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Topics - Lance Jones

#1
Main Message Board / Heat Exchanger symptoms of failure
September 20, 2017, 11:58:36 AM
Howdy all,
It has been ages since my last post. We have been working hard bringing our Wellington 44 to sea worthy status. However, we were relocating to a new marina the other night and at the end of the 10 mile motor/sail, I was powering down. The cabin filled with a black, sooty smoke. The interior was coated with the stuff. Engine was running normally and all of the levels were as they should be. I continued to my dock (3 minutes).

In the day light, I inspected the under sink engine access on the port side head. It was sooty. The muffler looked to be streaked with a black fluid. I read this http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8137.msg56798.html?PHPSESSID=807153e15047426572180aed75d08962#msg56798 but, it doesn't seem to match. Any suggestions before I pay for something I can do myself?

Thanks in advance!
#2
Main Message Board / Air conditioner comparisons
December 02, 2016, 07:54:05 AM
I installed a 16K btu Marinaire about 3 years ago. Not the smartest choice I've made......

The unit is broken - again. Do NOT buy this brand.

Now, I am comparing the Wabasco FCF 16k to the Marine Air 16k. What is this esteemed groups recommendations. Both are reverse cycle heating.
#3
Main Message Board / Rewiring the refrigerator breaker
September 22, 2016, 09:00:12 AM
I am rewiring my fridge breaker as I have moved the refrigerator to next to the ice box. The red line (Circled in blue) goes to the refrigerator breaker. I have looked for the black line and cannot find it. Where can I ground the new line from the fridge? I have to refrigerators on Kitty's Cat. These line go to a buss bar for both fridges.
#4
We were motoring out when there was a squeal and the motor acted upon. Upon opening the compartment up there was water leaking from the circulating pump and it was not moving well when the motor was running.

Any ideas while I sit here at anchor?
#5
Main Message Board / Asym/Cruising spinnakers
May 16, 2016, 08:29:01 AM
Yes, after all these years, I finally have an asym/ cruising spinnaker. In reality, it is more of a reaching cut. My question is.... Is it possible/practical to use the asym while the jib is out on a reach? The set up would almost look like a cutter rig. I also have a symmetrical for those long, off shore, downwind legs......
#6
Main Message Board / Galley Sole
February 22, 2016, 10:16:00 AM
Hey all,
As many of you know, we live aboard Kitty's Cat. One of the things that we have noticed is excessive wear on the galley flooring around the companionway steps. I am almost finished with a project that will solve that until we move up to a bigger boat in the future. Here is what I'm doing and why.

High wear area and dangerously slippery when the sole is removed.

Step 1: Remove the sections that make up the galley sole and put away in storage for refinishing
Step 2: An extremely thorough cleaning
Step 3: Purchase 14 squares of Almond Dri Dek
Step 4: Lay Dri Dek down. 10 will roughly fill in the area without trimming. The remaining 4 squares are used to cut to size around the perimeter of the sole

Result is an easy to clean surface that provides a very sure grip when wet. Unlike the wooded sole, dri dek allows water to drain through the factory drilled drain holes under your sole. To clean (Dry) Vacuum (Wet) Mop. Every once in awhile we think you'll need to pull back and sweep/mop underneath.
#7
Main Message Board / Macerator Installation
February 12, 2016, 08:48:25 AM
Kitty's Cat did not come with a macerator installed (Removed by a PO). Now that we are beginning off-shore trips were pump-outs aren't available, I would like to install one. I've read all the articles I found using the search. However, there are few PICTURES of the installation.  :cry4` Does anyone have any good images of their installation? I have an electric head which macerates as it pumps to the holding tank. I think, because of that, I can have sharper turns in the hose routing to the second macerator.
#8
Main Message Board / A different barnacle problem
August 27, 2014, 04:37:36 PM
Ok, no worries with the bottom, shaft or prop having barnacles. My problem is in the air-conditioning. As I pull my strainer I have the usual grass and also a few barnacles - no big deal. However, the other day I noticed that the out put through hull was way down from its usual flow. Step one was to dive in and clear all my through hulls from the bottom. A bit dirty but not much. However, when I pulled the hose between the trough hull and the strainer, it was literally, not figuratively, packed with barnacles! What type of preventative maintenance can I do for this issue?

