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I wouldn't be supprised. The 2008 C-34 is probally now made in Florida. Therefore things maybe differrent.

Wayne,

I have an electric Raritan Sea Era (compact size) that I've had installed for about five years. Let me know what your questions are and I'll see what I can answer.

Thanks, Dave

For the last ten years I've been replacing my fuel filters with great success using the procedure outlined below. I've never had to bleed the system at either of the filters or the injectors.

[Ed. This has the nomenclature of primary and secondary backwards.  The Racor is the primary, the engine mounted filter is the secondary.  Stu, Dec. 2009]

1.   Close fuel shut off valve.   
2.   Slightly loosen Racor secondary filter.
3.   Using a 1 pound coffee can, insert / hold the coffee can over the filter and finish removing filter.
4.   Remove the filter from the boat and discard. (no draining required, etc.)
5.   Insert new Racor filter in coffee can and fill with clean fuel.
6.   Install new Racor filter (Full).
7.   Slightly loosen primary engine filter.
8.   Using a one gallon zip lock bag under / around the engine filter and remove.
9.   Remove the filter from the boat and discard.
10.   Install new engine filter (Empty – You don't want to introduce any contaminates at this filter).
11.   Open fuel shut off valve.
12.   Open fuel bleed valve.
13.   Turn on ignition / key.
14.   Wait for very fast fuel pump ticking to become fast.
15.   Close fuel bleed valve.
16.   Fuel Pump ticking should return to normal.
17.   Start engine and check for leaks.

Note:  The only thing we disagree about is item 10 - I have never been able to bleed the system on our M25 when replacing the engine (secondary) filter WITHOUT removing the bleed screw on the secondary filter housing.  Stu  April 2011

I recently cleaned and repainted my Heat Exchanger. In the process I went on a hunt for matching paint. I have a can of Universal Brown that I bought from the Universal Dealer, but I keep that for the perfect touch up. What I ended up using is Rust Oleum - Hgih Heat Ultra, color Aged Copper purchased from Home Depot. Not a perfect match, but worked fine for repainting something as large as the Heat Exchanger, etc. If you repainted the whole engine, no one would ever know it's not Universal $$$ Brown.

When I bought my early 1990 (no walk thru and 25XP engine) in 1998, the later 1990's with walk-thru and the larger engine were carrying a $10,000 premium. Since I started out looking at Catalina 30's, until my wife saw a Catalina 34, I had to draw the line somewhere. I would guess the difference in price would be less today and very well might be a good investment. I think for day to day sailing the transom makes no difference, but if you dingy tender a lot from your boat the ease of boarding from a swim step is a plus! Regarding the engine, I'm in Southern California (no big tides or currents) and the 25XP will push the boat at 6.5+ knots. I don't know that the larger engine would get you there any faster and it will burn more fuel. I would determine your budget, figure out what you can't live without and then buy the best boat possible with your budget.

Good Luck,

Dave

Thanks Stu!

Bill,

I'm having a hard time finding your classified add. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks,