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Topics - Jim Hardesty

#51
Main Message Board / autohelm wp4000 explosion
August 18, 2015, 04:12:15 PM
Just as I passed the outer buoy after crossing Lake Erie engaged the auto pilot to furl the sails and the auto pilot exploded (my description the halves came apart with a soft bang).  The wheel was jammed, I didn't want to force it hard and break the wheel pilot for sure. Was able to do slow circles and get the sails furled (have in-mast furling).  I removed the wheel and the wheel pilot.  At the dock I gathered all the pieces and two of the molded in axles for the wheels had broken.  After some thought I removed the screws holding the wheels on and increased the hole diameter in the axle one drill size at time to fit a selected screw.  Then I through drilled the wheel pilot half.  Screwed and nutted parts back in place.  I must have located them real close the auto pilot works well.  Think I'll use it as is the rest of the season.
Opinions. Is the newer auto pilots better then the WP4000+ ?  I need to decide on use as is, repair with autohelm parts, or buy new.
As my description isn't good I included a picture of the finished repair.  
Jim

and here's another one  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1055.0.html  [Stu]
#52
Main Message Board / xantrex inverter schematic
August 06, 2015, 03:14:37 PM

I installed a Xantrex XM 1800 inverter it's worked fine for 5 seasons.  Now sometimes I suspect the automatic switching solenoid doesn't engage when I turn on the inverter (outlets) from the shore power and I get no power.  I looked for a schematic and can't find one.  Would like to see one before I just crack the case and look.  Does anyone have a schematic?  Or any other suggestions? 
Thanks,
Jim
#53
Main Message Board / Sailing Apps
June 17, 2015, 05:47:31 AM

I just got my first smart phone and would appreciate some guidance.  What apps do you like for sailing?  I have a Samsung running android.  A few days ago I loaded "Anchor lite".   Haven't used it yet over night but it looks so slick that I was wondering what else is out there.
Jim
#54
This is for MKll owners who have installed a rudder position sensor for the autopilot.   I would appreciate some installation tips.  I got the  Raymarine RPS.  Took it to the boat to lay-out the installation and it doesn't look easy.   My thought is to mount it upside down on the bottom side of the cockpit floor.  Then make a plate to mount on the steering quadrant using a couple of unused holes then attach the rod end to the plate.  May have to move some wire runs but it looks doable.  The RPS has 60deg of travel, the rudder about 90deg so it looks like I need to offset the RPS it to the max.  Or do I need to shorten the rudder stop cable?  Access does not look easy.  Taking out the water tank may help access.  Do I need to do that?

Thanks,
Jim
#55
Main Message Board / reviews on Zarcor companway doors
January 15, 2015, 10:08:19 AM

A couple of years ago I added air conditioning to Shamrock.  An unexpected inconvenience has been the companway boards.  To keep the cool air in, placing and removing the hatch boards at every pass through is a pita.  So, I'm thinking of companway doors by Zarcor.
http://www.zarcor.com/products/c-doors/index.php
I see a number of MKll owners have done this.  I'm asking them how they like the doors.  Would you do it again?  What would you do different?
Jim

#56
Main Message Board / Longer genoa track
November 26, 2014, 06:50:40 AM
Shamrock is a 2001 MKll with a in-mast furling main.  I use a 135% genoa.  Is about right with the smaller mainsail.  The sheet car, on the inside track, is normaly set near the forward end of the track with little adjustment left.  And no room to add adjustable gear for the car.
Has anyone added to or installed a longer track?
Jim
#57
Shamrock has scratches in the boot stripe from the previous boat yard's lifting slings.  The are not very deep, but they do show white through the dark blue.  Think that I have 2 choices.  Matching the color and paint with an artist brush.  Or, a gel coat scratch kit, the kind you mix the color to the fill material.  Because lot of the fixes I've seen are just as noticeable as the scratches I'm asking for suggestions.
Jim
#58
Main Message Board / hot water tank change on MKII
July 27, 2014, 01:28:33 PM
Advice, please, from some one who has changed the hot water tank on a MKII.  The tank is a rectangle, just starbord of the batteries.   What do I need to do to change the tank?  Looks to me that the galley drawer unit needs to come out to get to the heater hose, a piece of wood just over the the water heater, the cedar plywood starbord of the water heater. Will that do it?  Or do I need to remove the batteries? 
I'm still recovering from a knee replacment.  So I don't want to get into a PITA problem.
Thanks,
Jim
#59
I've been screwing up more and more. This time I lost the main halyard down the mast on my 2001 roller furling main.    Couldn't get any thing to feed over the pulley at the mast head without going down the sail furling area.  Tried weights then bicycle chain had no luck.  Tried to remove the top plate to see what was going on but couldn't get it off.  My next step is to unstep the mast and work on it from the ground.  
Can anyone save me form having to do that?  Has anyone had the same problem?  Any information would be a help.

Jim
#60
Main Message Board / NTSB report on Bounty sinking
February 11, 2014, 10:11:27 AM
The loss of the  Bounty, Captain and Crew  was tragic in so many ways. Wanted to share this offical report. it's 16 pages

http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2014/MAB1403.pdf

Jim
#61
Main Message Board / Cruising with a bicycle
February 02, 2014, 10:15:50 AM
It's handy to cruise with bicycles.  I haven't found a good way to store one on my MKII.  I'd like suggestions for bicycles or other onshore transport.
Jim
#62
One of my upgrades for this winter is adding a masthead tri-color + anchor light.  I think that LED is the way to go.  I would like some recommendations and also know if anyone has had problems with the LED units.  The masthead is one of my least favorite workplaces to do repairs.
Jim
#63
Main Message Board / Tall Ships
September 08, 2013, 05:38:50 AM
This isn't a Catalina 34 topic.  But, I want to share a slide show of the Erie Tall Ships Festival from a fellow U.S.Brig Niagara volunteer.  Here is his email to me.   If you are not used to photobucket, it's best to use the slideshow option.    Enjoy.   Jim

Here are about 100 of the more interesting Parade of Sail photos.  It takes about 6-1/2 minutes at the fast slideshow speed to view them all.  Due to Photobucket, they are in random order.



http://s220.photobucket.com/user/bakerbrig/library/2013%20Parade%20of%20Sail?sort=4&page=1




#64
My dodger and bimini are original 2001.  I'm hoping to get another year or two out of them.  But, the canvas (sunbrella) is not waterproof anymore.  What product do others here use and recommend?  Or am I just kidding myself and should just replace?
Jim
#65
Main Message Board / Simrad wheel pilot problem
August 22, 2013, 10:46:45 AM
I'm buddy boating and my friend is having problems with his Simrad WP10 wheel pilot.  We still have 100km to get home.  So I'm asking if anyone has had their Simrad go nuts and steer one way hard then the other way hard. 
As always any suggestions for a fix are most welcome.
Jim
#66
Main Message Board / vertical ice cube tray insert
July 28, 2013, 09:39:07 AM
I have a couple of the vertical ice cube trays with the plastic inserts broken.  Anybody know where to get the plastic inserts?  I looked on the Domestic web site (I guess thats who makes Adler Barbour), WestMarine, Fishery Supply and Defender.  The best I came up with was the complete tray @$65.
Jim
#67
Main Message Board / drive belt for Autohelm St4000
June 19, 2013, 02:53:08 PM
I replaced the drive belt on my Autohelm St4000  got the belt here

http://shop.polybelt.com/Belt-for-ST4000-Autohelm-Raymarine-Autopilot-BAT750AUTOST4000.htm

The belt skips when used hard.  The old one didn't.  I noticed the cogs are not square at the end sort of m shaped where it fits into the drive pulleys.

Where have others got replacment belts that they are happy with?

