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Our "very own" ARCHIVED FAQs and Projects pages - no longer updated, most have been posted to the tech wiki, but these are the very first efforts on our website, predating this Forum and its contents: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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html)
Electrical Systems 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.0.html (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3701.0.html)
iPhone Photo Flipping 101 https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11199.0.html
(https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11199.0.html)
Stereo Systems 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5807.0.html (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5807.0.html) and http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/stereo-suggestions.158541/&highlight=stereo (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3667.0.html)
Ammeters & Shunts 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6032.0.html (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8046.0.html)
Solar 101 (by Maine Sail) http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panel)
Solar 101.1 https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/ (https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/) another very good resource
Docking 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html (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 (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 (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 (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 (https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10729.0.html)
Bleeding 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6377.0.html (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
(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 (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6417.0.html)
Fuel Log 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571 (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 (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 (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 (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
(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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8185.msg57288.html#msg57288)
Head Hoses 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5738.0.html (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.0.html) and http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6475.0.html (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2515.0.html) and this 2018 update: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9874.0.html (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9874.0.html)
Fuel Log 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571)
Anchoring 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.0.html (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (https://youtu.be/PKky09u1fGU)
Heat Exchangers 101: Sources for replacement Good Guys at Sendure
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6920.0.html (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3241.0.html)
and great installation tips
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9437.0.html (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9437.0.html)
Engine Manuals Online 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7259.0.html (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/ (https://marinehowto.com/external-strainers-omg/)
Boat Surveying 101
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541 (http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541)
Electric Fuel Pumps 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=2515.0 (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
(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 (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3044.0.html)
Thermostats 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3212.0.html (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 (http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_Engine)
Depco Pump Contacts http://www.depcopump.com/contactus.php (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 (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6842.0.html)
Lift Supports 101 (gas struts) http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/ (http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/)
Swim Platforms 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7415.0.html (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7415.0.html)
Refrigeration 101 - link to Richard Kollmann's website
http://www.kollmannmarine.com/ (http://www.kollmannmarine.com/)
Spares for a Long Cruise 101 - Thanks to Steve Dolling
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4590.0.html (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 (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 (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 (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 (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7161.0.html)
Winterizing 101
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/winterizing.175307/#post-1247108 (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/ (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (https://www.westerbeke.com/Product/NIPPLE/299693)
Engine Air Filter Replacement Sponge http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7370.msg50214.html#msg50214 (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
Racor Fuel Filter Numbers
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.msg5533.html#msg5533 (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 (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 (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
Stu's Trip I've posted our log here:
http://aquavite224.blogspot.ca/2016/09/san-francsico-bay-to-british-columbia.html
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/