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#1
Main Message Board / Boston Area Marine Mechanics
July 20, 2022, 08:44:52 AM
Boston area sailors,

Does anyone have recommendations on marine mechanics? I am having a hell of a time getting in touch with mechanics. I have made many calls and left many voicemails only to be ghosted. At this point I've tried 4 or 5 different mechanics and am running out of options. I understand that this is a busy time of year but I can't even get in touch with anyone. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
#2
Main Message Board / Compression Test
July 20, 2022, 07:46:13 AM
Ahoy everyone!

So, I've got a potential head gasket issue. I need to perform a compression test. I've searched the forum but I have been unable to locate a step-by-step. Has anyone had experience completing this diagnostic and willing to provide me with some detailed steps on doing this? I'm having a hard time figuring out what adpaters/threads to use and what compression test kit to buy. Just feeling a bit uncomfortable doing this myself and can't get a mechanic to come out.

Some more info about the issue:
Universal M25
White smoke in exhaust (definitely not steam)
Coolant loss (no visible leaks)
Oil level normal (no gunk on oil cap)
No water in diesel

Any help would be super appreciated! Thanks! :)

#3
Main Message Board / Water Pump Studs
October 22, 2020, 04:53:08 PM
Ahoy everyone!

I'm replacing my Oberdorfer water pump with the same, and I've seen many threads on this. My question, however, is what would you recommend replacing the studs with? I've seen anywhere from stainless steel bolts with the heads cut off to silicon bronze studs. The previous studs are garbage. Any help would be great! Thanks!
#4
Hello all,

When it rains really hard or when it's been raining for a while, water seems to pool up in the area where the companionway sliding hatch goes when it is open. (Not sure what this area is called). When I close the hatch after opening it all that water will come splashing down into the companionway. Does anyone else experience this and is there an easy fix?

Thanks!
#5
Main Message Board / Rebed Hatch Lens
February 25, 2019, 08:50:30 AM
Hello all,

I need to rebed a hatch lens (the Bomar hatch above the saloon). What do you all recommend for adhesive sealant? I believe the hatch is aluminum and the lens is acrylic. Any input would be appreciated!
#6
Main Message Board / Winter Sailing
November 28, 2018, 07:09:19 AM
Hello sailors!

I live on my Catalina in Massachusetts and desperately want to get out sailing this winter. Unfortunately my marina doesn't allow boats to leave the dock during the winter season. Boats and docks are tied together for storm safety. My question is, do any of you sail in New England during the winter months and would you mind having an extra crew member aboard (or know anyone else)? I am a novice sailor but I know the basics and am safety conscious. Let me know if you plan to sail this winter and need some crew!  :D
#7
Main Message Board / Boom Gooseneck
October 10, 2018, 06:58:02 AM
Ahoy all,

I've got a question about how the boom is supposed to be secured to the mast. The other day I was loosening the boomvang quite a bit and suddenly the boom just slid off the gooseneck! Upon closer inspection there is a hole in the front end of the boom and a thick metal "pin" on the end of the gooseneck with a washer on it. It looks like the boom just slid right off the "pin". Nothing looks damaged but I was wondering if this is how it is meant to be. Is there anything that is supposed to securely fasten the boom to the mast or does it just sit on this "pin"? Thanks! :)
#8
Main Message Board / Dickinson Newport Diesel Heater
October 01, 2018, 08:57:22 AM
Ahoy!

I recently moved aboard my 1986 C34 and plan to winter over on the water. I need heat! I will be purchasing a Dr. Heater, I've seen great reviews on Amazon... However, I'd really like to install a Dickinson Newport diesel heater on the port side bulkhead as the main source of heat. http://dickinsonmarine.com/product_cat/diesel-heaters/ I'm worried the exhaust will be too far forward on the cabin top. I would obviously install "granny bars" (is that the proper term?) over the chimney vent. Has anyone attempted this? What are your thoughts on the positioning? If anyone has pics I'd love to see! Thanks in advance!

-Mike
#9
Ahoy!

My Bomar hatch in the salon is leaking! I have determined the gasket must be replaced and at some point the lens needs re-bedding (I'll focus on this later). I can not determine what model hatch this is. It is the original Bomar hatch from 1986 that is mounted on the cabin top above the settee. Is this extruded aluminum or cast aluminum? I am trying to figure out which gasket kit I need to buy. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-Mike