Jim
#68
Main Message Board / engine blower
June 12, 2013, 02:17:24 PM
On Shamrock the only time the engine blower will run is when the engine key is on.  When it's hot outside at times I'd like to run the blower after stoping the engine to cool the engine and the aft cabin.  I think that it would be simple to change the wireing so I could do that.  Has any one done this?  And what did you do?

Jim
#69
Main Message Board / boom vang strut weak
May 29, 2013, 04:48:01 AM
I have factory in mast roller furling main.  The Sparcraft boom vang strut (factory) just barely holds the boom up any boat movement and the boom drops to the dodger or lower.  I have been using the topping lift to keep the boom up.  Now that I bought a new mainsail with roach and battens I want to get away from using the topping lift with the sail.  Before I blindly just take it apart to see what I can do wanted to ask.  Has anyone added to or replaced the lifting spring?
Jim
#70
Anyone know the direction for the impeller vanes on the raw water pump?  M35b engine.  I thought they were self aligning but when I took my pump apart after 1 hr run time some vanes were one way some the other.
Jim
#71
Last spring I installed AC.  By the time it was running to my satifaction, didn't want to do anything but enjoy it.  I bought a sump box with a pump to take care of the condesation from the AC.  I like a dry bilge.  My question is,
Where have others run the drain hose?  Could run it back to where the bilge pump exits, but that's a long run.
Jim
#72
Main Message Board / viedo of Stay Afloat
November 23, 2012, 01:31:37 PM
This was sent to me.  Thought I'd share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=888wQhRcmjQ

Looks a lot like the toilet flange wax seals I carry (but have never used) for emergency.  About a buck at any plumbing supply.

Jim
#73
Main Message Board / Basement Boat Building
November 16, 2012, 03:44:23 AM
Sailors,
Excuse me for posting something not related to Catalina 34's.  I'm asking because I value the collective wisdom and experience of this group.
I'm thinking about building a boat this winter.  Leaning towards Chesapeake Light Craft  "Eastport Pram"

http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/wooden-sailboat-kits/eastport-pram/eastport-nesting-dinghy.html

Of course, info from them is only positive.  Has anyone done one?  Experience using one? 
Jim
#74
Main Message Board / prop polishing
October 18, 2012, 12:35:47 PM
John's reply in "kiwi prop" got me thinking about my ugly maxi-prop.  3 seasons ago (during winter lay-up) I had the prop off to repitch.  So I tried to polish it up (it was green), called maxi-prop they recommended CLR, used that with a final polish with never-dull.  Looked good going into the water, 6 months later its well tarnished black.
Suggestions please.
Jim
#75
Main Message Board / my other boat the "BRIG NIAGRA"
October 15, 2012, 06:59:43 AM

Wanted to share this.  The pictures are from John Baker, most were taken wet and cold from the cutter.  I think that's a C34 in pictures 39 54 and 55.  That's me (in the green jacket) on my way up, pictures 33 & 34.
There was 15-20 kn wind (more in gusts).  Have a new sailmaker and he wanted to see the sails working, so all the sail went up anyway. 
A little history.  Next year is the 200th anniversary of the "Battle of Lake Erie" where the US Navy defeated the British Navy for control of Lake Erie.  The Niagara was key.  Lots going on, tall ships festival, etc.  May want to make plans for next summer.

http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd89/bakerbrig/Niagara%20Oct%2013%20Sail%20from%20Cutter/

"DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP"
Jim
#76
Main Message Board / xantrex battery temp sensor
September 28, 2012, 05:58:11 AM
I purchased a battery temp sensor to go with my recently installed xantrex truecharge2 20a.  Looks like it's intended for threaded battery terminals.  I have the lead posts and adaptors on my batteries.  Should I drill and tap a post to mount the sensor directly to the post?  Or, should I just install it to the adaptor?
Jim
#77
Main Message Board / Years of troubleshooting fuel problem
September 02, 2012, 06:00:50 AM
I am finally done with a 4 year epic trouble shooting experience.  Here is the saga.

