Survey complete...deal pending

[Porchhound]

With the combination of a great survey (5 1/2 hrs) and all the helpful feedback and info on here, I have a pretty accurate picture of the issues on this 1986 C34. P.O. (X2) did a great job keeping the boat up and documentation, not so much with this owner, which lead to a three year hiatus on basic maintenance. The coolant had something black growing in it and the overflow was empty, yet the motor ran at about 165 (180 indicated in cockpit). House bank batteries had zero water, which may have affected the diesel heater continuing to shut down after start up. Manual Windlass is questionable due to not being able to switch lever to free fall, but that may be user ignorance at this point (owner had never used it). Bottom was in remarkable condition (smile had been repaired at some point in time). Deck had high moisture port side of hatch about 1'x3', but no indication it had compromised it structurally. Propane was inoperable due to a bad connection but was scheduled to be repaired with documentation of pressure testing. Anyway, we're moving forward. Owner will be replacing batteries, fixing propane and diesel issues for future testing. Transmission fluid looked good, no tankage leaking but there was a port light leak showing up after pressure washing, and a leak under the sink somewhere. Overall a good survey, and we're looking forward to officially joining the C34 Good Old Boat gang on here.

Thanks X1,000 for all the assistance during this process. Prepare for more questions!

[Ron Hill]

Porch : If your new C34 (new to you) doesn't have a Coolant Recovery system you can (like I did ) make one yourself.  Eliminates ever having to open the coolant reservoir cap.

Welcome Aboard!!   

A few thoughts

[KWKloeber]

 

[waughoo]

Huzzah!!!

[Porchhound]

Ron, thanks, I'm very interested in your coolant recovery system. Is it in tech notes?

[Ron Hill]

Porch : Yes, it is in the early Mainsheet tech notes w/picture.
It is simply a Rubbermade 1 Qt. bottle with a clear hose attached.  Clear hose so you an see if there are any bubbles!!  I attached it to the port side wall of the engine compartment slightly lower than the reservoir cap. I used a wire tie (w/loop hole) and screwed it into the wooden wall.

A few thoughts

[KWKloeber]

@porch

>>and the overflow was empty,<<

I took that to mean that she had an empty coolant recovery tank.  No?