looks to be a well restored and well equipped Alcan 370 (I don't know this boat and am not sure if this is a current ad)
http://www.salts.ca/site/buy-a-boat/pow ... alcan.html
In BC for $44,000.

Rob

I came across this boat offered for sale on Kijiji (I don't know this boat, or anything about it) http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-Trade-boat-for-BITCOINS-BEST-OFFER-W0QQAdIdZ559705080 The ad calls this an Alcan but it is definitely an Alwest 370 with t...

Rob

Hi Dan, I came across a great idea (after I had completed the lower forward berth on Catherine Ann) that could help with two problems. Headroom in the lower berth and line of sight from the forward seating area. The helm seat is about the right height for best vision out the windows, but the bench s...

Rob

I have recently added a couple of articles to the Technical section of the main website. One on the complete renovation of the lower forward berth on Catherine Ann (an Alwest 370) and one on the stowable top deck sunshade . . . for anyone who might be interested. There are links on the website welco...

Rob

Hi Walt,
I did not realize that your boat had been out of the water since purchase !
Yes . . . post some more pictures !
And . . . where does the name come from ??
Rob

Rob

August 17 lands right in the middle of summer family visits for us. We have tried to figure out a way to fit in a trip to Prinyer's (either by boat or by car) but with family coming and going from distant points, overlapping travel schedules and everyone wanting some time on the boat, this is just n...

Rob

Thumper Throttles 1.jpg These are the original throttles from Thumper . . . an Alcan 370. There does not appear to be a manufacturers name or model number (that I can find) They seem to be complete and fully functional with no corrosion (these would never have been in salt water) The plastic button...

Rob

Hi Mark,
I will dig these out and post a picture, to see if these are the shifters that you need.
Rob

Rob

Hi Gene, I would highly recommend Marine Parts Express . . . they are good people to deal with and very knowledgeable. http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/index.html I tried your PNs in their quick search window, but neither came up. You should be able to dig down to schematics and PNs on their site, ...

Rob

Hi Guys: Interesting discussion ! An all-aluminum Alcan is a great foundation for a full restoration. One comment on Alcan 370 vs Alwest 370 . . . there is a significant difference in interior volume, even though both hulls are about the same length. A lower forward berth would be difficult to squee...

Rob

Hi RB1

I am assuming that this is a gasoline fueled genset ?
What would you consider a "reasonable" price to be ?

Rob

Rob

It is always interesting to see how many "dormant" discussions comes back to life "mid-winter" when we are all thinking about getting back out on the water ! I would suggest that you study the graph at the very end of David's info at http://www.alcanboats.com/alcan_hull_dynamics.htm. Plot this same ...

Rob

Hi Walt, Buster was the only boat to join Catherine Ann at Trident for the Rendezvous. And, I don't think we even took pictures! Shame on us. A few other owners arrived by car and we did have tours of Buster's major renovations. Her (his ?) interior is looking awesome. With the boats now spread so f...

Rob

Hi John, These resistors are used to reduce the primary voltage at the points from 12V to about 6V. Why these were located in the instrument panel is a curiosity. My original instrument panels for the 170 engines had these same resistors at the panel. In the original design, the coils were fed 12V d...

Rob

From the Alcan 370 drawings on the website, it looks like the transom angle is about 8" in 48" which would be 9.5 degrees. Thus, the bracket angle for a level swim grid would be about 99.5 degrees. I would certaily measure the boat exactly, before building the brackets. A laser level would be a grea...

Rob

Hi Walt, I have the original throttle/shift controls that came with my spare Volvo straight 6 and 250 outdrives that came from another Alcan. (Same outdrives but different engines). You can have the parts you need from this unit, if it is a match. Can you attach a picture of your throttles. My boat ...

Rob

Hi 290: You might want to get a second opinion on the cause of the overheating, before throwing in the towel. To have one engine overheating would not be unusual . . . but two at the same time ? The water intake is through the outdrives and these have been removed . . . hmm. I would be looking very ...