My first season with Shamrock changed all the filters (used 2 micron on the Racor primary) and sampled the fuel.  Looked good.

A season and a half later about 75 engine hours the engine would not reach full RPM.  Changed Racor, no change, changed OEM engine filter, problem went away.  Didn't make sense that the secondary filter should plug first.  But no problem.

Another season and about 75 engine hours the engine would not reach full RPM.  First changed the OEM engine filter, problem went away.  Make no sense to me.  The only thing that I could think of was fuel pump was weak.  So I got a spare pump.  But no current problem.  So I didn't change the pump then.

Didn't use the boat last season, so it was 2+ seasons and about 85 engine hours, the engine would not reach full RPM.  Left the filters and changed the fuel pump, problem went away.  A weak fuel pump was the root problem.

So, it took a while, but I learned that my boat will run with a bad fuel pump.  Just not well.  Very clean fuel filters will mask a weak fuel pump.

Now I'll go back to scheduled filter changes.  And get a new spare fuel pump to keep on board. 

Jim






#78
Main Message Board / Xantrex trucharge2 remote control
September 01, 2012, 07:07:48 AM
Replacing the battery charger went to the top of the to-do list on a short cruise this week.  Have a Xantrex trucharge2 comming from Defender.  My question is.  How helpful is the optional remote they offer?  I'd be interested in hearing what people that have the remote think about it.
Jim
#79
Main Message Board / New roller furling mainsail
August 22, 2012, 06:58:09 AM
Took a close look at my sails yesterday and it's getting time to replace.  Has anyone replaced their roller furling main?   If so, with what?  I know that the OEM mast maker (Charlston Spar I think) says not to use vertical battens due to space inside the mast where the sail rolls up.  But, that was a decade ago.  There may be differnt materials (battens) now.  I've talked to sail making people at boat shows and gotten mixed stories ie sales pitches.  When I asked for a satified customer or pictures got no response. 
Jim
#80
Main Message Board / vibration from air conditioner
June 13, 2012, 03:58:39 PM
I just installed an air conditioner, an Ocean Breeze 16,000 btu.  The installation came out very well, everything but the duct work fits under the v-berth.  The problem.  When the compressor is running it vibrates the whole boat.  You can feel it (bare footed) standing on the cabin top.  The sound is a low drone, loudest in the head.  The AC unit is mounted on 3/4 plywood, sits on 1/8 rubber and 1/2 foam (antifatigue mat) and rubber bushings between the screw heads and the unit.
What can be done to isolate the AC unit?   Rubber mounts come to mind, but where to get them?
Jim
#81
Main Message Board / sticky anemometer
May 25, 2012, 04:19:41 AM
This winter my cups came off my mast head Raymarine ST60 anemometer.  I  found it, looked good, replaced it.  That was a week ago.  Now it won't spin in light air, takes about 5 knots of breeze to spin them, once spinning seems to read OK. 
Should I just wait and see if they free up?  Take the unit down and clean up, may be with RadioShack color TV cleaner?  Or, is the unit just going bad, it's 11 years old?
Jim
#82
Main Message Board / reverse polarity light
May 16, 2012, 04:27:49 AM
I would like a explanation of the reverse polarity light.  I plug in to shore power, turn on the circut breakers, no light.  OK, so far so good.  I plug in a circut tester, the one with 2 yellow lights and a red one, reads a good circut, but, the red reverse polarity light on the panel comes on.  Also comes on with some equipment, ie, an Airconditioner I just installed.
So, do I have some gremlin or is this normal?
Jim
#83
I'm going to use my safety tether more.  To this purpose I'm going to add jack lines and a place or two to clip-in in the cockpit.  I searched the site, found good information, but nothing very current.  Also got recommendations from "The Great Lakes Singlehanded Society".  Also good information.  
What have you sailors found to be the most convenient and best way to rig the jack lines?
Jim
#84
Main Message Board / waste through hull for ac
April 10, 2012, 08:30:08 AM
I'm in the process of installing an AC.  Was looking where to put the through hull for the AC water cooling.  Forward of the overboard waste looked good, then I thought.  How much trouble would it be to remove the waste through hull and replace it with the AC strainer?   I sail the Great Lakes (no discharge) so I already have removed the macerator.  If needed, it's not much of a job to regain the discharge capabilities.  I like the idea of getting rid of an unused through hull.  Or is there something that I'm not seeing?
Jim
#85
Main Message Board / ST4000 fluxgate location
April 10, 2012, 07:14:24 AM
I'll start off by saying that I did search and found lots of information on locating the fluxgate compass.  They have been mounted a lot of places successfully.  I have always been unhappy with my autopilot being able to hold a good course all the time.  This season I will be single handing a lot more and want better steering from the autopilot.  The original installation had the fluxgate mounted on the crossbeam under the aft water tank just about under the steering pedestal.  One afternoon after adjusting the shaft log I unmounted the fluxgate moved it away and checked the location with my hand held compass.  Got a lot of deviation, so I remounted a bit forward where I got less deviation with my hand held.  It helped some, but it's still not good.  I did recalibrate.
I have a 2001 MKll the autopilot was installed at commissioning.  I am the second owner. The autopilot does work somewhat better when set to the wind function.
After all that, finally my question. 
Would it be worth my effort to relocate the fluxgate compass and where?  By the mast step in the bilge?
Jim
#86
Main Message Board / screen door
April 01, 2012, 07:24:32 AM
Guys,
Near the end of this commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VM07VTd8Lg&feature=related

