Messages

For several years the furler has been getting more difficult to turn.  I thought I have been diligent about hosing it down after a sailing trip, but evidently not.  I remove my headsail for the winter every year and at the end of last season I had to almost turn it by hand to unfurl the sail. Now it feels like the bearings are square when I turn it by hand. (I have not installed the headsail this season) There is no way I can see to flush the bearings.  Any simple way to clean things up or is it simply time to have the bearing assembly replaced.  I have watched the Shaefer video on changing the bearings, not sure if I am up to that.

Jack

Kerk, it looks like you have a MK ll like me. I have 1555.  It will come out of the opening in the seat, but you have to remove the batteries and boxes, disconnect everything on the heater.  Then rotate it 90 degrees and it will lift right out.  Work yes, but easy to do and replace with the same model.  Hose connections on the back of the heater were hard to get to on our boat.  Replacing it I added extensions to the back hose connections so I could connect it under the galley cabinet rather than the settee.

Jack

Yes, you need to disconnect everything, remove the batteries and boxes.  Getting at the hose connections in the back of the tank is a real bear.  Once disconnected you need to rotate it 90 degrees and lift if out of there.  Replacing it, I recommend you install stub hoses on the back of the tank that extend thru the sink bulkhead so you can reconnect the hot water hoses from the engine easier under the sink cabinet.  Almost impossible to get a tight connection to the tank if you don't.  Been there done that... lots of fun!

Jack

Does the Mainsheet seem a little "thin" these days?  Does it need more articles... more Tech Notes?  If so, opportunity abounds!

The Mainsheet Editor, Jim Holder,  is always looking fo articles that will pique the interest of not only C34 Owners, but the the broader Catalina Family as well.  You don't need to be a celebrated author to pen (you all have computers of course) an article that would be interesting to all the readers out there.  Editors will help smooth out any rough spots, you just need to keep the storyline going.

How about Destination Articles of your favorite cruising grounds.  Articles about lessons learned that will be valuable to all.  Close calls, it's OK to relate an experience, we have all been there!  Look through some of your past Mainsheets and see which articles interested you the most and use them as a guide for your own story.  I will bet there is an article within you that everyone would enjoy reading.

As a guideline, articles should be around 1000 to 1500 words, although some in the last issue were much longer than that.  It is good to have 4 to 5 photos to go along with the article.  These should be as high a resolution as as possible with whatever camera you have at hand. They don't have to be works of art, just sharp interesting photos related to the story.  No zooming with smart phone cameras as they are generally not sharp.

Don't forget Tech Articles!  There are many discussions on the forum about improvements or problems solved on our boats that would make great Tech Articles.  Note how many times someone asks for a picture and explanation of your project, the how to's and results.  No specific length for these, just try to be as detailed as needed so the reader can follow your procedure.  Include photos detailing the progress of the work that will help explain your method or progress.  "A picture is worth 1000 words!"

Last but not least, how about getting a great photo of your boat on the cover.  Jim is always looking for photos of our sailboats in action, with lots of color.  Note the great C34 photo on the Spring issue of Mainsheet.

Articles are due the 1st of March, June, September, and December for each of the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter issues. All general articles should be forwarded to me, and tech articles to John Nixon our tech editor.  Our emails are under the Association button on the website.  Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions related to a potential article, I am here to help.

Jack Hutteball
C34 Associate Editor

Yep, installed a zinc on the strut 14 years ago and have never had a problem, even with shore power on my dock.
Jack

Welcome back Ken.  When my wife thinks we should get a tug as we age, I just remind her that we can motor as fast as most of the Nordic tugs here in the Pacific Northwest at about a tenth of the fuel consumption.  The only downside is that I have to be out in the rain to drive as I don't have a bimini! 

Jack

No access door on our MK ll #1555, often wonder what I will have to do when I need to get in there.
Jack

Thanks to all who sent in photos.  I have forwarded all to Jim Holder so and will wait to see if any make the next cover.
Jack

Here is a great opportunity to have one of your great photographs grace the next cover of Mainsheet.  I just received this from Jim Holder, the publisher:

"We don't have a good cover shot for the Spring issue and some of the best covers
have come from your association. Could you please pass the word for some possible
photos that would make a good cover, possibly something dramatic or a serene
sunset. We would really appreciate your efforts.
Thanks for your help,"
jim

It needs to be a high resolution photo, preferably in vertical format like the cover of the magazine.  I am sure you all have some good ones, probably of your boat.  Nice to get a good photo of our great 34's on the cover!

Get them to me at my email at c34captain@gmail.com in the next few days and I will submit them for consideration.

Jack Hutteball,
C34 Associate Editor

Over the last 10 years at our annual CGA inspection, they have accepted a zip tie on the handle to an adjacent hydronic heat line running through the locker.
Jack

Jim, I have a Honda 1000 that I use on our MK ll.  Does not take up that much space in the lazaret and it will power our microwave.  My only regret is that it will not power the water heater, so we use a solar water heater when we are on the hook.
Jack

Great helm seat solution Sue.  That would work on our boat nicely.  How do you hold the cushion on the seat, and is it a custom or a standard size?

Jack

I never run the glow plug circuit for more than about 10 seconds, but I have never heard the pump slow down at all while doing this.  My boat and engine must be similar to yours based on the hull number.

Jack

Solitaire,

I had the same problem with our boat within the first year we bought it.  Had less than 50 hours on the engine.  Had the dealer adjust it twice (not resolved and the lever was not hitting the pedestal guard) It was pulled from the boat twice and worked on by a locale mechanic which did not solve the problem.  It was replaced under warranty as no one could find the problem.  I was fortunate to have that happen the first year.  I have always felt it was a defect in the manufacturing  process, but do not know for certain.

Jack

Craig, with any kind of luck it won't be snowing then!
Jack