Rob

I contacted Beclawat and have been assured that all the parts that I used to restore my windows, are still available.
Please contact Brandon Reid (613-966-5611 ext 243) at Beclawat, if you need parts for your windows.

Rob

Rob

You can often find Alcan/Alwest/etc boats on kijiji.ca
Such as Running Free . . .
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z381103251

Rob

Rob

Hi Vicki It took me awhile to find my Beclawat invoices . . . Run Channel = Beclawat 40053 Flexchannel Blk Seal Around Glass = Beclawat 20374 Fulcrum Rubber-86H30, 739-H30-746 Glass Seal Tape = Beclawat Butyl Tape Black B-RT-1/8*3/8 Wiper Strip = Beclawat 20435 Weather Seal - Canada Rubber PO275 Hop...

Rob

I am a little surprised at the response from Beclawat. I have dealt with them twice on window parts and although their normal business is with larger customers, they were willing to supply what I needed. With a little bit of digging, I think I can find the paperwork that went with my purchases. If I...

Rob

Hi Terry,

I have heard really good things about Kiwi non-skid deck paint (but have never used it myself)
http://www.sailingworld.com/gear/kiwi-g ... id-coating
This stuff is available in Canada and is definitely worth checking out.

Rob

Rob

Most Alcan windows were built by Belclawat in Montreal. They have since move to Belleville Ontario. Great people to deal with and they still have all the rubber and fabric parts to rebuild the windows. Several years ago, Liam (who may or may not still be there) helped me sort out what I needed to re...

Rob

Hi Joe,

Good to hear from you! Hope all is well.
Exactly right . . . putting on the brakes to try and lift the back end of an Alcan will not help it to reach planning speed

What was the slow speed handing improvement ? Side to side balance ??

Rob

Rob

Properly functioning twin 155 HP engines should bring a 290 up on to plane. The flat V Alcan hull does not plane like a dinghy or a modern deep V hull. It must maintain an "angle of attack" which makes it look like the stern is too low. Have a look at the pictures of Buster at speed in the registrat...

Rob

I think that the only models to have a "factory installed" flybridge option were the Alwest 370 and the later Sea Villa versions built by Alloy Manufacturing after Alcan had ended production. There are several of each of these boats with the same flybridge installations.

Rob

If your windows do not have obvious attaching screws on the outside, the trim ring on the inside has to be removed and then the window frame is held only by the caulking. Carefully prying from the inside will free the window. See more info in the Alwest 370 superstructure restoration article in the ...

Rob

The stowable topdeck sunshade works ! It is made from a breathable fabric that lets the breeze through, but blocks the sun. It can be repositioned from one side to the other as the position of the sun changes. Sunshade 1.jpg It collapses on to two short posts on the port side of the deck and the ent...

Rob

Hi Gene, I have had good luck with Interlux Marine Paints (as have others) but they are expensive. A few thoughts that I might offer . . . Paint will not stick to aluminum oxide. The aluminum must be sanded right before painting. Aluminum oxide is the naturally occuring self protection that forms on...

Rob

Hi Terry, That is actually a very good drawing ! (Although this design would not work with my new railings) The problem with fabricating "one-off" custom things like this is that no one wants to pay for the time that it truly takes. What do you think would be a fair price for something like this ? O...

Rob

Hi Terry,
I don't know the boat, but I would be interested in the answer to your question . . . particularly a good design for an aft deck sunshade.
Rob

Rob

Hi Jurgen, You might want to take a look at this Alcan 370 listing. http://www.harrisellis.com/Listings.php?rPage=/privatelabel/listing/pl_boat_detail_handler.jsp?slim=pp282320&units=Feet&boat_id=2451160&primary_photo_id=0&primary_photo_url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewimages.yachtworld.com%2Fresize%2F1%2F1%2F74...

Rob

I happened to notice a For Sale sign on an Alcan 370 "Joint Custody", located at Williams Marine near Gananoque. For more info see the Harris and Ellis Brokerage website. http://www.harrisellis.com/Listings.php?rPage=/privatelabel/listing/pl_boat_detail_handler.jsp?slim=pp282320&units=Feet&boat_id=2...