I know I'll get great responses so, thank you in advance! :thumb:
#9
Main Message Board / Zinc life
May 16, 2014, 04:05:53 PM
Ok, I have had the boat in Saltwater since March, should the zinc already be sacrificed away this quickly??
#10
Two major events happened today. HELP!!!
1. While on way to pump out, it sounded like the prop shaft zinc came loose. When we arrived at our dock, the prop wrapped in the dock line.

2. Dove in and discovered:
   a) prop had corroded.
   b) prop shaft had pulled away from strut.
   c) underside of strut holding shaft was gone.

How do I fix this? And worse, how much do you think it will cost?

Parts?
#11
Ok all,
Now that our move to the Gulf is complete, we've noticed that fresh items go bad quicker - duh. What are some of the things you do to keep things like bread and vegetables fresh longer?
#12
Main Message Board / A new frontier for me
February 18, 2014, 04:21:05 PM
Ok, pulled the mast for the first time. Great help from y'all - went unbelievably smooth. Thanks
My question is this. When I pulled the mast, I discovered that my mast was equipped with Spartite. I suspected as much as I found the decal in a compartment. However, I expected to find partners - none were found. Is that correct?
#13
Main Message Board / Seacock Strainers
January 27, 2014, 04:49:25 AM
How many of you saltwater sailors have strainers installed over your seacock intakes? If you do, on which intakes are they installed?

Thanks in advance?
#14
Main Message Board / Unstepping the mast
January 17, 2014, 02:16:07 PM
Ok, I'm in the process of getting ready to decommission Kitty's Cat for about 2 weeks. Part of this will involve stepping the mast. All of my other sailboats have had deck stepped masts. However, Kitty's Cat has a keel stepped mast. Other than disconnecting the electrical, standing and running rigging, vang, removing the boom, and removing the interior turnbuckle assembly inside the cabin, is there any other steps I might have overlooked?

I looked through Randy's great photo layout of his unstepping/stepping; but, I didn't see anything about the partners or the metal collar around the hole that the mast slips through. I have a month before the mast pull. Any help will be appreciated.
#15
Main Message Board / Blister repair
January 15, 2014, 03:54:44 PM
After looking through the search engine I found a lot of info on finding blisters etc. However, I didn't find anything about repairing them yourself.

A couple of questions:

1) After popping the blister, letting it drain and dry out, what to is the recommended filler after bevelling the blister out?

2) I have been told that you need to prime the hole prior to adding the filler. If so, what is the primer? I hadn't heard that from the guy who does the bottom jobs here.

Thanks so much in advance! :thumb:
#16
My cousin has purchased a 47 foot sailboat in the San Fran area and needs to have it hauled, surveyed and moved to the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Does anyone have a contact he can get in touch with?
#17
Main Message Board / Repairing a below waterline hole
November 03, 2013, 11:12:50 AM
While installing my Admirals new electric head, I inadvertantly (not that anyone would do so on purpose), drilled through the hull :oops:. I have a temporary plug (a dowl) in the hole and will be pulling the boat on Friday to repair. As I can't get to the hole from the inside to back it, what is the best way to repair a 5/16th drill hole in the hull?
#18
Main Message Board / Two new issues
October 14, 2013, 10:40:12 AM
I have two new issues since my engine issue.

1) While rewiring my batteries (Going from a smaller gauge to larger), I shorted a wire from one battery to another - sparks everywhere! After that, the battery bank seemed not to be able to hold a charge as well as before the arc. Is it possible I fried one of the batteries/cells?

