"101" Series - Quick Links to "Popular" Topics includes "Electrical Systems 101"

[Stu Jackson]

Over the past decade or more, "regular" topics come up repeatedly.  In developing responses to questions, many of us use the handy links to earlier discussions.  I've developed these "101" topics, which are groups of links to popular subjects and those discussions.  I'll leave this topic as a sticky, and add any new "101"s that may develop.  Many of them include links to other websites and message boards, since boat systems are not always boat-specific.

Our "very own" ARCHIVED FAQs and Projects pages - no longer updated, most have been posted to the tech wiki, but these are the very first efforts on our website, predating this Forum and its contents:

https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8922.0.html

Also, don't forget to use the C34 tech wiki.  Just click on the link at the top of every page.

Critical Upgrades  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html

Electrical Systems 101   http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.0.html

Mainsheet magazine Access 101  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10797.msg84337.html#msg84337

Posting and RESIZING Photos 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3701.0.html
and in late 2024:  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,12071.0.html

iPhone Photo Flipping 101  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11199.0.html


Stereo Systems 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5807.0.html  and http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/stereo-suggestions.158541/&highlight=stereo

Alternator Belt Tensioning Tool  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3667.0.html

Ammeters & Shunts 101   http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6032.0.html

Bed-It Butyl Tape 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8046.0.html

Solar 101 (by Maine Sail)  http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel

Solar 101.1  https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/  another very good resource

Docking 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html  [includes a link in Reply #1 to a very good single handed topic]

Single Handing 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

Single Handing 101.1  Midship Cleats Pictures  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4921.0.html

Single Handing 101.2 HOPPING OFF THE BOAT IS UNNECESSARY 
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.msg33766.html#msg33766

Single Handing 101.3 Mainsail Cam Cleat photo (thx to Noah)  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11147.msg88506.html#msg88506

Below Decks Autopilot on Mark II
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10729.0.html

Bleeding 101    http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6377.0.html

Fuel Polishing 101 (thanks again to Maine Sail)  http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775264&highlight=vacuum%20gauge


Fuel Starvation and The Obscure Check Ball Valve
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10681.0.html
and
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/fuel-starvation-and-the-obscure-ball-check-valve.1249925776/?highlight=Fuel%20Starvation

Transmission Fluid 101   http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6417.0.html

Fuel Log 101

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571

Head Replacement 101 - Installation of PHII Head  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.0.html

Peggie Hall's Top Ten Hits

Head Odors 101   http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.0.html

Head Odors 101.1 - "T" into sink drain:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.msg38216.html#msg38216

Head Leaks and Vented Loops 101.1.a  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.0.html

Head Odors 101.2  The Difference between KO & Odorlos  (scroll up to Reply #2)  http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=890493&highlight=odorlos

Head Odors 101.3  Flix of New Vent  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8185.msg57288.html#msg57288

Head Hoses 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5738.0.html

Head Pumps 101  Why just pouring water into the bowl is NOT a good idea http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.msg40604.html#msg40604

Fresh Water System Recommissioning 101 - Peggie Hall's "Cocktail" Rotten Egg Odor http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5836.0.html

PHII Installation with Photos  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.msg45617.html#msg45617

Second Holding Tank Vent
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6861.15.html

Fuel Filtration 101 (with both primary Racor and secondary engine filter identification) 
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.0.html and http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6475.0.html

Fuel Pumps 101 including Flix of Napa Fuel Pumps  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2515.0.html and this 2018 update:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9874.0.html

Fuel Log 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571

Anchoring 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.0.html

Anchor Selection 101  includes good discussions of various system selections and pictures of new generation anchors on bowsprits both short and extended http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4457.0.html

Why NEW GEN Anchors are Better:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) & Swivels http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

Steve's Anchoring 101

The Rocna.  All 20kg of it with 100ft of chain.  The rest of the world can debate all they like.   When I pull into a place like Bodega Bay at midnight and the fog is so thick I can't see the jetty 50 feet away to make an entrance, I drop my hook in the rolling ocean swells with the surf crashing (Foster says it's like staying in a cheap Best Western beside the highway), and I sleep.  And in the morning I have a windlass to pull the beast up and I wouldn't trade it for anything.   (I also wouldn't add more chain - this works perfectly in 25 to 30 feet of water - you let all the chain out and you tie off nylon at the preferred scope and don't bother with separate snubbers and chain hooks and all that stuff...) 

This was our best upgrade.


Anchor Retrieval 101 Singlehanded (with link to picture of "winchlass" in Reply #4)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5064.0.html

Engine Overheating 101 - How to Burp Your Engine (Reply #6)  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4518.msg26462.html#msg26462

Oberdorfer Pump Rebuild 101 - http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6766.0.html [Link added to main page of C34 Tech wiki]

Repacking a Stuffing Box 101 - by Maine Sail:  http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775788&highlight=stuffing%20box  There are also lots of articles in the C34 Tech wiki.  http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box

Breather Hose 101 (w/ K&N Filter Pictures from Rick Allen)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8875.msg63915.html#msg63915

and Noah's:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8858.msg64297.html#msg64297

and Kloeber's PDF and wiki link:  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8136.0.html


Winterizing an Engine on the Hard (Thanks to Maine Sail) - NEVER connect a hose to your raw water pump inlet - NEVER!!!