Rob

Hi Jurgen

I just confirmed with the current owner of the Sea Villa 320 for sale in Kingston last Fall that this boat is still for sale.
The boat is "Running Free" http://www.alcanboats.com/running_free.htm
More information is available from Judith Hazlett at 613-545-7798.

Rob

Rob

Don't know if this boat is still for sale, but it looks to be a Sea Villa 320 rather than an Alwest.

Rob

This is an Alwest 370 . . . see main website for description of differences between this and an Alcan 370.
This is a bigger boat inside than the Alcan but does have the wooden cabin structure.
Quick clues to Alwest are the door that slides aft on the outside and the windows in the hull.

Rob

Rob

Catherine Ann is a 1972 Alwest 370 that continues to spend her summers in the 1000 islands near Gananoque. This will be her 18th summer with owners Rob Farrow and Cate (Catherine Ann) Vandenbelt. There are several past renovation projects described in the technical section of the website. Catherine ...

Rob

Since many of our boats have changed hands since they were entered into the website registry . . . and since we are all interested in what fellow Alcan/Alwest/Alloy/etc owners are working on, I thought it might be interesting to add this new section to the Forum. I will start with an update on Cathe...

Rob

Robert,

The Alcan 370 Blueprints on the main website at http://www.alcanboats.com/blueprint_thumbs.htm
will give you all the boat dimensions required to modify your trailer to fit your boat.

Rob

Rob

Hi Robert, I am not sure what you mean by "housing". Volvo calls the aluminum casting bolted to the transom of the boat a "transom shield". As far as I know, a 250 outdrive and a 270 outdrive will fasten to the same transom shield. Inside the boat, there is an intermediate housing between the engine...

Rob

Hi Walt, From what I saw of your engines and outdrives, I am pretty sure that the combination that you have are the 150 HP AQ150B engines with the 250B outdrives. I sent you some more information on these by email. These are derivations of the Buick 225 cu in V6 engine. I think that the engines that...

Rob

Volvo Penta has a good archive of information on older engines and outdrives. Check volvopenta.com and follow the links to the engine database. The last version of the Buick V6 was the AQ150B that ended production in 1969. It was coupled to the 250B outdrive. This outdrive is either 1.61:1 or 1.59:1...

Rob

Hi Emerald Mist, If you are interested in the straight 6 engines and can work out a deal with Robert, go for it. (Robert, I will still be the "back up plan") I realistically am already storing too many spare parts. BTW, Emerald Mist, if you are into rebuilding Volvo B30 engines, we should compare no...

Rob

Great picture Walt !
Yeah . . . just like Archemedes did it.
Rob

Rob

Hi Walt, Tongue weight is relatively easy to measure. All you need is a jack stand and a long bar or timber. Place the timber on the jack stand and under the tongue. Move the jack stand closer (or further) from the trailer until your body weight on the long end of the lever will lift the tongue. For...

Rob

Hi Robert,

I live in Whitby, so can quite easily come by to take a look at the engines and parts that you have.
Contact me by email: rob.farrow@sympatico.ca.

Rob

Rob

Hi Robert, I already have spare engines and outdrives and (as my wife often points out) I don't really have room to store any more spare parts. I should probably be selling parts . . . not buying more. But if you really want these gone for scrap metal value, I probably couldn't turn that down. Are t...

Rob

Hi Robert,

I am staying with the inline 6 cylinder engines and 270 outdrives in my boat. I already have spares, but if the price is right . . . I might be interested.

Rob

Rob

Hi Robert, A couple of us have been doing quite a bit of work this winter on a trailer design for an Alwest 370. But, the hull of an Alcan 370 is quite a bit different than the hull of an Alwest 370. We can certainly share what we have come up with for the Alwest, but you should study the Alcan blue...

Rob

Hi Walt, Oddly enough, David and I were just having this same discussion by email . . . I have carpeted Catherine Ann twice in the time that we have had her, but even good quality, short nap carpet does not seem to last very long and is not very "nautical" looking anyway. Something that installs in ...

