Messages

Thanks for the info guys.  I did disconnect and reconnect the light and it still didn't work.  I will try to slap the panel around as I noted that one time I turned on the switch I though I saw a flicker of light.  Ron, on our panels the light is separate, not part of the switch.  It is wired from one side of the switch to ground.  I will fiddle with it some more then head to radio shack for a replacement if necessary.  We only have a small store here in Anacortes.  Have not looked at how it comes out as it appears to be glued in.  Is that what you found Roc?

Jack

About the middle of our 4 week trip to Desolation Sound the "on" indicator light for the LPG solenoid quit functioning, but the LPG solenoid continued to operate.  I checked all the connections to the light and they seem to be fine, so I assume I need to replace the bulb.  Is this something I need to obtain from Seward or is there a better place to obtain one?  it appears the light is glued into the panel from the back.  Have any of you had to replace any of the indicator lights on the main panel?

Jack

My 2001 does have limber hole that allows water from under the forward berth to drain to the bilge.

Jack

John, I did not remove the port from the cabin side at all.  I simply cut out the material with a very sharp blade.  Once the main piece came out I was able to remove material back inside the edges of the opening as well with an open paper clip.  I placed tape all around the opening and forced silicone into the opening so that it flowed back into the frame on both sides.  I finished it flush with the outside with a putty knife and let it set up before I removed the tape.  The tape kept me from having to cleanup any silicone on the frame.  The repaired unit looks just like the others, plus no more leaks.  As I noted, my ports only have 1 seam which is located on the bottom edge of the port, so it may be less of a structural issue than yours.  In fact, I don't think my port joint was a hard spacer.  My port is on the side that is also mostly exposed to the sun.  With your port out of the boat can you pull the halves apart and reseal around the hard spacers?

Jack

John,

The port on our 2001 C34 is slightly different than yours, with the joint on the long side rather than the short sides like yours.  I had a leak and checked everything, gaskets etc to no avail.  Under close inspection I noticed that the sealant in the joint had a small almost pinhole opening in it.  I cut out all the existing joint sealant and replaced it with silicone.  No more leaks on that port.  All the rest of mine are still doing fine.

Jack

I had a similar problem on my Garmin.  Called them and for $50 they sent me a card with updated software that plugged into the card slot for the map cards.  Updated and worked perfectly.  Garmin returned the $50 to my credit card after they received the card back.
Jack

It depends which way the prevailing wind blows in your marina.  I prefer to come into my slip bow first so that the prevailing wind is blowing me toward the finger pier, not away from it.  Easier to throw a loop over an end dock cleat from a line connected to the midship cleat on the boat and simply step off.

Jack

Real simple guys.... everyone have goose instead of turkey for Thanksgiving

Brad,
It could also be a loose shaft zinc that has slid down and be rubbing on the shaft strut.  Happened to me once.  Could not hear it when engine was running, but was very noticeable if the shaft was free wheeling.

Jack

I did a similar thing by putting hinges on the drawer front, but I installed a framework behind the door that holds 2 large deep plastic bins.  We keep towels there and can also be used for clothing.  Easily accessed with the cushion in place above and still allows access to the thru hull equipment.  With the full size memory foam on top, we never lower the cushion.

Jack

Kevin,
Welcome to the C34 Group.  I will be looking for some great articles from you for the Catalina Mainsheet!

Jack Hutteball
C34 Associate editor

Greg, the gasket is 6" in diameter and 1/8" thick.  Any hardware store that carries a supply of larger O rings should have one.

Jack

Brian,

Had asimilar leak on our boat, turned out that the hoses were not clamped tight enough.  Had to tighten them about 3 times to stop the leak.

Jack

Greg,

I am not sure if your plate is the same as the one on my 2001, but I replaced my o ring last year.  Bought it at a hardware store that had an assortment of larger o rings.  I have the size in my maintenance log on the boat and will get it for you tomorrow.

Jack

Welcome to the Salish Sea Bob.  You are going to enjoy it here!  We will keep an eye out for you as you pass to the northern cruising grounds.

Jack