For those of us in the colder climates, launch day is a mere 10 or so weeks away! :clap
What plans do you have for your C34 this season? Sailing destinations? Projects - both the enjoyable ones and the ones that you are dreading?
My sailing plans:
-Last season, my first with this C34, I took out 80+ of my family/friends/friends of friends for local lake ontario day sailing. This season, I would like to match that.
-In addition to the day sailling, I plan to do a couple of short weekend overnights nearby, plus a long 180 nm sail to the thousand islands area.
Projects/Maintenance:
-The usual spring commissioning
-Buff, polish and wax the hull
-Clean the mast and maybe wax it
-Fix a couple of port light leaks (probably new gaskets)
-Replace all running rigging
-Replace life lines
-Replace sanitation hoses
-Replace freshwater hoses
-Install new chartplotter and integrate with the EV-100 autopilot that I installed last season (already bought the Raymarine Axiom 9+, just waiting for a warm day to install)
-Install new AIS transceiver (already bought the em-trak B954)
-Install new wind indicator and wind transducer on mast, plus i70s MFD and DST800 triducer (depth/speed/temp)
-Label all electrical wires
I'm dreading replacing the sanitation hoses. I'm most looking forward to installing the electronics, and oddly enough also looking forward to labelling all the wires. It's such a short sailing season here, so I'm going to try hard to finish 75% of the above list by launch day, and leave the remaining 25% plus any unplanned work throughout the season.
QuoteI'm dreading replacing the sanitation hoses.
I did Shamrock's a few years ago. Wasn't bad, finding and cutting all the cable ties were what I remember as time consuming.
Thinking of attending the GLCC rendezvous in Escanaba MI. That would be a couple of months on Shamrock. :D Of course that would include the North Channel :D A plug for the GLCC, Great Lakes Cruising Club, terrific information on Great Lakes harbors and anchorages. Their harbor reports take a lot of the mystery of pulling into an unfamiliar harbor, marina or anchorage. Also the GLCC school, webinars, are great, I recommend the weather series for anyone.
https://www.glcclub.com/.
Jim
Andy,
Whenever I do work on the sanitation system (toilet, holding tank, hoses) I always wear a respirator. Working in such close quarters the fumes can be quite overpowering to the point where I've actually gotten a headache, to say nothing of working with the horrible smell. Using a respirator you don't smell a thing.
QuoteWorking in such close quarters the fumes can be quite overpowering to the point where I've actually gotten a headache, to say nothing of working with the horrible smell.
A season before I changed the sanitation hoses I started using Noflex. Was impressed with how clean and lack of smell in the system. Of course the old, original hose was permeated and need changed. FWIW it's what Peggy Hull recommends.
https://www.amazon.com/BoatersMate-Noflex-Digestor-Treatment-Eliminator/dp/B07C7HRV4P
Jim
Quote from: scgunner on February 22, 2024, 06:25:33 AMWhenever I do work on the sanitation system (toilet, holding tank, hoses) I always wear a respirator. Working in such close quarters the fumes can be quite overpowering to the point where I've actually gotten a headache, to say nothing of working with the horrible smell. Using a respirator you don't smell a thing.
Thanks Kevin, that's a good idea. I was planning to use a KN95 + goggles (wouldnt want any backsplash in my eyes!), but I'll take your advice and buy a respirator to be more safe. Is Top Gun's holding tank original?
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on February 22, 2024, 05:31:10 AMQuoteI'm dreading replacing the sanitation hoses.
I did Shamrock's a few years ago. Wasn't bad, finding and cutting all the cable ties were what I remember as time consuming.
Thinking of attending the GLCC rendezvous in Escanaba MI. That would be a couple of months on Shamrock. :D Of course that would include the North Channel :D A plug for the GLCC, Great Lakes Cruising Club, terrific information on Great Lakes harbors and anchorages. Their harbor reports take a lot of the mystery of pulling into an unfamiliar harbor, marina or anchorage. Also the GLCC school, webinars, are great, I recommend the weather series for anyone.
https://www.glcclub.com/.
Good point about the cable ties, I'll need to hunt all those down. Regarding the toilet discharge hose that heads aft into the cabinetry (left of the toilet when looking from the front), and then up and finally swings right (fwd) towards the nav hanging locker: did you take out the old one first and then measure for the new one, or did you buy the new one first and then attach it to the old and pull it through in one step? also does shamrock's toilet discharge hose first go to a Y-valve in the hanging locker before heading fwd to the holding tank? my boat originally came from florida, and has been on lake ontario for the past 10 years or so, but still has a functioning Y-valve. The survey noted that this should be removed or disabled.
Thanks for the info about GLCC! I'll definitely check it out. I currently use Ports as my lake cruising guide, but always happy to obtain more info!
Will also look into NoFlex. This past season I used Odorlos - are they comparable products?
