Bucket List

[Kent & Jane Overbeck]

We bought "Carina" a 2001 MKII, with the intention of completing the "Great Loop" of the Eastern U.S.  After joining the C-34 Assoc. I was kind of overwhelmed as to all of the things I needed to check on the boat.  However I started on the "bucket list" one at a time.  I can't thank this forum enough for its advice.  So far, I have changed out the raw water pump to the Oberdorfer to easily be able change the impeller.  I know this seems to be an issue with some but I have run 200 miles in 88-degree water and the temp stays around 165 degrees @ 1800 RPM.  When I gave it full throttle @3200 the temp went to 180 degrees and no more, so I am happy with the new pump.  I've installed an access panel to the starboard side of the engine compartment and then changed all the filters, checked the heat exchanger and put in a new anode and changed the Transmission fluid (thanks for the turkey baster tip).  The fan belt was shedding rubber and I discovered the pivot bolt didn't have a long enough shoulder and the alternator was riding on the threaded part, which is a smaller diameter. This allowed it to "cock over" to one side making it out of alignment.  I bought a 5" bolt with a long shoulder, cut it off, threaded the end and that solved the problem.  The anchor winch calls for 5/16" G4 chain and 5/8" braided line.  I had 80' of 1/4" chain and 5/8 three strand that was specifically not recommended and totally unusable.  I replaced that with 50' of 5/16" and 250' of 5/8 braided line. 
Instead of adding a 12-volt access in the cockpit, I bought a LED Spotlight that works for 51/2 hours on four C cell batteries.  It's the Streamlight Waypoint that was recommended in Practical Sailor.  It's an awesome little light!  I also decided to just keep a small battery available to run my backup chartplotter.
As we will have two dogs with us, Jane wanted me to make slipcovers for all the cushions so I have been busy with my little Sailrite machine.  I only have two seat cushions left to do.
My next project is to clean out the fuel tank but that will deserves a post of it's own.
I have had very disappointing problems with AB Marine and Auto Prop, but this also deserves a post of it's own. 
Both issues will follow soon.


Thanks to all for your responses,

Kent

[efhughes3]

Sounds like you've enjoyed it all.

Nice detective work on the alt bolt!