Messages

I'm also a fan of Epifanes Gloss, used it on my cabin sole about 4 years ago, (breaking all the rules, a single coat after carefully scraping the old finish as I found sanding to be slow and messy). I took the floor panels out, and did the scrape and refinish on my cradle while on the hard. The boat provided adequate shade from direct sun, and a light breeze expedited drying, re-installed late in the day. Happily, the finish has stood up very well.
Cheers,
Barry

S/V Endorfin , 1986 C-34, Tall Rig Fin Keel, Hull No. 98 

Hi Noah, I have pictures on my home computer, but am currently away, so I'll try to dig up some pics and post them on my return. As Ken points out, you have to be aware of "balancing" the line occasionally, which is simple and takes no time... the key in mitigating this is simply make sure you have a few extra feet of mainsheet in the "loop". We race fairly competitively with this set-up, and typically double hand, and occasionally with a crew of 3, with no problems. On day-sails with "non-sailor" guests, it allows the admiral to entertain without the need to be focused on sail trim duties.
Cheers,

Barry

Hi Noah, the "double-ended mainsheet" is set up with a single, continuous line, running from the starboard secondary winch, forward through blocks on the inside track, up and over the cabin (through an over-the-top Schaffer block), to the base of our mast (at deck level), then through our blocks on the boom, and returning in a "mirror image" path down the port side, terminating at the secondary port side winch. This enables me to trim the mainsheet on either tack, while sitting on the coming. My self-tailing secondaries are Anderson 28's mounted approximately 18-20 inches behind the primaries. I can easily let out, or haul in the main as changing conditions dictate, with one hand on the helm. Hope this clarifies,
Cheers,
Barry

After a couple of years with our 'new to us' 1986 C-34 Tall Rig Fin keel, the issue of being able to respond quickly to sudden wind gusts as a typical condition in sailing in the Halifax harbour, I decided that being able to let the mainsheet out from the helm, was an upgrade worth the investment of secondary winches (Anderson 28's) on the comings, and a "double-ended" mainsheet system. The modification has proven itself a worthy upgrade on numerous occasions. As we typically sail with full main and our 105% or 150% Jib, depending on TWS, it is much appreciated by all on board that the helmsman can keep Endorfin nicely planted as conditions change, without drama and intervention by those who as 'guests' are not sure what letting the mainsheet out, means. Single handing is a breeze. 

Cheers,
Barry White
S/V Endorfin
1986  C-34 TM, Fin Keel

Nice pic Stu... it looks like you have "overlap", ....how did you make out at the finish??
Cheers,
Barry
Endorfin, 1986 C-34TM hull 98
Eastern Passage, N.S.

To Claygr,
Thanks for the confirmation regarding stock diameter. The company doing the install has the setup for drilling etc., but my concern was related to the possible discrepancy in O.D. I now know that it will not be an issue,
Thank You,

Barry 

My apologies for posting this as a new topic, but as the Company performing the replacement of our rudder has already ordered the new rudder from Catalina, I want to ensure they have as much lead time as possible familiarizing themselves with potential obstacles. As the saying goes, "the Devil is in the details". I note that the new Catalina supplied rudder stock has an O.D. of 2.860"; my measurement of the original rudder stock on Endorfin (1986, C-34 Fin Keel Tall Mast), is 2.75" O.D., (tape measure, not by calipher). I have not seen a reference to difficulties encountered with this discrepancy in the stock OD. The tube that the stock must slide through is fiberglass, so is there sufficient "play" in the tube to accommodate this difference? Or are installers simply reaming out the tube to fit? I'd like to anticipate and deal with the problem in advance if need be. Any observations from those who have gone through the process? Please let me know.

Cheers,

Barry White
S/V Endorfin

As the saying goes, "the Devil is in the details". I note that the new Catalina supplied rudder stock has an O.D. of 2.860"; my measurement of the original rudder stock on Endorfin (1986, C-34 Fin Keel Tall Mast), is 2.75" O.D., (tape measure, not by calipher). I have not seen a reference to difficulties encountered with this discrepancy in the stock OD. The tube that the stock must slide through is fiberglass, so is there sufficient "play" in the tube to accommodate this difference? Or are installers simply reaming out the tube to fit? I'd like to anticipate and deal with the problem in advance if need be. Any observations from those who have gone through the process? Please let me know.

Cheers,

Barry White
S/V Endorfin

As always, I appreciate the observations, suggestions, and insights, especially the solution specific responses that were provided by many contributers.
Still waiting to hear from insurance regarding replacement.

Cheers,

Barry

Returning from a multi-week cruise on the Bras D'Or Lakes in Nova Scotia, we struck unmarked rocks entering a cove, at 5 knots, stopping the boat dead in our tracks. I was able to power off the rocks, but sustained some minor keel damage, and a bent rudder stock. the rudder is badly chewed up on the leading edge, and was jammed into the skeg making steering difficult crossing the "center" position. I am pursuing a replacement rudder, and wondered if anyone on the forum has had recent experience with issues of fit, etc, of a new replacement on an older mark I boat. Also whether the new eliptical shape can be fashioned by Catalina too fit the 1986, fin keel model. Feedback re member's experiences as always is much appreciated, although I will obviously have to speak with Catalina Yachts for current price information.

Cheers,

Barry White
S/V Endorfin

We have a 10'-9" (overall length) Inflatable with high pressure air floor which we carry inverted on the foredeck, transom tight to mast. In this position there is room to walk around port or starboard, and to easily access the anchor locker. I have a three point harness that I made from 1" webbing, that allows me to singlehandedly launch and retrieve over the side. We use a 2.5 hp outboard (weighs 27 lbs), which is easy to handle, and is adequate for tender service. Inflatable weighs just under 100 lbs. The low power for low weight is a tradeoff that works fine for us.

Cheers,
Barry   

Hi to all, if you have some wood working skills (or a friend who does), a 3/4 " thick half sheet of birch plywood, with the right stain and satin urethane final finish, you can achieve a  nice result. We found that access to the seating was a problem with the stock table, so by creating a shape that rounded the pointy corners retains a good size, while eliminating the awkward access. Not usable as a sleep accommodation but that's what the cabins are for.
Cheers,

Barry

Thanks Stu, but as I am a Mac user I just went through a different exercise in "exporting photos" so problem solved, and attached are two photos I took of my just added (in September) rigid vang, which shows mainsheet routing (somewhat). Hope this helps.
Cheers,

Barry

Hi to all, I have scanned my sketches of the double-ended mainsheet on Endorfin, but am having some problems uploading, because of file size of photos. We added 2 Anderson ST 28's to the comings, approx. 22" aft of the Primaries. I'll try to attach my configuration sketches to hopefully make it clear how we did it (photo size is 2MB each, so can't attach). (BTW, the system works beautifully).
Cheers,

Barry

Glad to oblige; I'll see what I have and will prepare a sketch if necessary for clarity. (all to follow).
Cheers,

Barry