Rob

Hi Walt, The storage space along the port side aft of the two drawers is accessed by lifting up the seat cushion. This provides a relatively large compartment for storing the bedding and pillows. The crosswise section is actually a box providing additional headroom at the entrance to the lower berth...

Rob

Hi Wally,
Good to hear that you and the boat are home safe and sound.
Keep us updated on renovation progress !
Good looking trailer BTW.
Rob

Rob

Hi Warren,
I would appreciate seeing the pictures.
(I am contemplating construction of a yard trailer/steel cradle for Catherine Ann)
Please send to rob.farrow@sympatico.ca
Thanks
Rob

Rob

I can likely arrange to be in that area on Friday morning . . . if you want a 3rd opinion

.

Rob

Rob

Wally,
Which Boat are you considering ?
Rob

Rob

Hi Warren, If the trailer supports happen to pick up the longitudinal box section reinforcements, this might be OK as well. If this boat has been on this trailer many times before, as you describe, it is likely OK. I would like to see pictures. When I purchased Catherine Ann, I had her trucked by a ...

Rob

Hi Warren, Welcome to the world of Alcan boats and specifically Alwests. Please see the article in the website Tech section on blocking an Alwest for winter storage. http://www.alcanboats.com/dry_land_storage.htm Of particular note is the "editor's comment" about supporting most of the weight on the...

Rob

The selection of diesel engine might have been more a case of engine weight than engine HP. 1960 era marine diesel engines were massive compared to the HP that they could deliver. There is an excellent article, by David Pearson, in the Alcan website tech section on HP vs hull speed for an Alwest. ht...

Rob

The bilge of an Alcan can be kept completely dry. This is different than most boats. As originally built, the showers on these boats drained into the bilge. You want to eliminate this by installing a shower sump which pumps shower water directly overboard. This is not a big modification. If there is...

Rob

The 231 cu in Buick V6 was a very popular engine in both cars and boats of that era. I would expect that both parts and rebuilding knowledge are still widely available. I have always had the best luck with taking the entire engine to a mainstream engine rebuilder for a complete overhaul. Partial dis...

Rob

Interesting reference to insulation in the deckhouse walls . . . certainly the Alwests do not have this and I have only seen inside the walls of one Alcan . . . and it did not have any either. It does seem like an obvious thing to put in this space. The thick foam sprayed inside the hull seems to st...

Rob

My garage is getting rather full of spare Volvo parts !
But . . . send me picture of what you might want to get rid of . . .
It's OK . . . my wife doesn't follow this forum

(I hope)

Rob

Welcome to the world of Alcan Boats ! Answers to your questions . . . 1) The aluminum alloy used in the hull is compatible with salt water. There are Alcans on the Canadian west coat that have been in salt water for 40 years. Just make sure that you stay away from copper based antifouling paint and ...

Rob

Hi Trevor & Rebecca Welcome to the world of Alcan boats ! This site has gone rather "dormant" in the last little while . . . as you can see by the comment dates. I have an Alwest 370 (which is very similar to your boat) Running a full size fridge takes a bit of doing. I run mine through an inverter ...

Rob

So . . . I bought the engines, outdrives . . . and everything in between, from Jo-Ann & Gaetan
Many of these parts I will obviously keep, but many others are "available".
If you have 165/170 Volvo B30 engines with 250/270 outdrives and need parts, let me know.
Rob

Rob

We opted to wait out the teenage years . . . and keep the boat

.

Rob

All of the various versions are Alcan designs, or slightly modified Alcan designs. The Alcan and Sea Villa models were built by Alloy Manufacturing near Montreal. The Alwest models were built in Gimli Manitoba. All versions have welded aluminum hulls which have proven to be very durable in fresh or ...

Rob

Actually a Sea Villa 320 . . . and there is nothing wrong with that !
Most would agree that a Sea Villa is a better built boat than an Alwest. (I have an Alwest

)
Boat looks great BTW.

Rob

An "early" Alwest 370 . . . circa 1971 judging by the flatter sheer line forward.
It would be nice to see Alwests get into this price range

.

Rob

Hi Gaetan & Jo-Ann:
I'm interested !
Please switch to email for further discussion.
Thanks
Rob Farrow
rob.farrow@sympatico.ca

Rob

I'm looking for "spare parts" . . . . Catherine Ann will likely stay with her original power (unless some really good deal comes along) So I am looking to buy at least one rebuildable engine and outdrive, to have as spares. The AQ170 is the straight 6 Volvo B30 engine. There are A,B and C versions. ...

Rob

It's that "needs some work" part that will get you every time

Rob

The common chain sizes for anchor windlasses are 5/16 High Tensile and 3/8 Triple B. Originally, Catherine Ann had a 45 lb CQR anchor with about 30 ft of 3/8" chain. In moderate winds, this would drag. First I changed to a 20 kg (45 lb) Bruce style anchor which is the most popular and best holding i...

Rob

I have recently been made aware of a 1971 30' Sea Villa / Alcan that will be included in an Auction in Midland on September 25, 2010. This is a partially finished restoration. There are a few pictures on the following website.
http://www.mooreandassociates.on.ca/auction11.php
Just FYI . . . .
Rob

Rob

Hi Laura, At the time these boats were built (early 70s) most "durable" paints contained lead. Even if more recent top coats are lead-free, there is quite possibly older paint containing lead (and other metals) under these. I am not aware of any (inexpensive) test to determine if lead is present. Pr...

Rob

Hi Jay, Nice job on the new swimgrid! It is interesting to see how easily you were able to bend the "right alloy" aluminum tube. My swimgrid is wood, but is a constant maintenance chore. My next one will be aluminum, (perhaps with some way to incorporate easily replaceable wooden strips for non-slip...

Rob

Building on this idea . . . . Mulcaster is a Park Island (with camping facilities) surrounded by a number of good anchorages and within a 3 minute dinghy run to the Glen House, which is a mainland motel and restaurant just east of Gananoque. This combination could come together to meet everyone's pr...

Rob

It would be really nice to get a number of boats together for a true Alcan/Alwest/Alloy/& Relatives Rendezvous. The St Lawrence 1000 Islands is home to several of us and a good vacation destination for many others. We could make a "long weekend" out of this with several linked activities such as a g...

Rob

Another successful gathering !
We need to work on getting more boats out, next year

Rob

Has anyone found a source for interior paneling that looks like the original Alcan/Alwest stuff ?
(I was lucky enough to come across some old stock, many years back, but have used it up.)
We could get some made . . . .if there was enough interest ???

Rob

A VERY original interior !
Looks like a well cared for boat .

Rob

This year, the crew of Catherine Ann would like to invite the Alcan Rendezvous attendees to our home port, Trident Yacht Club, which is close to Gananoque. See the Rendezvous tab on the main site for more info.
http://www.alcanboats.com/rendezvous.htm

Rob

Catherine Ann is in the Gananoque area all summer, so just about any time would be fine with us

Rob

Hi Terry, I agree with David that you are probably getting back to "design weight" after all the things that get added over the years. The problem might be the fore/aft balance at rest. This won't likely be a problem underway, since the bow rises naturally. We fight a never-ending battle on Catherin...

Rob

Catherine Ann is a 1972 Alwest 370 Hull Number 181 . . .
Originally, the ground wires were routed up from the screws . . . covering the HIN (Hull Identification Number)

Rob

Catherine Ann is ready for summer . . . . where is everybody ???

Rob

Just about every Alcan/Alwest has had carpeted decks at one time :) As Brian says, getting the deteriorated carpet and the glue off, requires lots of "elbow grease" I tried every solvent and anything that would cut the glue, would destroy the surrounding paint. Sanding will not work, because it gene...

Rob

Lots of clues to say that this is indeed an Alwest . . . .with a new aluminum roof
Door slides aft, wide cabin structure, extrusion gunwale, pointed bow, etc.
Buyer beware with an Alwest that "needs some work" . . . been there, done that

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