Biggest plan for me is to acclimate our new dog to Donnybrook. She's a mini-goldendoodle who should be 20-25 pounds when full grown. She'll be 9 months old at the start of sailing season.
I have no significant projects (knock on wood) other than a deep clean, decluttering and extra wax.
Quote from: AndyBC on February 22, 2024, 06:54:37 AMWill also look into NoFlex. This past season I used Odorlos - are they comparable products?
I had no problem when I switched from odorlos to noflex. Just did a good pump out and started using noflex.
Jim
When did Peggie Hall switch allegiance from Raritan K.O.to no flex? Haven't heard of noflex until now.
Regards,
Ed
QuoteWhen did Peggie Hall switch allegiance from Raritan K.O.to no flex? Haven't heard of noflex until now.
My statement saying Peggie Hall recommended noflex may be out of date, that was a few years ago. I remember something about noflex adding oxygen. Was thinking about adding the larger, below the rubrail vent, now using noflex and don't seem to need it. It works for me, but I was 95% happy with odorlos.
Jim
Andy,
The N95 is a particulate mask and won't do much to block the smell. You can find a good inexpensive respirator for around $35 at Home Depot or most building supply stores. While you're there it's a good idea to pick up an extra pack of filters.
Regarding Top Gun's holding tank, no it's not the original. Several years ago it developed a big crack in the side you can imagine how that went or maybe you won't want to. Catalina supplied me with a new exact replacement from Ronco. For that project the respirator was worth it's weight in gold.
FYI, I'm on my 2nd or 3rd head pump (that doesn't count rebuilds) and 3rd or 4th macerator pump as well as various hose replacements so my respirator has come in handy.
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on February 22, 2024, 05:31:10 AMThinking of attending the GLCC rendezvous in Escanaba MI. That would be a couple of months on Shamrock. :D Of course that would include the North Channel :D
Jim that's an amazing trip! Is 2 months the longest you've been on Shamrock? How many in your crew? I've heard many good things about the beautiful north channel. I would need a solid amount of time off to sail there from the toronto area, but what an adventure it would be!
Quote from: Kyle Ewing on February 22, 2024, 07:06:04 AMBiggest plan for me is to acclimate our new dog to Donnybrook. She's a mini-goldendoodle who should be 20-25 pounds when full grown. She'll be 9 months old at the start of sailing season.
I have no significant projects (knock on wood) other than a deep clean, decluttering and extra wax.
Awesome - is the dog able to go up and down the companionway steps?
Do you have no significant projects because you've owned your C34 for awhile now and completed the major things already? Now just in maintenance mode?
Quote from: scgunner on February 23, 2024, 07:18:03 AMAndy,
The N95 is a particulate mask and won't do much to block the smell. You can find a good inexpensive respirator for around $35 at Home Depot or most building supply stores. While you're there it's a good idea to pick up an extra pack of filters.
Regarding Top Gun's holding tank, no it's not the original. Several years ago it developed a big crack in the side you can imagine how that went or maybe you won't want to. Catalina supplied me with a new exact replacement from Ronco. For that project the respirator was worth it's weight in gold.
FYI, I'm on my 2nd or 3rd head pump (that doesn't count rebuilds) and 3rd or 4th macerator pump as well as various hose replacements so my respirator has come in handy.
Thanks, I will pick up the respirator and filter packs on my next trip to home depot for sure.
Ouch the holding tank fix must have been quite the project! Was it due to a particular incident, or just old age? Mine hasn't leaked yet, not sure if there's anything to do to delay this from happening.
I changed out the macerator pump on my previous C34, as well as rebuilt the head pump. The current C34 has a bellows pump, which apparently is better than the impeller style pumps. I also have electric flush on my head, which is more convenient than the manual pump but I dont have a backup plan if it stops working one day while out cruising.
@Andy, she's never been on the boat. I'm guessing up the stairs will be easy and going down tricky...
I did a lot of projects during Covid and, after 20 years, have Donnybrook more or less where I want her. There always more I could do, but don't make sense right now.
Shipping from UK to Caribbean this November and then cruise the islands for a few years. 😄
Quotethat's an amazing trip! Is 2 months the longest you've been on Shamrock? How many in your crew? I've heard many good things about the beautiful north channel. I would need a solid amount of time off to sail there from the toronto area
I've spent a little over 2 months on Shamrock, enjoyed every day. I mostly single hand and like my sleep, so it takes me longer to get places. The North Channel is great for me, gorgeous scenery, lots of anchorages, very clear and clean water. Looks much like the coast of Maine without tides, lobster pots and much less tourist. Downside for some is its basically remote, bars and restaurants are few and far between, make your own drinks and meals. You should look into the Trent Severn, one season in the North Channel I met a couple on a C32 they took the Trent Severn and enjoyed it.