2) Any other type hose to use for my hot water circuit to the shower? Mine is always springing leaks. I've converted all the hot water hardware to brass/bronze fittings. That helped; but, the hose keeps spliting - even on newer hose.
#19
Main Message Board / Main Panel Schematic
September 27, 2013, 06:37:06 AM
After accomplishing the rewiring of the engine and batteries, I'm interested in tackling the rats nest behind the main panel. I've used search, Tech wiki manuals, and projects and have yet to find a schematic of what the "STANDARD" wiring should look like for a Mk I boat. I did read, with awe, Mike Vaccaro's building of a new panel - awesome! Also, in the aforementioned searches, I see the mention of the elusive schematic; but, have yet to locate it.
#20
Main Message Board / Electric head
September 26, 2013, 04:29:52 PM
We are considering upgrading to an electric head. Happy wife happy life....... Is there a power out alternative or are you S O L if the electric part goes Tango Uniform?
#21
Main Message Board / Starter battery switch
September 14, 2013, 06:04:12 AM
In reading about the dedicated starter battery, it mentions an automatic switch between + battery and + starter solenoid but, doesn't say what type: rocker, toggle, rotating, light switch, wooden, another solenoid. What type switch is it?
#22
Main Message Board / Marine sources
September 13, 2013, 07:17:49 AM
Obviously Paris Island and San Diego.
Has anyone put together, similar to critical upgrades or 101, a listing of good vendors that we use?
Such as:
Electrical - West Marine, Defender, Genuine, etc.
Cordage - New England Ropes, West Marine etc
Fabric or sewing supplies - Sailrite
#23
Main Message Board / Marine Electrical Wire
September 11, 2013, 06:37:31 PM
Where can I get marine wire in multiple colors and gauges?
#24
Main Message Board / Fuel issue
August 24, 2013, 09:44:33 AM
Ok, read all the bleeding posts. BTW, the link to the bleeding process doesn't work. My issue:
Returning under power from a quick run to pump out.
RPM started dropping and then quit.
Tried restart and it rumbled for a minute and quit again.
When I sailed back to the dock, I replaced the primary and secondary fuel filters (Have done this before).
Secondary (Racor): Opened vent at top of filter. Turned on pump. Let run for a few minutes. Closed vent.
Primary: Opened bleed bolt on top of filter. Ran pump until fuel came out.
Opened injector bleed knob. Ran pump. No fuel emerged from bleeder. Closed valve and tried starting. Nothing happened. Repeated, repeated, repeated.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
#25
Main Message Board / Duct routing
July 13, 2013, 08:45:59 AM
I am not coping too well without the search engine. What is the best side to route air conditioning ducting to get to the aft cabin.
#26
Main Message Board / A/C Location
June 20, 2013, 03:06:09 PM
I like the Google site search during this time of search being down. My question is this, has anyone mounted a marine a/c unit under the aft cabin in either the settee storage or the aft portion of the engine compartment under the bed?
#27
Main Message Board / Head lube...
December 11, 2012, 02:09:37 PM
Just curious, anyone use something other than the commercially tagged "Head Lube"? I've heard that Lanolin is good. Any others?
#28
Main Message Board / Adding a 2nd AC Panel
October 11, 2012, 02:45:53 PM
I did a search for adding a 2nd AC Panel, no luck! So, I'll throw it out to y'all.

