Messages

Excellent info and advice as always, Ron.  Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, I like your LED advice.

The back-light for my engine temperature gauge, located in the cockpit recently stopped working.  I pulled out the control panel this weekend, and found that the bulb was actually fine, however the small gray bracket that the bulb sits in (and is twisted into the back of the panel) had broken.  No attempt at rigging it back into place would work, and I've scoured the internet looking for any reference to such a part without any success.

Does anyone have any tips on where I could find one?  It is gray with a round top and rectangluar base.

Thanks -  (I have tried to attach a photo - hopefully successfully)

Jeff

Scooter:

We've been sailing a 1987 C34 (MK I) around Eastern NC for several years and are very pleased with our shallow-water access.  The boat's compliment of goodies & gear may have some impact on draft from boat to boat, but in calibrating our new depth sounder this year I found that we draw 4'3".  We've only found terra firma once in the many anchorages we've explored (due to a 180^o wind-shift and some misjudgment on the captain's fault).  We're based not far from you on the Neuse, and have enjoyed many anchorages from Beaufort to the Albemarle without ever feeling like we needed less draft.

Happy hunting -

Jeff

I just painted my 87 wing keel last month, and for one coat, you'll be glad you have the extra quart.  With two gallons, I was able to put 2 complete coats on.

Jeff

Bob - that's a beautiful bilge....  Where can I buy one of those???

Mark -

In order to get a CNG tank filled, it must have a current Hydrostatic test date, stamped on the top, near the neck of the cylinder.  The stamp will have a month, test station id, and year  (ex:  6 X 99) would be from June, 1999.  The hydro test is only valid for 5 years.  So, check the top of your tank (you may have multiple stamps), and see if you can find one from 2005 or later.  If not, among other places, the easiest place to get a hydro test done may be your local scuba diving shop.  You should find that they charge around $25 or $30.  Years ago, I also took a tank to a local fire department, who sent it to their source and did not charge me.

Sorry - I can't help you with a source for tanks.  As for sources of CNG, I contacted my local public utilities vehicle service center, where they have a CNG filling station for their vehicles.  They only charge me $15 to fill the tank.

Hope this helps -

Jeff

I had some inexperienced crew helping me paint my hull today, and when I looked up, noticed they had painted over my transducer.  The paint was standard ablative paint.  I tried to remove as much as possible using water & towels, but there is clearly a fair amount left on the unit.  Is all lost?  Any recommendations on how to remove the paint?  I have read somewhere that you should not use any solvents on the face of the transducer.

Any help is appreciated.

Jeff

.... Begging the question:  What were you doing on the 24th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 1st & 3rd that was so important???

My C34 also has the original continuous line system, and it works well.  Regarding the reefing issue, a point I will add is that you must completely unfurl the sail before reducing sail & cleating off the furling line.

Jeff

Hey Kev -  Welcome to the community!  I don't have any additional advice on your immediate question, but we have our '87 C34 just down the river from you, across from Oriental.  If you would ever like to compare notes & boats, please give me a shout.  You'll find my e-mail address in the members section.

Jeff

I went with a foam mattress for our v-berth 3 years ago, and have been very pleased with it.  The mattress is 7" thick and I lay it on top of the existing cushions to provide some barrier underneath.  My v-berth is not "dry" but with the mildew-resistant material, and anti-mildew spray that my wife applies periodically, we have not had any mildew or odor issues.  We also use No-Damp jars which probably provide some help.

I went with Marinecraft Mattress Co., and found their service, price & delivery very good.  They also walked me through the custom-measuring process.  

It cuts down on the headroom in the v-berth (or specifically footroom, as we have a shelf in the forepeak that our feet used to fit under), but we've found it a very comfortable tradeoff.  We now sleep perpendicular & comfortable.

Oh - and I am measuring speed with my GPS. 

Jeff

A little more information:

I'm unable to give an rpm reading, as the diode on my alternator went out last fall and I haven't replaced it yet.  I assume that the prop is original - it is a 2 blade, and if my memory serves, measures 7" from tip to tip.  The bottom is in good shape - very minor growth.  No smoking to speak of (I do enjoy a sundowner though).

Thanks -

Jeff

I know this question will beg a dozen different questions - but I would like to get a quick calibration:

I have the original M-25 (1987 model year) on board, and my top speed (open throttle) while motoring in perfectly calm conditions is about 3.8 knots.  With any type of current on the nose, that drops precipitously.  I also find myself smiling & waving to every like-sized boat as they overtake me while motoring.  Under sail, I don't find the same problem.  I have a wing-keel, and no equipment that adds significant weight.

Does this sound slow?  I'm considering having the compression tested on the engine to see if that is an issue.  Also - might this be more of a prop issue?

Thanks - I appreciate any input.

Jeff

Mark:

I live in Raleigh, and went through a similar search to yours a few years back.  I was told there was not a single source for CNG between Newport News & Charleston.  I began the research to convert my system, and mentioned the issue to a non-sailing friend who told me to contact the local Natural Gas Utility office (PSNC in North Carolina).  Low & behold, they have a CNG pump at their downtown vehicle service station and are very friendly & accomodating.  I've filled up there for the last 3 years.

I've never seen this advertised anywhere, and it doesn't show up on any web search.  It makes me believe like-utilities in other locations may carry CNG.

Oh - and the price?  $15.  Only personal checks accepted.   

Jeff