I bought the screen door, the can of stuff, and a sawzall.  Before I get started wanted to know.  Should the door open in or out?
Jim
#87
Main Message Board / GPS safe for now
February 16, 2012, 08:39:49 AM
Our GPS is safe from LightSquared for now.  Here is a press release from BoatUS.

http://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?id=755

Jim
#88
Main Message Board / my spell check isn't working
January 23, 2012, 08:51:24 AM
My speel check quit working.  Is this a site problem, or is it only me?
#89
Main Message Board / Coast Guard documentation
November 06, 2011, 12:48:16 PM
I'm thinking about having Shamrock documented with the Coast Guard.  Would like to do it myself.  I want to know how much trouble to expect before starting, government paper work can be such a hassle.  Shamrock is registered in PA and I know all the previous owners.  Also I'm in no rush, thought this might be a winter project.
Jim
#91
Main Message Board / ice cube tray
March 21, 2011, 06:13:45 AM
I'm perusing my to-do-next-season list and need help finding a ice cube tray to work in my standard MKll refrigerator.  Looks like the OEM had some kind or vertical one in mind.
Jim
#92
Main Message Board / Air Conditioner
March 02, 2011, 07:39:47 AM
Never thought I'd say this.  I'm going to put AC in Shamrock. Enough said about that.  Checked out the great wiki here, measured places to install, and decided to put it under the vberth like Terry Clark did.  Lots of space for the installation and the only thing I'd give up is the drawer that we haven't found useful.
I'm asking this group for brand and model recommendations and where to purchase.  Both good and bad experiences.
Jim
#93
Main Message Board / aft leak
September 17, 2010, 11:02:35 AM
Some suggestions please...I have a leak somewhere aft that I have been trying to track down since I got Shamrock 3 seasons ago.  I don't get much water in, about a cup a day, but is is a come and go thing.  Sometimes none for days.   I have tightened the rudder post seal, changed the o-ring at the emergency tiller port, and looked, looked and looked.  The water collects in the hull depressions before and after the rudder post but I can't see that it comes in at the rudder post.  I think but not really sure that it is rain water.
Jim
#94
Main Message Board / Roller Furling Mainsail
August 25, 2010, 07:48:14 AM
I have a "love - dislike" affair with my roller furling mainsail on my 2001.  The mast and furler is from Charleston Spars.  The instructions say not to use vertical battens due to insufficient space when furled.  But what do they know.
Looks to me that my mainsail will need to be replaced in the next couple of seasons.  I would like to here from people that have replaced mainsails and used vertical battens or perhaps found another solution.  If I could improve the mainsail I would do it for next season.  If not I'll wait and hope for some sailmaker to come up with something.
Jim
#95
Main Message Board / slow engine
July 28, 2010, 10:26:11 AM
Had a problem with the engine not reaching full rpms(about 1900).  Fixed it by replacing the engine mounted fuel filter, it looked clean.  This happend last season and I just thought that it was a defective filter.  Now I'm thinking that its a fuel pump problem.  The pump does click so I thought it OK.  Does anyone know the specification for the vacuum of the pump?  This is the M35 engine with the little square pump, can I get this form a Kabota dealer for less?  Anyone know the number.   Or can it be another problem?
