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Messages - Ken Juul

#2161
Main Message Board / Companionway lock
April 06, 2002, 02:46:01 PM
The previous owners of Luna Loca installed a small padlock hasp.  Round end on the hatch, hasp and hinge on upper companion way board. Put the boards in, slide the hatch closed, flip up the hasp and secure with a key chain snap.
#2162
Main Message Board / re: props
February 26, 2002, 09:34:12 AM
Planet Catalina, now Catalina Owners.com has a forum that has experts discuss various subjects.  PYI recently moderated a forum on props.  Haven't read all the responses, but some of your questions might be answered.  http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/menu.tpl?fno=32
#2163
Main Message Board / re: Water Heater
March 02, 2002, 06:58:23 AM
I replaced mine last spring.  I have the square seward.  Engine hot water on one side, the other water connections on the opposite side by the cabinet door.  To get the frame off, look closely you will find 4 (if memory serves me) round plugs covering the screws that hold the frame to the cabinet.  I haven't read anywhere of a way to remove them with out damaging the plug or the wood around the plug.  So the best way to carefully drill out the  center of the plug.  When you back the screw out, it is a phillips head, the rest of the plug will come with it. After the door/frame is off it is pretty straight forward to pull the old one out and put the new one in.  You may have to lengthen the hoses to reach the new side attachments.  Think I would replace the whole hose, rather than splice.  Replacement wood plugs are available at most marine stores.
#2164
Main Message Board / Leak
February 04, 2002, 04:07:10 AM
I echo what Ron just wrote.  Mine was leaking also.  Using the hose method found that the leak moved everytime the hatch was reclosed.  It was driving me nuts, then one day one of the rivets on the latch let go.  Upon looking at the strikers, found that both were loose to the touch.  Replaced the rivets on both sides, leak solved.
#2165
Main Message Board / Electrical Stuff
January 30, 2002, 06:56:50 AM
I have a split Air conditioning system.  One unit is tied in through the AC accessory switch/breaker, the other is plugged into the outlet in the forward cabin.  I don't like the arrangement and am planning on running a seperate circuit for the front unit.  Called about buying a new push-push switch/breaker unit from the manufacturer.  Very expensive, the parts guy suggested just buying a seperate switch and pop out breaker.  I haven't gotten any farther than the West Marine catalog, but all their pop out breakers and switches are only DC rated. It also recommends that a double pole switch be used on AC circuits, although the rest of the boat isn't.  To keep the panel as standard as possible I would like to use the another push-push type switch if it is reasonably priced. Can anybody tell me what I really need and/or recommend a place to buy the parts.
#2166
Main Message Board / Props
January 16, 2002, 11:52:06 AM
I currently have a 3 bladed prop I am very happy with.  I recently got a pamphlet in the mail about Gori folding props.  Compared it with the literature I picked up at the Annapolis BS about feathering props (Maxi & Jprop). Got me thinking, when I win the lottery, which to buy?  I like the Gori, but I worry about marine growth fowling the gears that open/close the blades. (I have to scrape my current prop about once a month in the summer).  The Maxi and J look very similar.  Lost the price sheet, so I don't know how the $$ compare.  As we sit out the winter:), anyone care to share their experiences on this subject.  I read the Tech Notes, found a couple of articles, but no real comparison of the different types.  Thanks for the input.
#2167
Main Message Board / TV antenna
January 14, 2002, 08:56:48 AM
another option is a portable antenna.  I made a "circular Rabbit Ears" that I run up the mast with the main sheet.  I don't have a DC powered TV so I don't need the antenna when away from the slip, I store it in the car.  I think if I had the mast pulled, I would opt for a permanent set up like Ron has discussed, but if you would like the plans for my antenna I'll be happy to email them.
#2168
Main Message Board / Draining water system
September 19, 2001, 05:55:12 AM
For initial draining of the tanks I just disconnect the in line at the pump and let it drain into the bilge.  Gravity does a great job and saves wear and tear on the pump.  I don't mind running the bilge pumps, I think the excercise for them is good.  In VA we don't get the prolonged cold as further up north, so I don't worry about getting all of the water out, just make sure antifreeze is well circulated.