Jim
Andy,
The tank developed a vertical fracture top to bottom on the end facing the head. I don't know the cause and of course it was the smell that gave it away. It was dribbling into the compartment and working it's way into the bilge. The swap was not as difficult as you might think the biggest thing was breaking out the plywood support and glassing in a new one. While not a particularly difficult project it's one I wouldn't wish on anyone.
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on February 24, 2024, 05:33:01 AMI've spent a little over 2 months on Shamrock, enjoyed every day. I mostly single hand and like my sleep, so it takes me longer to get places. The North Channel is great for me, gorgeous scenery, lots of anchorages, very clear and clean water. Looks much like the coast of Maine without tides, lobster pots and much less tourist. Downside for some is its basically remote, bars and restaurants are few and far between, make your own drinks and meals. You should look into the Trent Severn, one season in the North Channel I met a couple on a C32 they took the Trent Severn and enjoyed it.
Jim
Excellent! It sounds a little like the pacific northwest, where I sailed for a few years. The most I've been away so far is just 1 week (with a crew of 5 others), so nowhere near as big or serene a trip as your 2-month solo. I will research the Trent Severn, and add it to the list, thanks for sharing!
Quote from: KeelsonGraham on February 23, 2024, 10:37:03 PMShipping from UK to Caribbean this November and then cruise the islands for a few years. 😄
Wow this sounds like an amazing adventure! You must have been planning and preparing this for a long time. Will you be documenting the trip via a youtube channel? I definitely would follow along, and no doubt many others too
QuoteWow this sounds like an amazing adventure! You must have been planning and preparing this for a long time. Will you be documenting the trip via a youtube channel? I definitely would follow along, and no doubt many others too
The original plan, about 2 years ago, was to sail across, but we canned that idea after doing some offshore sailing. The latest plan is pretty new but we're retiring and its time get on with it.
I don't think the world needs another sailing Vlog!
Last year I sailed from northern Italy via Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania to Greece. I was on the way for about 10 months. In January and February I was back in Germany and the boat was in the south of the Peleppones safe in a port with international community of cruisers in wintering. In 2 weeks we're going back to the boat. I still have a few things to do on it and will eventually take it off. Actually, our plan is to have no plan. One idea was to go via Israel and Egypt through the Suez Canal and further east towards Asia. But maybe it's at the moment not the best idea to sail along Oman and Yemen. So I think we'll hang around and cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean for another year or two between North Africa, Greece, Turkey and Italy. We will see ...
We did the Trent Severn in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Ontario. Compared to the NY canals that we traversed next, well there was no comparison. The Canadians might be pressure washing the lock walls while in NY the growth is thick and toxic. My terry cloth covers rotted off. The TS was also mostly manned by eager college kids who did a fab job. We hope to head east and south again and may go this year but still undecided.
If we stay north 6-7 weeks in the North channel is a good substitute,
Though perhaps not as glamorous as shipping my boat to a far away spot, I am excited to take Belafonte to the Canadian Gulf Islands for the first time this summer. We are from Seattle and have been there before when chartering a C34, but never on our own boat. Additionally, we are hoping to string two weeks together this summer which has historically been tricky. Finger's crossed it works!
Alex—Excellent! l'd love to cruise that area. Been there before, but it wasn't on my boat. Saltspring, Pender, Galleano...all beautiful islands! Perhaps Stu wants to do a boat swap with me in San Diego?
Quote from: Holger Dieske on March 01, 2024, 06:16:53 AMLast year I sailed from northern Italy via Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania to Greece. I was on the way for about 10 months. In January and February I was back in Germany and the boat was in the south of the Peleppones safe in a port with international community of cruisers in wintering. In 2 weeks we're going back to the boat. I still have a few things to do on it and will eventually take it off. Actually, our plan is to have no plan. One idea was to go via Israel and Egypt through the Suez Canal and further east towards Asia. But maybe it's at the moment not the best idea to sail along Oman and Yemen. So I think we'll hang around and cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean for another year or two between North Africa, Greece, Turkey and Italy. We will see ...
Those 10 months last year must have been amazing! Sounds like you have some great ideas this season. Wish I could sail my C34 to such exotic locations as you! I would have to fly over there and charter a sailboat to experience all that.
Quote from: dfloeter on March 01, 2024, 02:36:25 PMWe did the Trent Severn in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Ontario. Compared to the NY canals that we traversed next, well there was no comparison. The Canadians might be pressure washing the lock walls while in NY the growth is thick and toxic. My terry cloth covers rotted off. The TS was also mostly manned by eager college kids who did a fab job. We hope to head east and south again and may go this year but still undecided.
If we stay north 6-7 weeks in the North channel is a good substitute,
6-7 weeks in the north channel sounds like a fantastic backup plan! I now have the trent severn on my to-sail list, will have to do more research to prep. Have you sailed the thousand islands area?