https://youtu.be/PKky09u1fGU

Heat Exchangers 101:  Sources for replacement  Good Guys at Sendure

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6920.0.html


Beckson Portlights 101 ("removal tool" with pictures and guides for sealants)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3241.0.html

and great installation tips

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9437.0.html

Engine Manuals Online 101

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7259.0.html

Why External Strainers are a Bad Idea 101 (Maine Sail) 
https://marinehowto.com/external-strainers-omg/

Boat Surveying 101

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

Electric Fuel Pumps 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=2515.0

Universal M-25 & M25XP Alternator Bracket Upgrade & Alignment 101 IMPORTANT

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7917.0.html

and
Careful Engine Inspection & M25 Alternator Pivot Bolts  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5127.0.html


Alternator Bracket Adjusting Arm Failure (w/pictures) - Check Engine When Running

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7398.0.html

Fridges 101 (Adler Barbour Repairs & Troubleshooting from Richard Kollmann)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6956.0.html

Fridge Follies 101 - to prove that Richard is right and that 99% of fridge issues are electrical & includes electronic module resource

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3044.0.html

Thermostats 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3212.0.html

Engines 101 - The BIGGEST & BEST collection of M25 Series Universal Engine Information on the Internet, plus some M35, too  :)  This includes a link to the Critical Upgrades topic which has more engine information please read it too.

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_Engine

Depco Pump Contacts  http://www.depcopump.com/contactus.php

Additional Pump Resource (Thanks to Alex "waghoo")
www.pumpsandpartsonline.com

Hitachi Alternators 101  http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=166123  This comes up so often on other boating forums...

Leaking FIXED Portlights 101 - good links from this forum

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6511.0.html

Rebedding a Keel Stub 101  The Catalina Smile with Pictures

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6842.0.html

Lift Supports 101 (gas struts)  http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/

Swim Platforms 101  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7415.0.html

Refrigeration 101 - link to Richard Kollmann's website

http://www.kollmannmarine.com/

Spares for a Long Cruise 101 - Thanks to Steve Dolling

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4590.0.html

Ocean Sailing a C34 101

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4533.0.html

Countertop Replacement - faux finishes - see the link in Reply #3

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=173579

Dodgers & Canvas 101  thanks to Maine Sail

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8640.msg61526.html#msg61526

Dodger Height 101 with Pictures and Links

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7161.0.html

Winterizing 101

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/winterizing.175307/#post-1247108

Radar AIS and Fog 101

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/are-you-afraid-of-the-fog.157371/

Remote Oil Filter 101 - Details from Maine Sail

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/engines/230865-remote-oil-filter-kubota-diesel.html#post3224841

Water Heater Hose Replacement 101 - Under the galley sole

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3769.msg21253.html#msg21253

Chainplate Rebedding 101 - with Bed It with Butyl from Maine Sail

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.msg49430.html#msg49430

Cruising 101 - Dan Harrington's weal sea does the Erie C anal and the Bahamas

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~harringd/gallery/WealSeaMenu.html

Exhaust Hose Replacement 101 with Pictures:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6760.0.html

Mufflers 101 - What's in Your Muffler?

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6728.0.html

Muffler & Exhaust Riser Replacement 101 (2015 Tech Note with Tips & Tricks)
https://c34.org/muffler-exhaust-riser-replacement-2015/

Westerbeke Nipple Source  https://www.westerbeke.com/Product/NIPPLE/299693

Engine Air Filter Replacement Sponge  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7370.msg50214.html#msg50214

Engine Coolant Pump Hose 101 - Toyota Part instead of Universal Pricing - the BLACK curvy one under the pump  1" to 7/8"
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7084.msg47677.html#msg47677

Engine Coolant Flow 101
Maybe this will help you understand the coolant flow:
https://groups.io/g/Catalina30/wiki/9626

Racor Fuel Filter Numbers

https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.msg5533.html#msg5533

Sailorchic34's New Dorm Fridge - inverter driven dorm fridge
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f115/sailorchic34s-new-fridge-180007.html

Jib Size Selection 101
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7704.0.html

Sliding Hatch Teak Removal 101  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7191.0.html

Mainsheet magazine  https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10797.0.html

Old Raymarine Autopilot Repair Source
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7129.msg48070.html#msg48070

CNG 101  ---  Switching to Propane and PNW Source for Reills
My friend Terry Cox has found a CNG refill source in Seattle:
SOURCE:
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/cng-filling-station.1249934842/?highlight=CNG
Switching to Propane:
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/cng-to-propane.1249935543/?highlight=CNG

Rudder Packing Gland  https://www.c34.org/faq-pages/techdata-rudder-packing-gland.html

Stu's Trip  I've posted our log here:

http://aquavite224.blogspot.ca/2016/09/san-francsico-bay-to-british-columbia.html

[Stu Jackson]

March 2022   

NEW from Maine Sail
LifePO4 Batteries

Hi All,

As many of you know I suffered a major stroke back in September which Has left me paralyzed on the left side of my body. It has also left me with some vision issues. The good news is I'm back to writing articles for Marine how To.com Using Dragon speech to text... . I just published an article that I started the outline of back in August, before the stroke.The article is sort of a 101 level course on lithium iron phosphate batteries for boats.I know there has been a lot of interest in the forum recently about lithium iron phosphate batteries, so this may help.

https://marinehowto.com/drop-in-lifepo4-be-an-educated-consumer/