I'm out cruising the rest of this week so pardon me if I don't respond.
Jim
#96
Main Message Board / Tuning Mast
June 09, 2010, 02:01:42 PM
I have a 2001 with a roller furling main.  The mast wants to tune inverted IE when I have the cap shrouds tight and the lowers tightened evenly the mast bows aft at the center....so I leave the cap shrouds a little loose, the leeward shroud is slack when sailing in 15 knots,  and the forward lowers are real tight and the aft lowers are a little loose.  Still has a slight bow aft.  I want the mast straight or perferably with a small bend forward.
My question is with the spreaders.  Where should the cap shroud pass through the spreader tips?  Mine are, were when I bought the boat, on the forward position.  I'm thinking maybe if I move the shroud to the aft position it would bend the mast forward, like back swept spreaders.  Or maybe it wouldn't make much difference.  I want to take a poll before I make the climb and change it.
So, people with furling masts, where does your cap shrouds go through the spreaders? 
Jim
#97
Main Message Board / Jib sheet car sheave
May 03, 2010, 12:43:49 PM
The PO damaged the sheave on the jib sheet car.  I looked all over the car and didn't find the maker.  Does anyone know where to get a new sheave?
#98
Main Message Board / Single handing & Bull Rails
January 24, 2010, 10:47:43 AM
I enjoy single hand sailing.  My Catalina 34 MKll is a great boat, but I find single handing a bit of a fire drill.  I do use the autopilot but that is controlled at the aft starboard, aft of the big wheel and all the sail controls are forward of the wheel. 
My question is.  What additions or changes have others done to make single handing better?
Jim
#99
Main Message Board / Stanchions not fastened
October 28, 2009, 03:52:27 AM
I just removed my stanchions for rebedding and to my shock the port gate stanchion was not bolted down.  The only thing holding was the 4 + 3 screws only secured by the sealant in the holes.  When I removed the trim piece in the head (over the cabinet) I expected to see fender washers and nuts.  Saw nothing but a little sealant drip.  Went up on deck and gave the stanchion a moderate tug and it came right out.
I searched this site and didn't find any references to this.  So I don't think that this is common.
To check it out all thats needed is to remove the trim over the head cabinet.  Need a #1 philips think its about 5 screws.  Then the stanchion and brace nuts should be visible.
Jim
#100
Main Message Board / Inverter
September 09, 2009, 07:13:58 AM
I am planning to install an inverter in my 2001 mkll.  For the first time I didn't find much information here, maybe poor search skills.  Advice would be much appreciated.  The discussion on the Pro Mariner chargers has me thinking about a charger/inverter to save space.  Or maybe I should replace the charger and add the inverter.  After reading the posts I will only charge when I'm on the boat for the rest of this season.  The inverter I was considering is a Xanterx 1800 watt.  http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|936|613742&id=674814
Has anyone had experience....will it power the microwave?