Quote from: waughoo on March 01, 2024, 03:47:40 PMThough perhaps not as glamorous as shipping my boat to a far away spot, I am excited to take Belafonte to the Canadian Gulf Islands for the first time this summer. We are from Seattle and have been there before when chartering a C34, but never on our own boat. Additionally, we are hoping to string two weeks together this summer which has historically been tricky. Finger's crossed it works!
2 weeks in the gulf islands will be a fantastic time! I love salt spring island and galiano (montague harbour). Heard Pender is nice too, but have never personally visited.
Noah and AndyBC,
Thanks! I am pretty excited. When I went the last time so many years ago, our two favorite spots were Poet's Cove and Wallace Island. Wallace made a specific impression on me as it was the first place I got to stern tie since doing it with my folks on their sailboat when I was 6 years old in Barkley Sound on the outside of Vancouver Island. It was a memory that got stuck so hard that I ended up being a life long boater!
Quote from: AndyBC on March 02, 2024, 10:08:03 AMQuote from: dfloeter on March 01, 2024, 02:36:25 PMWe did the Trent Severn in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Ontario. Compared to the NY canals that we traversed next, well there was no comparison. The Canadians might be pressure washing the lock walls while in NY the growth is thick and toxic. My terry cloth covers rotted off. The TS was also mostly manned by eager college kids who did a fab job. We hope to head east and south again and may go this year but still undecided.
If we stay north 6-7 weeks in the North channel is a good substitute,
6-7 weeks in the north channel sounds like a fantastic backup plan! I now have the trent severn on my to-sail list, will have to do more research to prep. Have you sailed the thousand islands area?
Sadly our only experience on Lake Ontario was a quiet, mast horizontal, 40 mile trip over to Oswego, NY. Canadian friends rave about the islands but it's unlikely we will get there.
We took a full month off last summer for the first time as I'm nearing retirement and had one of our best cruises, Boston Harbor area all the way to Brooklyn, up the Hudson to West Point area and back. This summer with a month off again, looking to head down east Maine possibly to the Canadian border. Added a second 110 W solar panel to the bimini, in the process of replacing the engine mounts to the Vetus K75s to hopefully reduce the noise level motoring, replaced the whole propane set up and sanded and varnished the cabin sole. Hoping for the best summer yet!
Quote from: Analgesic on March 03, 2024, 07:44:58 AMWe took a full month off last summer for the first time as I'm nearing retirement and had one of our best cruises, Boston Harbor area all the way to Brooklyn, up the Hudson to West Point area and back. This summer with a month off again, looking to head down east Maine possibly to the Canadian border. Added a second 110 W solar panel to the bimini, in the process of replacing the engine mounts to the Vetus K75s to hopefully reduce the noise level motoring, replaced the whole propane set up and sanded and varnished the cabin sole. Hoping for the best summer yet!
Sounds like a nice summer adventure planned! I would personally be thrilled with 2 weeks straight sailing this summer - 1 month would be a dream for me but hopefully in the not-too-distant future!
All the best with the boat projects too! Solar panel and sand/varnish cabin sole is also on my to-do list plus sand/varnish the wood on both sides of the companionway. My engine mounts are thankfully fine for now. I do want to reduce the engine noise though. Last summer I installed sound dampening mats around the engine bay and also installed hump hoses, both of which has helped with reduced sound and vibration. This summer going to install mats under head sink and perhaps other areas too.
Quote from: Analgesic on March 03, 2024, 07:44:58 AMWe took a full month off last summer for the first time as I'm nearing retirement and had one of our best cruises, Boston Harbor area all the way to Brooklyn, up the Hudson to West Point area and back. This summer with a month off again, looking to head down east Maine possibly to the Canadian border. Added a second 110 W solar panel to the bimini, in the process of replacing the engine mounts to the Vetus K75s to hopefully reduce the noise level motoring, replaced the whole propane set up and sanded and varnished the cabin sole. Hoping for the best summer yet!
You will have done much of the "Downeast Loop", Something I've been thinking of doing.
Jim
Quote from: Analgesic on March 03, 2024, 07:44:58 AMWe took a full month off last summer for the first time as I'm nearing retirement and had one of our best cruises, Boston Harbor area all the way to Brooklyn, up the Hudson to West Point area and back. This summer with a month off again, looking to head down east Maine possibly to the Canadian border. Added a second 110 W solar panel to the bimini, in the process of replacing the engine mounts to the Vetus K75s to hopefully reduce the noise level motoring, replaced the whole propane set up and sanded and varnished the cabin sole. Hoping for the best summer yet!
I suggest another stop in Brooklin.... Brooklin, Maine, HQ for Wooden Boat magazine. 😎