I'll be adding a second 30a AC panel this winter to support an A/C unit and our other freezer/fridge. I am soliciting panel recommendations and locations. Thanks in advance.
#29
Ok, we are in a long count-down mode to moving from Beautiful Lake Lanier to my hometown area of Ft. Walton Beach/Destin. What are the items I really need to be ready for by the time we get to salt water? I know I'll be happy when I can check the bilge to see if we have any leaks. Right now i cant tell the difference between lake water and rain water.... :think
#30
The other night, my wife was turning on our v-berth LEDs. They came on at about 50% strength... Also, the other lights went to 50%. In addition, if we turned on any of the under cabin lights (Original incandescent, now LED), running lights or fans, the V-berth lights went out while the other mentioned stayed on. When the a fore mentioned lights were turned off, the V-berth LEDs come back on at 50%. I've checked connections. Also, Florescent in the head (Same circuit) works fine regardless of load.. I'm stumped!!!!!!!!!!! These lights have worked for years without issue.
#31
Main Message Board / Nylon/Narlon fittings
July 03, 2012, 07:09:19 AM
Howdy all and happy 4th o' July -- one day early.
I've noticed a trend in my fresh water system. On the hot water side, the nylon connectors, elbows and T fittings fail regularly. I wind up replacing them on nearly a 12 - 18 month period. Just wondering if it is due to us living aboard and constantly using the hot water....... :shock:
#32
Main Message Board / Sole care
May 15, 2012, 08:46:42 AM
I just spent the last week refinishing my cabin sole using Ron's method. There are 6 coats of min-wax topside and 2 underneath on there now. My question is, what is the best way to maintain that new look? Does anyone use things like floor wax or other materials or do you just keep it clean?
#33
Main Message Board / New Head Project
January 19, 2012, 06:31:12 PM
Well, living aboard has its ups and downs. One is having to get under the sink to open and close the through hull to pump the head. New project adds a one-way valve between the head and the seat. That way, you simply reach down and open valve instead of getting under the sink... pics later.
#34
Main Message Board / New V-Berth Project
January 17, 2012, 07:01:08 PM
I have been working on adding battening to our V-Berth to - give it a bit of a warm look, help cut down on condensation and actually comfort when you roll on to the cold liner in the middle of a cold night!
#35
Main Message Board / My ignorance... Anti freeze etc...
November 17, 2011, 08:33:02 AM
I'm doing more and more mechanical projects myself as related previously in the fuel filter exchange this summer...
My current project is anti freeze. I know I need to add it. Where do I add it and how much do I add? I checked/searched the posts and gather it is for the muffler and/or heat exchanger...
#36
Main Message Board / Grey (Gray) water
October 18, 2011, 11:34:05 AM
Ok all, we're looking ahead to the time we move Kitty's Cat from Lake Lanier to Ft. Walton Beach, FL. I have several long term projects to help get us ready for salt water. I keep hearing from you saltwater guys about t-ing the head intake to the sink drain. Has anyone considered,adding a small 1-2 gallon tank for the sink to drain into and have the head intake line located at the bottom of the tank? The tank would also have a line out the top going to the traditional drain through-hull. Just a concept; but, seems like the best way to maximize fresh water use.
#37
Main Message Board / Battery trouble
September 22, 2011, 04:39:44 AM
Woke up and the bilge pump had been running all night as the sink foot pump had failed. When turning off through hull, I noticed the battery compartment was warm. When I opened it up, the #1 battery was very warm, #2 was slightly warm & #3 was normal. Could that be caused by the pump running all night; or, do I have another problem? Battery is now disconnected.

They are 79ah AGM purchased in 2005.
#38
Main Message Board / Counter tops...
September 12, 2011, 01:25:05 PM
The Admiral is interested in tiling the counter tops on Kitty's Cat. Anyone have experience doing this?
#39
Main Message Board / A lesson remembered
September 08, 2011, 08:36:37 AM
I am an avid reader of history during the age of sail. They always mention reducing sail at night. When I would sail the Gulf of Mexico, I would too as you can't read the weather and wind as well. That being said, I was out sailing Saturday night. The sky was cloudy and we were getting the first spits of rain from TD Lee. As it was raining, and the wind was about 5kts, The admiral and guests had gone below to avoid getting wet. No worries. Suddenly, wind rose to 20kts sustained with gusts to about 35. LOVELY!

Let her round up into the wind a bit and had an awfully enjoyable ride! I love strong wind and have sailed in it many times. As I was unable to reduce sail, I just kept her pinched a bit. We were still making over 7.8!!!!!