#2169
Main Message Board / ST4000
October 16, 2001, 06:11:29 AM
www.planetcatalina.com has a guest expert forum column.  This month it happens to be an tech rep from Raymarine.  I would recommend reading the responsed to questions all ready answered.  If that doens't help feel free to ask yours.
#2170
Main Message Board / Engine Size
November 21, 2001, 06:36:27 AM
Luna Loca is a '90 with the 23hp universal.  We do have a 3 bladed prop.  Picked the boat up in NC last winter and motored it up the intercostal to Mid Chesapeake.  On the trip up, fairly flat water we easily made 5.5-6 kts. 2 ft chop on the Chesapeake slowed us to 3-4 kts, but we kept moving.  Got caught in a blow this summer, about 4 hours of 4 ft waves averaged 2 kts.  Keeping the prop clean seems to be the key, even a few barnacles (something you don't have to worry about in the lakes) will really reduce thrust available and therefore speed/fuel economy
#2171
Main Message Board / Galvanic Isolator
November 05, 2001, 01:30:26 PM
Luna Loca stays in the water year round.  As I spend 3 nights a week on her, I keep the shore power plugged in to keep the refer cold and in the winter heat on the prevent freezing.  It was mentioned that I should have a Galvanic Isolater on the shore power ground line.  Is this a "nice to have" or "got to have item"?   The previous owners kept it in the water year round also (southern boat).  If they installed one, where is the most likely location.  I haven't dropped the electrical panel yet, but things look a little tight to fit a brick sized box back there.  I haven't really looked yet, does the wall at the foot of the bed come out for access?  Any tricks?  thanks for the help and info.
#2172
Main Message Board / New Switches
November 06, 2001, 12:32:18 PM
I need to add a couple switches to my electrical panel.  I would like to keep the panel looking as original as possible. I've found the DC rocker switches, but have not been able to locate the push/push/CB switches used on the AC side.  Are they still available or do I need to add a rocker and separate CB.
#2173
Main Message Board / right boat
October 30, 2001, 07:37:19 AM
I think you have made the right choice in the Catalina.  You can pay alot more for an upscale name, but not have much more boat.  I live on my 34 half the week.  Spring/summer/fall sometimes 2 weeks straight before off to the house.  I think I would find the 34 too small if I didn't have the house and garage to act as base.  I have heard of some people renting a Storage unit close to their marina to act as their base.  Dock mates have a 380.  The extra 4 feet makes a tremendous difference, the full standup aft stateroom is much larger than the 34.  I shower in the bath house, on the 380 the enclosed shower would make showering on board easier.  As a single guy, I think entertaining would be easier on the 380.  I looked at 36's, chose the 34 because I didn't feel the extra 2 feet got me much (cost/Benifet).  A 38 was out of my price range.  I am extremely happy with my 34, it meets my needs and I would buy it again without hesitation.  Personal opinion, I like the Mark I better than the Mark II, but wouldn't buy one without the walk thru transom.  Draw up an honest list of your needs/wants/likes/$ available and start comparing.  Boat shopping is almost as fun as sailing...I did say almost.  Happy hunting
#2174
Main Message Board / follow up
October 11, 2001, 04:23:14 PM
Thank both for the replies.  I found the correct tank on both sites.   The only problem I see with the REI tank is I need a valve with internal threads.  Speaking of REI, I grew up in the Seattle area.  One of the fathers in my scout troop was Jim Whitticker (sp?) the first american to scale Everest.  My REI number was around 375.  Joined the navy got out of the camping scene.  Card long since expired.  Just wondering if anyone has converted from propane or replaced these baby bottles with something larger.  It holds 1 gallon/4.25# of propane.  Anyone got one laying around the basement?
#2175
Main Message Board / Propane Tank
October 11, 2001, 07:22:45 AM
I am trying to purchase a second propane tank to use as a spare/back up.  The one I have is much smaller than the standard BBQ tank.  9" diameter, stands 10 3/4" tall.  Some people have refered to it as a 10# tank, but trying to order one through the local lp dealer and a RV dealer the 10# they have are much bigger.  Tank was manufactured by Worthington Cylinder.  I have written to Worthington, awaiting their response. I would like to stay with this size tank because it fits in the propane storage locker that was installed in the lazerette.  Anybody have any ideas where to find one?