After about 20 minutes, the storm was gone and the wind was back to 5-10. So, i relearned an old lesson, even on a lake, keep sail short if you can't see conditions at night.
#40
Fleet 13 / 2011 Flotilla
August 25, 2011, 08:33:15 AM
We will be heading out on our Flotilla September 23rd-25th.
On that Saturday, I will be hosting the raft up with a Tequila tasting and Mexican themed dinner.
#41
Main Message Board / Working on the chain gang....
August 24, 2011, 09:32:59 AM
Ok, I picked up some chain from a friend who had purchased it and used it for a year (Fresh water). It is 80 feet. At the 50 foot, or 30 ft mark, depending on which way you check, it has a splice with a splice connector similar to this (without the swivel) http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=101694&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10105&subdeptNum=10424&classNum=10426

Will this be safe or would it be better to cut a link, insert chain and re-weld?

Again, for use in fresh water....
#42
In short, mine came undone. How difficult is it to re-splice?
#43
Main Message Board / Starter question
August 18, 2011, 08:11:21 AM
What is the best way to gain access to the starter to inspect/clean/repair starter switch to starter wire connection? It looks like through the aft berth floor panels
#44
Main Message Board / Manual for M25XP
August 17, 2011, 11:14:51 AM
I have the standard manual that is on the site for this. My old Universal on my C-27 had a parts section that gave schematics of the various major and minor sub-assemblies. Is there one for the 25XP?
#45
Main Message Board / Another LED Light project
August 17, 2011, 11:10:56 AM
Ok folks,
As I have already replaced all my interior lights with LED and have added indirect lighting in the main cabin. I just ordered a 5 meter length of Warm white LED string for use in the V-berth area. Just thought I'd let you know to alert you to the new project. Here are the lights http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120763869090

As you can see, I got them on E-Bay. I've used these as exterior lights (Red & Bright White) around me dodger and bimini. They put out a great deal of light and lasted until one of the dogs ripped the connectors apart (Will repair). Should be here in a week and will be up quickly.
#46
Main Message Board / Sliding hatch removal
August 12, 2011, 08:44:39 AM
Ok, I've tried Teflon  tape, strips of aluminum in the tracks and our hatch not only squeeeeeks -- it screams! I want to pull the hatch, clean the tracks and start all over again. Ron, did you suggest a plastic/lexan type liner? Now for the question, I looked through the posts for sliding hatch and companion way hatch and can't find info on how to remove the hatch. I know that Stu or Ron will immediately respond with the correct info from a previously posted comment or article.  :D
#47
Ok, I've mastered changing the primary filter and read and re read the steps for the secondary. I found a listing of diesel filters in the Tech section. Which one is it?
    AC TP807
    Big-A 538
    Car Quest-86390
    Fram P-7514
    Kubota 70000-43081
    Motorcraft FG72
    NAPA 3390
    Purolator PER-262-F
    Universal 298854
    Wix 33390
#48
Main Message Board / Fuel Filter Change Question
July 22, 2011, 06:19:06 AM
I've been reading all the posts about changing the Racor. Tomorrow is the day!!!!! All the posts say to turn off fuel at the tank. Is there a valve on the fuel feed line or what is it that I need to look for? Thanks in advance!
#49
A fairly cheap alternative if your boat doesn't have installed Central Air AND you don't want to climb over a companion way mounted A/C. We love this-- so far! Today is the big test to see how cool it keeps the boat during the day. http://www.homedepot.com/Featured-Products-Cooling-Air-Conditioners/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbtcd/R-202051352/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 It cooled the boat down last evening from 94 to 78 in less than 30 minutes. No condensate to worry about unless the recycle tank gets full. Very easy to move around.
#50
Main Message Board / A/C Suggestions
June 16, 2011, 11:04:58 AM
I'm getting ready to bite the big one and install A/C on Kitty's Cat. I've read the posts concerning this and have a question that doesn't seem to crop up without explanation.

For those that have installed it either by themselves or had it installed, which areas on the boat did you put vents? I'm getting a 12,000 BTU and am looking at options....